Who said China wasn't in South Africa?

Who said Colombia didn't make it to the World Cup? Shakira and her song is played again and again in every host city. Who said China was absent? True, Chinese football team was too much a joke to make it, but China was present, both during the game and after.

Vuvuzuela caught people's eyes, or ears rather, with its annoying loud noise being played non-stop during every game. It has become a symbol of South African culture, but where were they produced? Of course in China. It was reported that 90% of them were made in China. While the soccer fans around the world were enjoying expelling elephants with their vuvuzuelas, Chinese sweatshop owners were counting their money.

Another report said China exported more than a shocking 100 million condoms to South Africa this year in preparation for the World Cup. Of course, the demand rose when the tourists came to South Africa. As a country famous for its high AIDS rate, South Africa can benefit from the comprehensive trade relationship with China. But the sheer number was still big enough. Chinese products are known to be poor in quality. It is not a small risk to use this Chinese product. I hope the soccer fans had not only enjoyed the time in South Africa, both in the stadium and out, while China had contributed its part.

Gender equality in South Africa?

In a new ranking of gender equality published by World Economic Forum, South Africa jumped from number 22 to six place, overtaking Denmark and Ireland. It shows the improved labor force participation of women in that country. Moreover, there are more women members of parliament and cabinet after the election earlier this year. It seems to be a huge achievement of this country 15 years after the beginning of racial equality.

But some facts shocked me and forced me to doubt how much this ranking means. It is reported one in four South African men admitted to have raped women. This proportion is not far from the Rape of Nanking. And the new South African Jacob Zuma is famous for his disdain of female politicians. It’s still to early to judge his ability to lead this country, but his notoriety of practicing polygamy inevitably hurts his country.

If they really want to reach a gender equality, either one quarter of the South African women should do the same to their male compatriots, or the government and society should start thinking about how to deal with the raping problem.