Cape Town – The ANC voiced moral outrage on Wednesday about the imminent opening of a sex shop across the road from Parliament’s side entrance.

ANC Chief Whip Stone Sizani’s office noted “with grave concern the re-emerging of the adult shop that trades in pornographic material in front of the buildings of Parliament on Plein Street in Cape Town”.

A branch of Adult World has moved in between two fast-food restaurants, Shah’s and The Entertainer, both frequented by politicians and parliamentary officials.

It has yet to open, but a sign on the door indicates it will trade seven days a week. From Mondays to Saturdays, it will be open until 22:00 and on Sundays until 20:00.

The group tried to open a branch on the same street in 2004, but met sustained opposition, spearheaded by ANC MP Patrick Chauke.

Sizani’s office said it would take legal advice on the lawfulness of such a shop operating close to the legislature, and called on the city council, run by the DA, to explain why it was granted a licence.

His spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said its proximity might discourage people from visiting Parliament.

“Since 1994 this Parliament has transformed into an open and accessible institution which daily welcomes scores of people from all walks of life – including schoolchildren, religious communities and tourists.

“Having stores of this nature next to Parliament may offend certain people’s moral sensibilities or belief systems and discourage them from visiting Parliament.”

Parliament’s spokesperson Luzuko Jacobs said the shop had not been discussed by the legislature’s staff.

Adult World’s CEO Francois Joubert declined to comment.
SAPA