By KIRAN MOLLOY “The evidence internationally is irrefutable,” comments Rhodes University Psychology professor in sexual and reproductive health Catriona Macleod. “Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is an essential foundation for promoting sexual and reproductive health in a country.” CSE was a government syllabus developed over 20 years ago. But resistance from organisations, parents, and educators meant that only 5% of South Africans schools were teaching sex education by 2016. Opposing organisations, such as STOP CSE and Concerned Young People of South Africa, have accused the CSE syllabus of teaching promiscuity, promoting contraception and “alternative” (homosexual) sexual practices, and exposing children to…
Author: Nyx Mclean
By KIM BARKER, Pastoral Therapist, Sexual Violence Researcher in Critical Studies in Sexualities and Reproduction, Rhodes University The current heightened awareness of child sexual abuse resulting from high-profile cases at local schools has many people talking about creating ‘safe spaces’ where young people can disclose sexual abuse. It seems helpful to unpack what that means and what ‘safe spaces’ may look like. I want to state upfront that just because it is currently in the news, abuse of children is not increasing or getting worse – sadly, it has always happened. There are simply more channels now for investigating and communicating…
By ROD AMNER It’s been a strange news week – a surprise around every corner as the day of the Makana Council inauguration drew near. On Monday, we received an official news release from ANC Provincial Secretary Lulama Ngcukaytobi that our new mayor would be Nomhle Gaga. But, on inauguration day, we found that former speaker Yandiswa Vara had been sworn in as Makana’s mayor. Our readers greeted it as a happy surprise. But, soon after the inauguration, we learned that Yandiswa Vara would be leaving soon – to be replaced by Gaga, in all likelihood. These shenanigans evoked a…
By NYX MCLEAN Makhanda based non-profit Sisonke South Afrika wants to “end period poverty in our lifetime” through their most recent campaign Palesa Care. Andile Twani, together with Anele and Ndumiso Mahlakahlaka, co-founded Sisonke South Afrika last year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sisonke provides food parcels, clothing, and blankets to those in need. Since their establishment in August last year, they noticed something else occurring in the communities they serve. A high number of girl children were not attending school. The reason? They did not have access to sanitary pads during their periods. Palesa Care is a campaign…
By ROD AMNER AND NYX MCLEAN, Grocott’s Mail editors Since we published the anonymous article last week in which a member of our community spoke about their abuse at school, we have received a sustained response from community members on the topic of sexual violence and abuse in schools. This week we are publishing several articles, one of which is another anonymous letter from a survivor of sexual abuse at school. This person flagged the need to expand discussions to identify signs of abuse in young people. We also received an article from a school psychologist, Kaitlin Yendall, in which…
By EMMA CHARLENE LUBAALE, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Rhodes University Gender-based violence (GBV) is at an all-time high globally, with South Africa being no exception. Previously, GBV was considered a private matter. Consequently, survivors of GBV suffered in silence. Over the years, public discussions on issues of GBV have gained momentum. The media has notably played a role in shedding light on cases of GBV, thus, making known their seriousness, prevalence and need for redress. All considered the role of reporting GBV cannot be overemphasised. However, while reporting on GBV is crucial and needs to be encouraged, the lines…
By KAITLIN YENDALL, psychologist, Victoria Girls’ High School “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy is when men are afraid of the light” – Plato. We are born into this world naïve to the potential threats and dangers lurking in the shadows. Completely helpless and unable to survive on our own, we have no choice but to trust those responsible for our care. If we are ‘lucky’ enough, our guardians/parents will do their best to protect us from the evils of this world for as long as they possibly can. But at some…
By ROD AMNER AND NYX MCLEAN, Grocott’s Mail editors It has been a difficult week as we are faced with disturbing stories of sexual violence: a report of a taxi driver charged with raping a schoolgirl, and a letter from a community member speaking out about sexual abuse that took place at one of our schools 20 years ago. How do we as a community begin to have a conversation about violence, especially sexual violence against young children regardless of whether the violence took place while they were in the care of teachers or those who provide services such as…
By SHANNON SKAE COVID-19 has severely hindered people’s ability to achieve a balanced and holistic lifestyle, primarily due to the mental health impact of prolonged periods of isolation and lack of exercise. Globally, depression, diabetes, and obesity have been rising. The World Health Organisation reported in 2019 that an estimated 1.5 million deaths were directly caused by diabetes, while another 2.2 million deaths were attributable to high blood glucose. Meanwhile, the Health Coach Institute reports that approximately 264 million people globally suffer from depression. Factor in a pandemic and these numbers are now bound to be much higher. Many people…
By NYX MCLEAN We are now just a little over three months into the shift of Grocott’s Mail to a teaching newspaper. It has been a good and challenging experience for all of us on the Grocott’s Mail team. We have learned many lessons along the way, including how to guide student journalists through the real-time process of covering news and events in the community while still working remotely in a digital newsroom. We really miss having the experience of being in a physical newsroom. But hopefully, we will get to experience that next year as more and more people…