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The Congress of South African Trade Unions warmly welcomes the statement by the African National Congress that it has no interest in the ZAR nightclub in Cape Town, that it does not endorse its owners, and, in particular, that it condemns the act of serving sushi on women’s bodies, “as this act in anti-ANC and anti-revolutionary... defamatory, insensitive and undermining of women’s integrity”.

COSATU was extremely concerned at earlier reports in the media that our great liberation movement, which is a disciplined force of the left, was associated with immorality and the degradation of women, and notes the ANCYL’s denial of such reports.

The 3rd ANC National General Council in September 2010 categorically stated that “urgent steps must be taken to deal decisively with the negative tendencies that are threatening to erode the character, culture and core values of the ANC as a loyal servant of our people and an agent for progressive change in South Africa”.

That change includes liberating women from the triple oppression they face in their homes, in society and in their workplace. Stripping women and reducing them to sex symbols for the pleasure of men does nothing but entrench stereotypes and reinforce patriarchal behaviour. It is an insult to everything the ANC stands for and COSATU fully endorses the ANC’s appeal to all those involved in such acts to immediately disengage from them.

Our country will not be free until women’s dignity is protected by all genuine revolutionaries, who recognise the interlinkages between national, gender and class oppression.