Coming up on
Special Assignment (8 September 2009):
Episode Title: Gender Agenda
Broadcast date: Tuesday, 8 September 2009
It’s been 13 years since the national women’s movement lobbied for one of the most progressive efforts to entrench gender equality in all spheres of South African society.
In line with the spirit of our constitution of respecting and protecting human rights, as well as international human rights conventions, the government established the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE)
This along with other human rights bodies called the Chapter nine institutions - to safeguard these rights. But just how effective and relevant is the CGE?
After all the fanfare during women’s month, Special Assignment asks: is the organization worth the millions in taxpayer’s money it receives annually?
Since its inception, the CGE has been dogged by allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The organization stands accused of wasteful expenditure on items like ‘workshops’ and consultants - while its mandate, which is to investigate complaints of gender discrimination, goes unfulfilled.
Aside from issuing press releases, and hosting workshops, gender activists complain that the CGE does little to advance the cause.
Special Assignment speaks to poor women in South Africa, and also taxpayers, toask them whether they - and the state, are getting value for their money in sustaining this institution?
The show also interviews former CGE commissioners, who give their perspective on why the CGE is failing in its duties.
The documentary is produced by Busisiwe Ntuli and Melini Moses.
Special Assignment is on SABC3 on Tuesdays at 20h31.