Step-by-step explanation:
The Constitution: The South African Constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender. The Constitution sets out the rights of all citizens, including the right to equality, human dignity, and freedom from discrimination. The Bill of Rights, which is included in the Constitution, specifically states that everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.
Legislation: There are several pieces of legislation in South Africa that prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender. These include the Employment Equity Act, the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, and the Constitution. These laws require employers to create equal opportunities for men and women, and prohibit any form of discrimination based on gender.
International Obligations: South Africa is also a signatory to several international agreements and conventions that require it to take action to prevent discrimination on the basis of gender. These include the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which South Africa ratified in 1995. As a signatory, South Africa is required to take steps to eliminate discrimination against women and promote gender equality.
Overall, discrimination against gender is illegal in South Africa because it goes against the principles of equality, human dignity, and freedom from discrimination that are enshrined in the Constitution. Additionally, legislation and international agreements require the government to take action to prevent gender-based discrimination and promote gender equality.