Intersexions: One Stupid Mistake Can Have Fatal Consequences.
Intersexions episode four to be screened on SABC1 at 20h30 on 12 August is one of the most hard-hitting of all the episodes. Thami and Tshepo’s lives take a series of horrifying turns after they are arrested.
Thami, a well-known actor, and Tshepo have been locked up over an unpaid hotel bill, after Thami’s sugamama Ruth discovers his infidelity and cuts off his line of credit. In prison, they come into contact with their worst nightmare Tizozo, a hardened criminal, and his gang of thugs.
Completely unprepared to cope with prison life, the friends are at Tizozo’s mercy. Ignoring Tshepo’s pleas to maintain a low profile, Thami tries to use his celebrity to win over Tizozo, with devastating consequences. The pair is raped, and their friendship shatters. After Tshepo insults Tizozo, Thami tries to make up for his mistakes by protecting Tshepo. Again, the consequences are terrible, as Tizozo and his thugs gang-rape and severely assault Thami.
The pair eventually posts bail, but it is too late for them. Thami has already taken his own life, and Tshepo leaves the prison a broken man.
Says sexologist Dr Elna McIntosh: “This episode of Intersexions will be a shock to people, especially men. We all know rape happens in jail, but no one talks about it; it’s as if we don’t want to know about it. And the authorities often turn a blind eye to this, so there is no justice to be had behind bars. Rape also increases the risk of HIV infection, particularly in same-sex situations, as the anus is more prone to tearing during sex, allowing an entry point for HIV.
“But rape is rape, whether it is perpetrated against a man or a woman. The Tizozo character proves his manhood through bullying and violence, and in the prison context the Thami and Tshepo characters are powerless – in contrast with the oft-held view that as men, they should be powerful and able to act. And their reactions to their violation, such as Thami’s futile attempts to protect his friend and his subsequent suicide, are typical for men who have suffered this kind of ordeal,” says McIntosh.
Intersexions is co-produced by Curious Pictures and Ants Multimedia, in partnership with Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa (JHHESA) and SABC Education, with funding from USAID and PEPFAR.
Intersexions episode four to be screened on SABC1 at 20h30 on 12 August is one of the most hard-hitting of all the episodes. Thami and Tshepo’s lives take a series of horrifying turns after they are arrested.
Thami, a well-known actor, and Tshepo have been locked up over an unpaid hotel bill, after Thami’s sugamama Ruth discovers his infidelity and cuts off his line of credit. In prison, they come into contact with their worst nightmare Tizozo, a hardened criminal, and his gang of thugs.
Completely unprepared to cope with prison life, the friends are at Tizozo’s mercy. Ignoring Tshepo’s pleas to maintain a low profile, Thami tries to use his celebrity to win over Tizozo, with devastating consequences. The pair is raped, and their friendship shatters. After Tshepo insults Tizozo, Thami tries to make up for his mistakes by protecting Tshepo. Again, the consequences are terrible, as Tizozo and his thugs gang-rape and severely assault Thami.
The pair eventually posts bail, but it is too late for them. Thami has already taken his own life, and Tshepo leaves the prison a broken man.
Says sexologist Dr Elna McIntosh: “This episode of Intersexions will be a shock to people, especially men. We all know rape happens in jail, but no one talks about it; it’s as if we don’t want to know about it. And the authorities often turn a blind eye to this, so there is no justice to be had behind bars. Rape also increases the risk of HIV infection, particularly in same-sex situations, as the anus is more prone to tearing during sex, allowing an entry point for HIV.
“But rape is rape, whether it is perpetrated against a man or a woman. The Tizozo character proves his manhood through bullying and violence, and in the prison context the Thami and Tshepo characters are powerless – in contrast with the oft-held view that as men, they should be powerful and able to act. And their reactions to their violation, such as Thami’s futile attempts to protect his friend and his subsequent suicide, are typical for men who have suffered this kind of ordeal,” says McIntosh.
Intersexions is co-produced by Curious Pictures and Ants Multimedia, in partnership with Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa (JHHESA) and SABC Education, with funding from USAID and PEPFAR.
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