The Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (Sweat) and the National Movement of Sex Workers in South Africa (Sisonke) are urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to designate sex workers as an essential service during the coronavirus lockdown.
The request follows President Ramaphosa’s announcement of a nationwide 21-day lockdown and directive for all South Africans to stay at home in order to contain the spread of the virus.
“This is a decisive measure to save millions of South Africans from infection and save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people,” stated President Ramaphosa.
However, Sweat and Sisonke argue that the unprecedented decision poses uncertainties for unskilled workers, including sex workers, whose livelihoods have been disrupted.
“Sex work is work, and they too need help as their livelihood has been disrupted,” remarked the two organizations in a statement.
The organizations also urged the president to prioritize the reform of sex work laws and decriminalization to address the exclusion of sex workers from accessing labor rights during times of need. They emphasize that sex workers are the most marginalized group, with their work not recognized as legitimate labor in South Africa.
According to SWEAT and Sisonke, the coronavirus outbreak has significantly impacted the income of sex workers, who have been the first group to suffer financially. They estimate that South Africa has approximately 158,000 sex workers, most of whom are female and support several dependents with their earnings.
Regarding the Temporary Employee Relief Scheme proposed by the president, the organizations question its inclusivity and express concerns that sex workers, who are considered criminals under current laws, are unlikely to qualify for the scheme.
Lesego Tlhwale, a spokesperson from Sweat, emphasized the urgency of including sex workers in the relief scheme, highlighting their substantial loss of income during the pandemic.
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