Custom and Religion in a Non-racial Non-sexist South Africa

An edited volume of chapters emanating from a Conference convened by the Community Law Centre on 14-16 May 1993 on "Custom and Religion in a Non-racial, Non-sexist South Africa". The book is dedicated to Amy Biehl who wrote the executive summary. In her chapter, Brigitte Mabandla warns how a conservative lobby uses custom, religion but also regional autonomy to pursue a conservative agenda. Thandabantu Nhlapo writes about ‘dignity’ as a central concept to acknowledging traditional values. Sbongile Nene writes about how custom and religion contribute to disadvantages for black women. Beauty Mkhize focuses on rural women and Yvonne Mokgoro (who went on to become Constitutional Court judge) writes about the impact of customary law on rural women, David Malatsi sets out the position of the Congress of Traditional Leaders. Prof H Simons discusses how patriarchy and apartheid are used against women under the guise of custom and religion.