Quote of the week
Such traditions that are culturally embedded in the white, male, Afrikaans culture and history, which are the basis of the Nagligte traditions, do not foster inclusion of other groups that must now form the new majority of the SU student body. Wilgenhoffers do not seem to appreciate the negative impact of their culture and rituals on the personal rights of certain individuals. This is because they elevate belonging to the Wilgenhof group above the rights of the individual.
Press conference on sexual terror in Zimbabwe
Media Alert
You are invited to a press conference on the launch of a report by the advocacy organization AIDS-Free World on Thursday, 10 December, International Human Rights Day.
“Electing to Rape: Sexual Terror in Mugabe’s Zimbabwe”:
n is based on sworn affidavits from women raped by ruling party militias before, during and after Zimbabwe’s 2008 presidential elections;
n reveals a conclusive pattern of orchestrated sexual violence and torture;
n describes the targeting of women associated with the opposition party Movement for Democratic Change, and
n leaves no question that Robert Mugabe’s administration has committed crimes against humanity.
Four expert speakers will describe the report’s contents, including details and analysis of the testimony provided by survivors, and possible legal strategies for overcoming Zimbabwe’s culture of impunity.
Stephen Lewis, Co-Director, AIDS-Free World (and former UN Special Envoy for AIDS in Africa);
Beatrice Mtetwa, human rights lawyer and President of the Law Society of Zimbabwe;
Elinor Sisulu, award-winning author, political analyst and human rights activist;
Betsy Apple, Legal Director and General Counsel, AIDS-Free World.
Moderator: Shonali Shome, Legal and Gender Advisor, AIDS-Free World
Press Conference Details:
Date: Thursday, 10 December 2009
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Venue: The Gordon Institute of Business Science
Street address: 26 Melville Road, Illovo, Johannesburg
Media interviews can be arranged at the close of the press conference.
Please RSVP to FD South Africa by Tuesday, 8 December 2009.
Sandra Sampayo sandra.sampayo@fd.com 021 487 9000 / 079 167 6863
Dani Cohen dani.cohen@fd.com 021 487 9000 / 082 897 0443
