Izwi Lethu: Our Voices Newsletter Issue #3 May 2015

IZWI LETHU: OUR VOICE

Issue 3

Izwi Lethu: Our Voice

May 2015

A NEWSLETTER BY SEX WORKERS FOR SEX WORKERS

Editor’s Note

by Tanaka, Editor-­‐in-­‐Chief

The spirit of oneness has seen a lot of nations succeed! Singing with one voice as a multitude has enabled others from far off places to hear the song sung from beyond their borders. As the saying goes, ”United We Stand and Divided We Fall.” Africa let us not discriminate against each other based on race, sexuality, and religion! We are all one human race regardless of skin color, language, or accent! rd

In this 3 issue of Izwi Lethu: Our Voice, we feature an article on the People’s March Against Xenophobia in South Africa. Our very own Clara and Greta were part of the march and managed to capture moments of this successful campaign. Their pictures are featured in this issue.

Many people, including myself, wonder why violence of this nature would erupt in a country as progressive as South Africa.

Setting another human being alight, stabbing or sjamboking them all because they are from another country is beyond ridiculous. Well I guess the perpetrators of these inhumane acts of violence need to sit down and be educated, especially about South Africa’s history. This will shed light on issues around South African freedom fighters seeking exile in other countries during apartheid and the sacrifices that these

“foreign” countries made for South Africa in those difficult times.

The reason I had to dwell so much on the issue of xenophobia is the fact that everyone including foreign sex workers were affected by this unrest. The African Centre for Migration and Society (ACMS) supports migrants’ rights and Sisonke Sex Workers Movement in South Africa supports all sex workers including migrants. Together in Solidarity we say NO to discrimination and NO to xenophobia!! Look for Clara’s pictures of the march on our Twitter handle @MoVESAfrica and on our blog: methodsvisualexplore.tumblr.com.

IN THIS ISSUE

Photos from the People’s March against Xenophobia

Featured in this issue are photos from the People’s March Against Xenophobia taken by feature writer Clara. Follow MoVE on Twitter and Instagram (@MoVESAfrica) for more photos from the day.

ONE LOVE!!

Yours truly, Tanaka

Masthead Editor-­‐in-­‐Chief: T anaka Managing Editor: Greta Feature Writer: T.T. Feature Writer: Clara Feautre Writer: TG Diva

Izwi Lethu is a collaboration between Sisonke and ACMS’s MoVE Project, funded by the Open Society Foundation

Photos by Clara

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Photo by TG Diva

City of Gold

by TG Diva, F eature Writer

“A Diva is a female version of a hustler,’’ says Beyonce.

It all started with my family not accepting me as Xhosa and homosexual.

They took me to prophets, traditional healers, and a community street council.

Little did they know that they were emotionally abusing me.

I was born male, yes! Xhosa, yes!

Attracted to other males, yes! Pity there’s nothing I can do to change all that because that’s who I am. Everyday I would watch TV and see homosexuals living freely and happy in the City of Gold. That’s when I thought to myself that I belong in the City of Gold.

My destination was Johhanesburg. I stole my granny’s pension money and took a first train to Jozi. On that train I could feel the Jozi vibes, everyone minded their own problems. Again it hit me that I belonged in the City of Gold. I

travelled for more than 15 hours. I finally arrived at Park station.

There were too many people. I have never seen so many people in my life, speaking different languages it sounded like bees talking at the same time. I went outside, and I saw many tall houses, one on top of the other—those were buildings. I was overwhelmed and scared. I had mixed feelings. I didn’t have anyone to go to when I arrived, yet I didn’t mind at all. I slept at Park Station for weeks while analysing the beauty of Jozi. I met a friend (umcimbi) and he offered to accommodate me for a night.

I got to bath for the first time after weeks. The water and bath changed from its original colour to a dark coffee colour. I made sure the door was locked for him not see such an embarrassment.

from club to club looking for guys who will buy me beers and food in exchange for sex. One day someone suggested that I should trade sex for money instead of just fun.

Now I can afford to pay rent from sex trading and no more parks for a “pretty” like me. My family and community are starting to accept and understand me for who I am as more than my sexuality. I provide sexual services and that’s my private life. I don’t have to tell or show anyone, it pays my bills and opens up other opportunities.

Now I’m working as a transgender peer educator under a sex worker project and as a waiter at a well established restaurant. I took responsibility and committed to a healthy and joyful life.

I knew what was going to happen but was a bit scared. We traded sex for accommodation and a few coins for tea and magwinyas (fat cakes).

From a peer educator and a LGBTI community member perspective, I would like Hustlers and Divas to always remember to use a condom and lubricant at all times.

My routine was chilling at the park during the day and at night I would go

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The People’s March against Xenophobia

by Clara, Feature Writer and Photographer

The death of Emanuel Sithole, a Mozambican street vendor who was killed over a packet of cigarettes in Alexandra during xenophobia attacks, forced me to protest against xenophobia. I braved it out in chilly weather, joining others from different parts of the world marching against xenophobia on the 23rd of April 2015. It was the People’s March against Xenophobia in Johannesburg here in South Africa. We had people from all walks of life including South Africans who were also very supportive. It is not all South Africans who are xenophobic. It was a huge march.

Photos by Clara

I do not understand xenophobia.

Xenophobia is hating a stranger or a foreigner. When it comes to killing someone, it is now criminal. There are other South African women I know who are married to foreigners. If these foreigners are killed or hurt, who will take care of their children? No father-­‐in-­‐ law would want his son-­‐in-­‐law killed, no brother wants his brother-­‐in-­‐law killed and no sister would want her brother-­‐in-­‐ law killed or hurt.

23rd of April. Protected by the South African Police, we went for a big march.

With Greta being good company we marched about five kilometres from Hillbrow to Newtown. The members of ANC , the Zulus in their traditional outfits and other South Africans were with us. It was quiet a success. After this March I then realised that it is not every South African who is xenophobic.

There are foreign woman married to South African men. Would they want to their wives away because of these drive criminal acts? Is it xenophobic taking someone’s life over a packet of cigarettes? Emanuel Sithole was killed over a packet of cigarettes. Men stole cigarettes from Sithole’s stall, and when he demanded that they pay, they stabbed him. Killing someone over a packet of cigarettes is unheard of. Was it xenophobia or a criminal act?

Because of the relationship we have with other South Africans we joined together as brothers and sisters on the

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Dear Mastoep,

Ask Dear Mastoep

Regardless that I’m a sex worker, I want to study and further my education. What channels can I take as a sex worker to further my education, because I wouldn’t stay beautiful forever, I need education to carry me? What or who can help me further my education?

by Dear Mastoep Dear MaStoep, What if the policeman they harass a sex worker at the corner of the street to beat her because she is standing on the corner and selling sex? Do police have a right to do that?

Dear Soon to be Learner,

If the police find someone committing a crime and resisting arrest then and only then can they use force but just enough force to capture them. Because sex work is still regarded as a crime, the police normally use municipal by-­‐laws to police sex workers and part of this is to harass sex workers. The reality is that they can only do this if you are obstructing traffic or being disorderly. Otherwise they should let you work, but this means you need to work peacefully and not make too much noise or be disorderly that people call the police. If police officers go above and beyond their duties then you should take note of their names and the vehicle number and pay attention to how they look so that you can lay a charge of assault or a complaint with the station where the officers work. Sisonke, SWEAT, and WLC Gauteng can all assist in this process if you want to go down this route. Down with police harassment and violence on sex workers!

So save and look out for options and do go back to school as you have correctly said that beauty does fade and your education will carry you foward.

Regards, Mastoep

Regards, Mastoep

Dear Mastoep, Are there any pros and cons of Internet advertisement and working from home?

Dangers and how to prevent the former?

Dear Wanting to Work Online from Home,

Photo by TG Diva

There are pros and cons with both ways of working. I am not sure where you are working now and also how you are advertising. The beauty about the Internet is that you can advertise for a small amount and you can advertise using many different platforms, from

Photo by TG Diva

having your own page to using established adult sites. The con is that everyone who goes online can see you, and it is hard to remove things from the Internet. So I would suggest that you get a really good photographer who can take nice pics and then you can decide whether you want to show your face or not. Working from home I would not advise as then your work and home are the same place and that means that clients can come at all hours. If you are staying with your family or friends who don’t know you are a sex worker this could be an issue. Also who is working with you and you need to think about your safety. Working from home, find a two or three friends you trust you can work with, one for company but also safety in numbers, equip the rooms with panic buttons, have burglar bars and cameras at the door so that you can view clients before allowing them in and if you can get a security guard. I would recommend that you and your friends rent a place and have a separate place you call home so that you can step out of work and relax and leave work at work.

If you and your friends work smart you can avoid unwanted attention from neighbours, which will mean no police visits. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Regards, Mastoep

c

It is great that you want to go back to school, and education is very important regardless what work you do. As a sex worker like anyone else who wants to study you have a few options. One, you can save money and pay off your studies from savings, so if you are able to open a year’s saving account or 32 day savings account you can put aside a set amount every month and then come January you have your fees. Otherwise you can apply for a study loan and see how much you qualify for and then make a plan to repay it. There are also companies that offer scholarships so also look out for that. SWEAT and the Gauteng Sex Work Sector sometimes have a scholarship, which is funding defendant for sex workers to apply for, but these are not 100% of your fees as you still need to find the balance.

Dear Needing More Information about the Powers of the Police,

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Did I Ever Know

My childhood life indoors with my sisters was a very nice experience, trust me! I would do anything they’d do, from wearing lipstick and make up, to painting my nails, to wearing heels. Pink was my favourite colour. My aunt would always say I was going to be gay, but I did not understand that word because I was just a small and naive boy.

My primary school days were my best days ever! I had a lot of girlfriends and those were the only mates I chilled around with at school. My aunt would never allow me to play on the streets.

There came a time when I had to relocate to Johannesburg. I remember vividly. It was after my father had just passed on. In my mind I was thinking that was the end of the world for me, but in the process, I learned that, “what does not kill you makes you stronger.”

My high school life wasn’t easy. It was hell on earth for me, and that’s when I realised I was gay. I grew to understand that I didn’t have feelings for girls but for other boys, oh yes I did and still do.

Though I had girlfriends and did not care what other people thought or said, I figured that some of my friends had also finally realized who I was. Knowing who I was also helped my family to understand that I was gay. They accepted me as I am, and to them I am grateful.

Did I mention that I was not a fan of soccer? But every time when guys played soccer my girls and I would

always go and watch them, cheering at them , jumping all over the place just for guys.

I sometimes forgot that I was gay because I felt more like a girl when I was with my girlfriends.

I’m a free bird, and I enjoy my gay life each and every day.

Photo by T.T.

to four weeks after, some guy from the dagga spot told me those very cops came with my docket and tore it into pieces, telling them that there was nothing I could do about it.

My present life now after school is more interesting because I have left the hell that I was in, and now I’m enjoying myself to the fullest and can now do whatever I want. I don’t need to wear my sisters’ big heels but can actually have a pair for myself, not forgetting my pink nail polish and my own make up kit. I’m being me, living the life that I want to live!

It made me realise that South Africa was not as safe as I thought it was. If the very same people who are employed to uphold the law and the wellbeing of the nation would do such a thing, then who do we turn to for help? I got very angry and discreetly followed these police officials for a week. All I could see were monsters hired as police, because they went around beating innocent people and accepting bribes from people breaking the law.

Being gay is not something you choose for yourself like spotting the car you would like to buy. You are either born gay or not, and it’s not a choice. A boy will not just wake up from the blues and start acting like a girl and playing with dolls, it’s something from within, manifesting itself! Just embrace it!!!

I saw these officers find a group of four boys smoking nyaope. The police told the boys to lie down on the floor and they repeatedly beat them until a suspected drug dealer came to their rescue. The dealer and the cops went into the police vehicle. The dealer called his friend, who came to the car. The friend took some money from his pocket and gave it to one of the cops.

Justice in South Africa

by TG Diva, F eature Writer

I was once brutally assaulted by police officials with a sjambok in Hillbrow just for standing next to a place where they sell dagga. I went to open a case at Hillbrow police station. I had bruises on my head and a case was opened. Three

I wanted to do something but didn’t know where to go. A few months after that, I went to a sex workers function at Gauteng legislature. I heard that there’s a place where you can go to if you want to report any incident involving the police. The place is in Marble Towers, and it’s called Independent Police Investigation Directory (IPID).

Growing up as a small boy from the Eastern Cape in Cradock, did I ever know that I was gay? The answer to that is no.

Something in me was different and I never knew it, but people would see it clearly and yet I was unaware. I delighted in playing with dolls and mostly spent my time indoors. One would never see me play on the streets at night nor with boys.

by T.T., Feature Writer

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Self Defense Tips: An Interview with Jarred Rothwell

by Clara, Feature W riter

Clara: What made you choose to be a self-­‐defence trainer?

Jarred: I wanted to work in London as a body-­‐guard, and learning self-­‐defence was required in order to attain my licence. Once I received the training and qualifications I wanted to pass on the knowledge I gained to those who might benefit from it. I feel that anyone who is subjected to domestic violence or physical abuse should be able to stand up and defend themselves. No one should be subjected to unjust abuse. My interest in teaching sex workers was sparked when I read about the murder of a sex worker in one of the backpackers in Cape Town. My cousin previously engaged in sex work, too, so learning about the violence committed against sex workers in Cape Town really upset me.

just looking to take your belongings, like your cell phone and money. Give them what they want and escape with your life. If they are pointing the knife or gun at you, throw your belongings to the side so they have to reach down. If you’re lucky, this momentary distraction might give you the opportunity to run

away. Call emergency services as soon as it’s safe to do so. Robberies usually go down very quickly and it’s common to be in shock immediately afterwards.

Because of this, sometimes it’s difficult to identify the assailant, but do your best to get a glimpse of their particulars to help you identify them later. This could be the car they were in (note the colour/model and number plate). It can be the shoes of the assailant, or any obvious tattoos or other personal traits of perpetrators that can help the police to find them.

Clara: What do you do if you are being gang raped?

Clara: When did you start?

Jarred: I started practicing martial arts in 2002, training under Sifu Quentin Chong (a 2x World Muaythai Champion). I began self-­‐defence training in 2006.

Clara: Why do you think it’s important for a sex worker to train in self-­‐defence?

Jarred: Sex workers are at risk of being assaulted every time they go to work!

They can be targeted by police, clients, pimps, and even by the community. And because South Africa has yet to decriminalise sex work, they don’t have many places orpeople to turn to for support and aid.

Clara: What must one do when she is held at gunpoint or knifepoint?

Jarred: The best thing to do is to STAY CALM (or at least act calm) and try to figure out what it is they want. Do not get angry and do not show them weakness either. Chances are they are

destination. You could tell him you are getting car sick and about to vomit, he might turn down a back road or alley – this might be your one chance of escaping, do what you can, attack him, bite, kick and scream and try get out as soon as you can and run towards a crowd of people or into a shop. It is very unlikely that he will pursue you if you are able to do this. Another option is to tell him that his driving is making you nervous, ask him if you can have a smoke and reach in your bag for cigarettes, if you have pepper-­‐spray grab it and wait for your chance to use it on him. You could also use your phone to speed dial a reliable friend/emergency service (but be sure to leave your phone in your bag so that you don’t alert him to your actions). You will need to be quick and try to identify your location and that you are being taken against your will, for example, say: “This isn’t the way to the nd backpackers, why are we going down 2 Avenue towards Milton drive?”

Photo by TG Diva

Clara: If a client is driving you somewhere against your will and he is driving at a high speed, what can you do?

Jarred: Unfortunately there isn’t a whole lot you can do here. One thing you have is time. He’s kidnapping you which means he doesn’t want to kill you, at least not yet. Attacking him while at high speed could cause a fatal car accident. Chances are he will keep on speeding until he has come to his

Jarred: You are outnumbered and overpowered and more than likely isolated. Tell them that you don’t want them to hurt you and you will do whatever they ask if they don’t hurt you.

This is not to give consent for their actions, but a strategy that might stop them from using force or physically hurting you too much. Every second is vital, you need to scan the room, look for a weapon you can use to defend yourself, look for an exit like a front/back door, another room where you can lock

yourself in, or a window leading outside.

Now wait until they lower their pants, they can’t move as quickly with their pants around their ankles – grab the object you identified as a weapon and use it to defend yourself, scream as loud as you can, and make your way to one of the exits and to safety as quickly as possible. You might catch them unaware and escape. It may be the case that escape or self-­‐defence is not feasible, which is likely the case when you are outnumbered and overpowered. In this scenario, it is vital to comply and do whatever you can to survive and stay as safe as possible. It is also important to

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gather evidence to be used for investigation and prosecution. Try to identify particulars, for example, any piercings or tattoos, scars or birth marks, including identifying particulars around the genitalia, whether they are circumcised.

Clara: Where would you advise sex workers to go for self-­‐defence training in Johannesburg and how much does it cost?

Jarred: Unfortunately I don’t know of a place in Johannesburg, but if you are in Cape Town, Dragon Power martial arts gym offers self-­‐defence. I have held free self-­‐defence seminars at SWEAT because I believe in their mission.

Clara: Do you have any advice for sex workers on self-­‐defence?

Jarred: Try to get your hands on self-­‐ defence clips, for example on YouTube (e.g., self-­‐defence against rape) or even DVDs. Watch them as much as you can and safely practice them on your partner or friend. The more often you do it the more natural it will become. You have to practice so that it comes instinctively when you need it.

Always be aware of your surroundings and let a friend know where you are.

Remember your life is what is most important!

Read the rest of Clara’s interview with Jarred on MoVE’s blog: Methodsvisualexplore.tumblr.com

Guest Column: Provision of Health Services to Sex Workers in Hillbrow

by Nyaradzo Mutanha, Project

Manager: Sex Workers Project, WITS Reproduction Health & HIV Institute

Wits Reproduction Health & HIV Institute (Wits RHI) provides health services to both male and female sex workers in Hillbrow although sex workers come from as far afield as Rustenburg. The programme was commenced in 1996 as a microbicides study by Professor Helen Rees that revealed the extent of sex workers unmet health needs. Sex workers are discriminated against in South Africa and the problem is exacerbated by judgmental attitudes by health care workers and police harassment. The programme addresses the structural drivers of HIV through the provision of non-­‐stigmatized friendly services to sex workers by highly trained and sensitized staff. The programme acknowledges that sex workers are at a higher risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV hence rapidly scaling up HCT and condom provision. The clinic’s package of services includes pap smears, STI screening and treatment, HIV counseling and testing, Anti-­‐Retroviral Treatment, TB screening and referrals, family planning, minor ailments, adherence support, psychosocial support and

condom demonstration and distribution.

The clinic, which is based at number 16 Esselen Street in Hillbrow opens daily from 08h00 to 11h30 (clinic pictured below). Outreach services are provided from 12h00 to 16h30 from Wednesday to Friday as a strategy to reaching out to all sex workers. The outreach team uses a project car and mobile van to reach out to sex workers who work in brothels and streets (mobile clinic pictured above).

The programme works with brothel managers to ensure that sex workers health needs are met and ensures that all sex workers have an uninterrupted supply of condoms. Health talks are conducted by professional nurses and community health care workers. The programme’s peer educators who are current sex workers themselves have strong relationships with sex workers amongst their social networks and from time to time visits them in brothels and streets to give health talks, provide condoms, and tell them to utilize the clinic. Wits RHI has opened another clinic in Pretoria and has also recently expanded service provision to Ekurhuleni and Southern Surbubs. All sex workers are welcome to come and visit the clinic and take control of their health. Remember it is very important for sex workers to look after their health so that they remain in business and make more money. Sex workers can also tell their colleagues about the clinic so that everyone gets health service.

Remember everyone in South Africa has a right to access health services without being judged or stigmatized.

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