Three of my most respected South African performers are men who wear dresses ... and one of them could be our first female president! Nope, I'm not claiming that Phumzile is a melodramatic transvestite performer (who knows?). I do however refer to the outrageous campaign being embarked on by one of my favourite "ladies". A little about them:

1. Nataniël. Singer/songwriter/producer. He emerged in 1987 ... whoa, let me stop there! Let's agree that the '80s in South Africa were ultra-conservative times: besides trying to ward off the threat of civil war in response to Apartheid, it was also a time in which morality, technology and sexual identity were fighting for their own space, especially in the Afrikaner community. So, being an Afrikaans man and prancing around on stage in women's clothing was tantamount to betrayal (and a living death wish in some cases). Adding to this broth(el) was Nataniëls husky, come-to-bed voice ... a big no-no in the eyes of fathers who wanted their sons to be "real" men. Since then he has been one of South Africa's most prolific performers. While his shows and style are now more widely accepted, he still represents a part of South African conservative background. I try and get to each of his annual shows (latest one here).

2. Chris Chameloen . Singer/songwriter. As the front man of one of South Africa's most progressive bands Boo!, he flaunted a bass guitar and dress like a promiscuous banshee. Today however, he has lost the dress and follows (what some would argue is) a more mainline musical path as a highly influential musician.Easily the most talented musician in the country. I sincerely recommend listening to his recent work.

3. And then there's our dear old Evita Bezuidenhout (Pieter Dirk Uys). The former South African ambassadress to Bapetikosweti who spoke out boldly against our archaic political leaders (and especially her favourite, the late PW Botha) who is now launching her own presidential campaign to replace Mbeki in 2009. No jokes. Entirely possible in my mind!

I remember approaching the voting booth in 2004 and receiving a ballot paper with roughly 30 candidates for president (including the KISS Party and one who had as their manifesto the legalisation of marijuana).

Evita for President!