The growing popularity of live-sex shows is more a matter of male demand than by public demand, writes Stefaans Brummer
SECRETARY by day, live-sex stripper by night. Sometimes her boyfriend is in the audience. Says Jenny (25): It stimulates our sex life.
Jenny had little interest in the business a year ago. Then the owner of a Johannesburg club asked her to help out one night. I liked it and I stuck to it.
She says her strip shows contain what is asked of her, within the bounds of whats possible for me. Sex on stage with male volunteers from the audience is not a problem.
But she is the one who defines the act: I believe all the girls want to be in control. If you feel a man is going too far you will put an end to it. Usually they land up with a smack.
As far as the sex goes, its easier doing it with perfect strangers, she says. You use condoms. You have no feelings for the man. You accept him as your client.
But its not always easy. Any woman will probably feel a bit self-conscious with the many eyes watching you… When women watch, it makes me more self-conscious, especially when a woman and a man are together. The man is watching and the woman just sits next to him.
Jenny has kept her job as secretary and says she does not need the night income; she strips for fun. Many girls do it because they enjoy it, but others because they have small children (to support). Some have a regular income but it is not enough.
Jenny believes her shows make a small contribution to society. I stimulate people and their relationships become more open.
Josh manages one of Johannesburgs no-holds- barred strip clubs. He doesnt believe that many live-sex strippers enjoy their work.
Those who do it dont do it for long, he says. I dont see the same one again and again. They become self-conscious.
However, there are financial rewards. While a normal stripper earns between R150 and R200 a show, and an escort R200 for two hours, those who do sex on stage earn up to R300 a show — for less than an hours work.
Josh says live-sex shows took off in Johannesburg about two years ago. Four, five years ago you had only escort agencies. Then oil wrestling and that kind of thing started, but the guys got bored. One of these days we will be like a little Holland…
I wouldnt say it is by public demand; it is a matter of male demand. Every second guy who comes in here wants to know if there will be a sex show.
Josh maintains his shows are a democratic right. You can go where you want… Fifteen years ago many of these guys drove to Swaziland to see what they can now see in Johannesburg.
Josh says shows have become more daring and more clubs have sprung up, while police action has decreased. Two years ago his club was raided nine times in two months. Recently there have been no raids at his establishment.
He describes himself as basically conservative — he will not have his wife strip at the club — and says if the sex industry becomes unmanageable, police would be right to intervene.
I would like to see controlled red-light districts, but not every second house a knock shop.
His average clients profile is financially above average, a businessman, the type of person who is very discreet.
The club experimented with male stripping for women but the only ones who liked it were the girls who work here, so it was dropped.
Yet Josh has some female patrons. Its not only the men who watch when there are two people (having sex) on the floor. It doesnt please only the men.