Lea was born inter-sexed and was raised as a girl. By the time Lea turned 15, she had not started menstruating and instead started growing facial hair. After attempting to hide this physical development from her parents, fellow learners and teachers, Lea's mother entered Lea's bedroom unexpectedly and discovered her secret. After consulting with their doctor, the family moved to another city and enrolled Lea in a private school as a male learner named 'Lee'.

The family doctor wrote a letter to the school informing them that Lee had a physical condition that prevented 'him' from participating in sport or physical education (P.E). From 16 to 18 years of age, Lee lived as a male and received counselling from a psychiatrist to assist him in his transition. Once Lee graduated, he together with the help of his parents and his psychiatrist, approached a well-known surgeon to explore gender realignment surgery. The year is 1974.

Your answer must include an explanation of the following:

1. What sexual realignment surgery means.

2. The legal position regarding sexual realignment surgery in 1974.

3. What the practical implications of W v W 1976 (2) SA 308 (W) were for

persons requiring sexual realignment surgery.

Ten marks will be allocated for the explanation. Five marks will be allocated for skill.