#RespekTheDoek: The headscarf is back with a bang in South Africa

The headscarf is having a bit of a “moment” in South Africa right now. Get on social media and you’re likely to run into the hashtag #RespekTheDoek. It was coined – with a nod to American rapper Birdman – to support eNCA journalist Nontobeko Sibisi after a three-minute story she did for the television network was pulled because she was wearing a headscarf (or doek in Afrikaans) for nine seconds.

But it has now gone beyond just showing solidarity with the eNCA reporter. As one recent BBC story put it, South African women are “reclaiming” the doek. Reclaiming, is the right word for it too. This is because, for a casual accessory, the doek has traditionally occupied a tricky place in South Africa. Worn by older, married women it’s seen as a symbol that one is a matriarch. (Think African Union Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma). On the other hand, when it’s worn by a domestic worker, it’s seen as connoting their place in the home. (Think of Miriam Makeba’s terrific turn in Sarafina).

Younger people haven’t always embraced the doek. From the photos on social media however, it looks like that is changing and fast.

https://twitter.com/AliciaJali/status/740481484558077952

@iTsietsi But look at my girls though 😍 #RespekTheDoek pic.twitter.com/KBQsLpWgPC

— Lekwaisang (@Motso187) June 3, 2016

As my mom would say, 'Soso is so beautiful'. "@Soso_Oros: #RespekTheDoek 😊 pic.twitter.com/YlL5zHBhq1"

— Tlotlo 🦋 (@Sbitlow) June 6, 2016

#RespekTheDoek #DoekForNonto they never loved us😦 pic.twitter.com/UBMnnfHakj

— Talitha Ndima (@talinolu) June 5, 2016

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#respekthedoek
Rhodes Journalism student.
Policing of women must fall. pic.twitter.com/VeUoHv2tO1

— HayYiFilim (@aahtea) June 3, 2016

…for a casual accessory, the doek has traditionally occupied a tricky place in South Africa

African queens

As the BBC story also noted, part of what explains the rise in the popularity of the doek in South Africa is a general trend in which younger people are embracing their identity as Africans and celebrating their blackness also known as “Queening”.

#RespekTheDoek @Boity we done being apologetic 🙌🙌🙌. Crown in place Kgošigadi 😃. Now Reign 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/QCzMoZoEqG

— Kgwerano M (@LaikaMKG) June 3, 2016

#RespekTheDoek
Queening this Friday! pic.twitter.com/ebIwWHF7xJ

— Nkhensa Mavundza (@NkhensaMavundza) June 3, 2016

Today at work as we show some support for Nonto #Respekthedoek #DoekForNonto ; we are Africans.. pic.twitter.com/8y3Adj7AVQ

— Sinenhlanhla (@Sinekekane) June 3, 2016

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Nothing but respek (hat tip Birdman) for the African queens who are wearing their doeks with pride. Africa needs more of you.