Cape Town - Two Cape Argus staffers write about what wearing a doek means to them.
Gadeeja Abbas
Thousands have stood together in solidarity to demand that eNCA #RespekTheDoek.
It comes in the wake of general reporter Nontobeko Sibisi complaining about a story in which she appeared wearing the popular headdress being taken off air.
The hashtag was one of the top trending topics on Twitter on Thursday, with men posting pictures of themselves adorned with colourful scarves. People have made it clear that diversity should exist in a country with such rich cultural diversity and a history of oppression.
When I read Sibisi's story on social media, I was surprised that the television channel's policy discouraged all sorts of headwear including scarves, alice bands and large earnings.
Journalists are the gatekeepers of information and should represent the voices of the people as it is the people who give the media power.
We encourage individuality, freedom of expression and freedom of religion, why then should we allow the constructs of company policy to diminish our constitutional rights?
Sibisi can be seen sporting a fashionable doek and enjoying the story she had been assigned to cover. As a Muslim woman, and an aspiring “fashionista”, I have had to find ways to wrap my scarf creatively. Many of my “creations” did not always flatter me - ask our fashion expert Nontando Mposo.
Nevertheless, I had the comfort of knowing that when I chose, I could wear my scarf whether it be for fashion or religion without judgement being passed. After all, wearing a doek is an extension of our expression. I have seen Rastafari men, Xhosa women and even aunty Mavis on the corner wearing a doek proudly, claiming their “African-ness”.
It warms my heart to see the support Sibisi has received, including from her colleagues who back her right to wear what she feels represents her African identity.
The message is clear: Don't touch me on my doek.
Nontando Mposo
A doek is a cloth worn to cover the head and is also called a headwrap, turban or scarf.
The older women in our lives - our grandmothers, mothers and aunts - have been wearing them for generations. Sometimes to cover their grey hair, as a sign of respect in the presence of the in-laws, when there has been a death in the family, or as part of their religion.
Nowadays, doeks are worn by younger women for a number of reasons including culture and religion, on bad-hair days or simply as a fashion accessory - doeks are a gorgeous way to add texture and pattern to an outfit.
Women and men of all cultures and races around the world are rocking different types of headwraps.
Many of those who opt for African prints use them to embrace their Africanism and as a fashion statement.
In many African nations, doeks have different cultural meanings. In my Zulu culture, a doek, or iduku in Zulu, is, among other reasons, worn by married women to show respect for their in-laws, during traditional wedding ceremonies and when grieving after a death in the family.
In some African cultures, headwraps indicate seniority or are a sign of wealth.
Nigerian women are known to take pride in their elaborate and gravity-defying headwraps, called Gele.
These are configured using different fabrics and in a variety of colours so as to stand out at a traditional wedding.
Headwraps are hot right now, with many inspirational online tutorials explaining how to wear them
In South Africa, it is a hot accessory for look-books such as the latest Mille Collines AW16 collection.
And many wear them, from local celebrities such as Bonang Matheba, Nomzamo Mbatha and Nhlanhla Nciza of Mafikizolo to international superstars Beyonce, Rihanna and Erykah Badu.
“Queening” in a beautifully wrapped headgear is a must for celebrating your cultural roots and black pride.
International fashion events have been dominated by models strutting the catwalks in impressive headwraps.
Even fashion powerhouses such as Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel, Dolce&Gabbana and Giambattista Valli have come on board, presenting collections with African-inspired headwraps that had tongues wagging, accusing them of stealing from the African culture.
If anything, this says Africa is a hotbed of inspiration right now and we should take pride of our heritage and culture.
As to whether there is an appropriate way to wear a doek or if it should be allowed in the workplace, for me, tying a headwrap is an organic process, it takes practice and confidence to carry out your chosen look. Just make sure it is tidy and tucked in in all the right places.
Head scarves, unlike a hat, are appropriate office wear that can look chic when done properly.
But whether you opt for a dramatic crown of cloth on your head or a simple scarf, wear it with pride.
Instagram accounts for doek inspiration
* Paola Mathé @findingpaola
* @fanmdjanm
* Roshani Issacs @roshanisaacs
* @thewraplife
Cape Argus