This title is inspired by the courage of a young woman, known
variously as "Khwezi" and "the complainant", who took a principled
decision to lay a charge of rape against Jacob Zuma, a man who was
to her a father-figure, a family friend, a comrade, and the Deputy
President of South Africa. She took on the fight against
considerable odds. Zuma is one of the most popular and powerful
political leaders of his time. She could not have known, however,
the immense strength she would need to face the prolonged public
attacks on her. As the Zuma supporters spat the words "Burn the
Bitch" outside the courtroom, the young woman faced an
interrogation inside. Her accusers, and the judge, concurred that
having worn a kanga that evening, the complainant had, like so many
other women, "asked for it'. This title speaks truth to power - not
just male power, but political power, religious and cultural power,
imperial and military power. By using the trial of Jacob Zuma as a
mirror, the title reveals the hidden yet public forms of violence
against women in their homes, marriages, churches and political
organisations. Caught in the crossfire of the nation's political
succession battle, the young woman refused to back down. By
speaking out, she amplified the muffled screams of many other women
who have been raped by those who parade their power in the
corridors of parliament, government, corporations, and religious
and traditional institutions. Crushed and conquered by the
mechanics of power, she was forced by a so-called free country to
flee into exile. We hope that in reading the story of this trial
and seeing the particular ways in which women can be subjugated by
power, South Africans will have the opportunity to reflect on, and
demand better of, the kind of leaders and leadership they deserve.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!