At the age of 27, DA MPL Mbali Ntuli did something that many girls her age would do if they felt confident and beautiful just before attending a “pool party”: She posted a pic of herself on Facebook. But people went off, complaining that as a member of a provincial legislature – and political leader – she should be more appropriate.

Why? Because in the pic she was wearing a bikini.

Let’s just look at a few things here. First off, she’s in a bikini that comprises of more material than most and secondly, her pose is one that gives the impressions she is pretty happy with life rather than one that would make you think she’s a duck-face, attention-seeking model wannabe.

Refusing to remove the post from Facebook, she has had even more support since the story broke out in a newspaper this weekend.

She has now got around 350 likes for the pic and endless comments of support.

This is what she had to say on the matter:

People are entitled to their opinions. I personally do not feel compelled to justify any action I take that relates to my body to anyone whatsoever, nor do I believe anybody should ever have to.

I will add, however, that I have had nothing but positive and mature interactions with people about the picture, even those who seem intent on believing that somehow what one dresses like would have any effect on their ability to perform their duties.

Ntuli further added that women’s bodies had for too long been regarded as commodities and objects to be judged and commented on.

This is why, during these 16 days of activism, when KwaZulu-Natal has some of the highest instances of rape in the world, we should be focusing on how we deal with the crisis and end the cycle of abuse against women and children.

We need to discuss solutions that include the whole of society to streamline our responses and maximise our chances of stopping this epidemic. This will require the government, civil society, but most importantly introspection with ourselves and the way in which we all individually contribute to the continuation of patriarchy.

We also must seriously question harmful cultural or religious practices that are used to justify the victimisation of women and children.

Man, this shouldn’t be negative news, but rather a celebration if you care to print it at all. If you know and follow Mbali, you’d actually realise that there are a lot worse leaders out there. Like our “President”.

[source: iol]