The National Assembly Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula, gave a passionate call to action during the 2024 Women Speakers’ Summit in Paris, urging parliamentary speakers around the world to advocate for genderaware budgeting. She stressed the importance of incorporating a gender lens into budgetary procedures to foster gender equality and break down gender stereotypes and sociopolitical barriers. South Africa’s progress in enhancing genderresponsive budgeting has shown positive results, and MapisaNqakula implored her peers to guide their respective parliaments towards the enactment of laws and regulations that protect women’s rights.
Paris to Host South Africa’s National Assembly Speaker at 2024 Women Speakers’ Summit
South Africa’s National Assembly Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula, will attend the 2024 Women Speakers’ Summit in Paris, organized by the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), on March 67. The summit will bring together women Speakers of national parliaments and women Presidents of regional and international parliamentary assemblies to discuss urgent matters concerning women’s rights including education, equality, health, and the fight against violence. The South African delegation is expected to contribute substantially to the discussions and provide valuable insights based on the South African experience.
South African rugby is making a shift towards gender equality, with a recent twoday workshop focused on promoting greater involvement of women in the sport. The workshop attracted 63 delegates and endorsed World Rugby’s new T1 rugby programme, which emphasises inclusivity and efficient use of time. The workshop addressed various issues, including budget discussions, capacitybuilding programs, safeguarding, and tackle height, with the ultimate goal of boosting participation and ensuring sustained growth in the sport for both genders.
Celebrating Academic Excellence: The Remarkable Achievements of the 2023 Matric Class in Parliament
The 2023 matric class in South Africa achieved a remarkable cumulative pass rate of 82.9%, setting an unprecedented record in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. They also established a new standard with an unmatched count of Bachelor passes and distinctions. The Parliament has extended their sincerest commendations to the matric class, signifying the nation’s dedication to education and signposting a historic landmark in its journey towards a vibrant and promising future. The exceptional performance also signifies progress towards gender equality and highlights the potential for increased female involvement and influence in domains typically dominated by men.
South Africa is mourning the loss of Alice Mthembu, a Member of Parliament and tireless advocate for women’s rights. Her sudden passing due to a car accident has left a void in the country’s efforts towards gender equality. Mthembu’s legacy extends beyond politics, inspiring activists worldwide to continue the fight for a fair and equitable society for all genders. Her multifaceted contributions to public service and commitment to gender equality will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
Protesters in Cape Town demand fair water distribution and an end to water inequality. The municipality’s implementation of water management devices and debt deductions from electricity transactions were key issues of contention during the demonstration. The struggle for resource equality continues, with the wealthiest 14% consuming over half of the city’s water supply, while those lacking financial resources face challenges in accessing this vital resource.
The 3rd African Union Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity was a groundbreaking event held in Pretoria and attended by influential global figures. The conference aimed to involve men and boys in the fight against genderbased violence and advocated for positive masculinity. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the need for men to take center stage in bringing about change and encouraged traits like empathy, emotional intelligence, respect for diversity, and vulnerability. The conference serves as a vital platform to reinforce political commitment, expedite collective actions, and establish men’s role in eliminating violence against women and girls.
Ilse De Wet and Liezel Short have made history as the first female leadership duo of the Two Oceans Marathon board. As chairperson and vicechairperson, respectively, they bring expertise in marketing, event organization, and leadership to the board and signify progress towards gender equality in sports management. Their appointment inspires and encourages women to pursue leadership roles in all aspects of life. The new leadership promises a bright future for the Two Oceans Marathon, with a renewed sense of optimism and a shared vision for the event’s ongoing legacy.
The Searle Street cottages in Cape Town, South Africa, are at the center of a legal battle launched by six families to prevent eviction and secure their right to remain in their homes. The cottages, situated on church land, were sold to a private developer, highlighting persistent issues of race, class, and the commodification of housing in the city. The case underscores the ongoing struggle for social justice and equal access to housing in Cape Town, and serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of apartheid.
The City of Cape Town has taken an innovative approach to empower its residents through the Women and Men for Change capacitybuilding programme. This initiative is led by the city’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department and has impacted over 900 individuals within the past year.
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) and the Mpumalanga Provincial House of Traditional and KhoiSan Leaders (MPHTKL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Nelspruit, marking a significant partnership for gender equality and cultural appreciation. ## The Importance of Cooperation
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has been a guiding force in promoting gender equality and addressing genderbased discrimination and inequality issues in South Africa and beyond. Recently, the organization underwent a significant leadership change as its Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Phelisa Nkomo, mutually agreed to part ways with the organization on June 19, 2023.