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Fines for women wearing pants

WEARING a pair of trousers is an offence for women in a Limpopo village.

And those who don't comply face fines believed to be up to R500.

This has been the case in the 11 villages around Ga-Phooko near Modjadjiskloof following the death of local chief David Phooko in November last year.

"We are still mourning the death of our Kgosi Phooko who was buried on November 29 2014, this is how we show some respect," said David Malatjie of the tribal council.

A villager who refused to be named said they were fined up to R500.

She said fines have also been imposed for playing loud music in their homes during the mourning period.

But Malatjie refused to divulge the amount, claiming it was confidential.

"This is between the tribal court and offenders. For those who can't afford to settle the fine, it is up to the council to see what punishment is suitable," he said.

He said that some villagers had already been fined for playing music very loud, partying and wearing pants.

The trousers law affects all adult women and girls.

"Starting from the age of five - no pants," said Malatjie.

But the village youths are not happy about the banning of trousers.

"Seriously, in the 21st century, why are we still fined for wearing pants?" said a Grade 12 pupil.

Malatjie said the laws have been in existence for a very long time.

"A woman wearing trousers is a sign of disrespect, according to our tribe."

Malatjie said any resident wishing to oppose these laws, such as pupils attending schools where pants form part of the uniform, must present themselves to the tribal court to give valid reasons why they shouldn't be prohibited.

"Shortly after our kgosi died in November, we called a meeting with all the 11 headmen. We asked all of them to pass the message to their villagers," he said.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) said it respects the rights of individuals or communities to practise their cultural, religious or traditional beliefs.

But it warned that those beliefs shouldn't infringe on the rights of people to choose for themselves.

Commission spokesman Javu Baloyi said: "Barring girls from wearing trousers goes against the rights to dignity of people in choosing what they need to wear.

"The CGE will seek to hold a meeting with the leaders of the community to get to the root of such an order being given."

The Traditional Courts Amendment Bill, which sought to give chiefs and traditional leaders more powers to issue sanctions and fines, was rejected by the National Council of Provinces in 2013.

 

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