It is with great sadness that the African Sex Workers Alliance (ASWA) has learned of the passing of Shane A. Petzer, #ShanePetzer,a male sex worker known for his brave advocacy to decriminalise sex work #decrimsexwork, the revolutionary Co-founder of SWEAT, which has a 20-year history in organising sex workers, advocating for and delivering services to South African Sex Workers and also facilitated the birth of two movements – African Sex Worker Alliance (ASWA) and South African sex workers national movement called Sisonke South Africa meaning ‘’Togetherness’’. He also later became a board member of Sisonke South Africa, @Sisonke_ZA
On behalf of sex workers in Africa, ASWA would like to offer our sincere and deepest condolences to the family of #ShanePetzer,SWEAT and Sisonke.
Sex workers in Africa mourn with you and celebrate the extraordinary life of this remarkable person who devoted his life to being a very brave activist and passionate about the rights of sex workers.
Shane Petzer who had a sudden fatal heart attack on Tuesday night 5th Oct 2021 was a true inspiration to us as his fight for the protection of sex workers rights will be left to us to soldier on. He has left a legacy for us to protect and preserve the rights of sex workers for the future generations. ASWA commits itself to continue the struggle so that the rights of sex workers in Africa are respected, protected and promoted.
National coordinator of Sisonke and founding member of the National Sisonke Sex Worker Movement (Sisonke) Kholi Buthelezi said “He was a warrior and he also established an organisation that advocated for the rights and dignity of sex workers at a time when it was taboo to even talk about. He went the extra mile and played a big role in the journey of decriminalising sex work. More organisations have sprouted from his efforts.”
We have lost a key pillar for sex workers movement but the seeds he sowed will live forever. We shall all miss him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.