Democracy vs. Discrimination

We are living in a democratic country where “everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected” (act 108 of 1996 SA Constitution). We as people of South Africa underestimate the right of some individual according to who they are.

On Wednesday last week when Zukile and his wife Andile went to khayelitsha to visit their gay friend (Ayanda), they went to a tavern near Ayanda’s place. They buy buzz and had fun, after few hours come six guys asking for lighter unfortunately they don’t have. Zukile ask Andile to accompany him to the toilet, two guys follow them but they didn’t notice.  After they finish pee they kiss and hug each other, the two guys come and stand in front of them while they were kissing each other and ask what they think they are doing? They beat, kick and even stab them. These guys say they are ruining the reputation of being a man.

Do you think we should satisfy people off what we are doing? I guess no. We are all human being with same blood and prejudices. Tavern owner called police to arrest Zukile and Andile saying its them who started and disturb his customers. Ayanda was not out of the closet in his area because they ask him about his friends and if he is also a gay he denied because he was afraid of his reputation and judgments from his neighbors.

The police asked them about their status, they said they are married. They also beat them and lock them in cells saying they are devils and also spoil the reputation of man. The police open case of assassination against them, say its them who killed a lesbian in Langa the past two days. They get life sentence for attack and murder.

Is that fair? Well democracy is not free and fair to all in South Africa, especially for those who believe and practice homosexuality