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Cape Town’s commuters were greeted this morning by the annual parade of
barely-dressed students of the city’s University, as they sold the Sax Appeal
magazine at intersections to raise funds for SHAWCO.

Sax Appeal is a Cape Town tradition, which this year coincides with the
President’s State of the Nation Address. Based on this timing, the Chairperson
of the IFP Youth Brigade and Member of Parliament, the Hon. Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa,
has asked some pertinent questions.

“When we sit in Parliament tonight, we hope to hear the President being honest
about gross inequality in our nation and the growing racial divisions,” said
Hlengwa, “It’s interesting then that UCT students chose a cover for their
fundraising magazine that depicts a suited white man in a dominant pose, holding
a riding crop, and looking out over townships. Are they making a statement about
inequality and race?”

The IFP has written to the Editor of Sax in the past asking about the motive
behind the cover. In 2013, the cover depicted a murdered young woman with her
stomach cut open while a man stood over her with bloodied weapons. “This jarring
image hit the streets the very day we heard of Anene Booysen’s brutal murder,”
recalls Hlengwa. The Editor never responded.

Unfortunately, it seems clear that the satirical magazine does not intend to
make a statement beyond the old adage that “sex sells”.

Hlengwa explained, “It was refreshing to see one young man impeccably dressed in
a business suit this morning, suggesting pride in his university and confidence
in his future. Amidst all the underwear and fishnet stockings, he really made an
impact. I was really disappointed to discover that the suit was just a reference
to ‘50 Shades of Grey’.”

“Why are young people in S&M gear standing just meters away from primary
schools, selling magazines with a parental advisory for explicit content?” asked
Hlengwa. “What are we supposed to tell our children on the way to school? That
they should aspire to attend UCT so that they too can ‘sell sex’ on the
sidewalk?”

“We admire the commitment shown by students who got up at 03:30am to raise
funds. But if Sax Appeal isn’t making a comment on social issues, and isn’t
doing the image of UCT any favours, what is the actual message it’s trying to
convey? They’re missing a great opportunity to make a difference.”

Issued by IFP