What Corporate SA can do about our deadly rape culture
There is no shortage of money in our unequal society – it is time to channel some of it into fighting violence against women
Over the past few weeks, Harvey Weinstein has become the face of sexual predation, taking up the mantle from Bill Cosby. It is difficult to ignore the fact that Weinstein’s conduct has become a "global" story because those who are speaking out are seen as glamorous. The violation of any woman is horrible, but in the eyes of media houses, sexual offences against white women and women deemed to be "beautiful" are especially horrid. When a beautiful woman is killed, the media cannot seem to shake the horror. We saw this in media coverage of the murder of Reeva Steenkamp and we see it in the frenzy of reporting about the actresses Weinstein bullied, harassed and assaulted. If a woman’s worth is linked to her looks in life, in death this is even more the case. In the wake of the murder of Karabo Mokoena earlier in 2017, Police Minister Fikile Mbalula implied that part of the tragedy of her death was that she was "such a beautiful yellowbone". There is, of course, no relationship between ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.