South Africa LGBTIQ+ Rights Watch: September 2024

MambaOnline and OUT LGBT Well-being publish a monthly overview of reported LGBTIQ+ rights violations in South Africa, including hate speech. We also look at the status of cases making their way through the criminal justice system. Here is our summary for September 2024.

Murder of Lesbian Couple in KZN 

The brutal murder of a young lesbian couple, Nombulelo Bhixa (28) and Minenhle Ngcobo (22), in KwaZulu-Natal, allegedly by Ngcobo’s ex-boyfriend, reignited concerns about persistent hate crimes against South Africa’s LGBTIQ+ community. The couple were shot in Pietermaritzburg on 27 August, reportedly after the ex-boyfriend could not accept Ngcobo’s relationship with a woman. The Uthingo Network condemned the killings as a tragic reminder of deep-rooted homophobia in South Africa, particularly in rural areas where such crimes often go unreported. This incident follows two other deadly attacks on LGBTIQ+ individuals in August.

Renaldo Gouws and Roman Cabanac’s Homophobia Slammed

A resurfaced video of DA appointees Renaldo Gouws and Roman Cabanac sparked a backlash over their homophobic remarks. In the video, Cabanac expressed distaste for Queen’s Freddie Mercury due to his sexuality, suggesting that Mercury died “because of it.” Gouws laughed in response. The clip drew criticism on social media, with some calling out their casual homophobia, while others defended it as humour. The controversy followed Cabanac’s appointment as Chief of Staff for DA leader John Steenhuisen, despite previous accusations of racism and climate change denial. Gouws, a DA MP, also faced scrutiny for past racist and homophobic comments. (Both men were subsequently removed from their positions or asked to leave.)

Kimberley LGBTIQ+ Community Shaken by Murder of Gay Man

The LGBTIQ+ community in Kimberley was shocked by the suspected murder of Lazarus Ikaneng Thomas (50), known as “Pankie,” whose body was found in his shack in Galeshewe township on 7 September. Neighbours alerted authorities after noticing a foul odour. The shack was repertdly locked from the outside and it appeared Thomas may have been strangled. Concerns have been raised about the police investigation, with allegations of mishandling crucial evidence, including a delay in collecting Thomas’ severed hand and leaving the crime scene open. D’Gayle Diamonds, an LGBTIQ+ organisation, criticised the police’s lack of communication with the family and called for a thorough investigation to ensure justice.

Crisis of Deadly Anti-LGBTIQ+ Violence in Nelson Mandela Bay

The Nelson Mandela Bay area in South Africa saw a disturbing rise in anti-LGBTIQ+ violence, with five queer individuals murdered in just one month. OUT LGBT Well-being expressed deep concern, particularly as two victims were clients of its Engage Men’s Health project. The brutal killings included the stabbing of 32-year-old Xolani Xaka on 18 August, the shooting of Sipho Mahlinza, 27, on 1 September, and the tragic death of 35-year-old lesbian Nokuthula Veronica Bottoman, who was found stabbed and possibly raped on the same day. On 14 September, queer couple Siyasanga Mabulu, 39, and Abongile Mani, 23, were also shot dead in a targeted attack at a Gqeberha tavern.

OUT condemned the murders as devastating and instilling fear within Nelson Mandela Bay’s already marginalised LGBTIQ+ community. Sibonelo Ncanana, OUT’s Civil Society Engagement Officer, highlighted the uncertainty about whether the killings were coordinated or coincidental, but stressed the need for thorough investigations to ensure justice. The organisation called on authorities to determine if the murders qualify as hate crimes under South Africa’s new hate crimes legislation.

Soweto Pride Marked 20 Years 

Soweto Pride celebrated its 20th anniversary on 28 September 2024 at Dorothy Nyembe Park in Dobsonville, reaffirming its importance as a platform for LGBTIQ+ visibility and advocacy. Organised by the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW), the event included a vibrant march and a festival that brought together queer South Africans, their families, international diplomats, and LGBTIQ+ refugees from across Africa. Director of FEW, Jade Madingwane, emphasised the significance of hosting Pride during Heritage Month, underscoring that being queer and African are not mutually exclusive. Despite the celebrations, the event highlighted the growing violence against the community, with more than 13 suspected hate crime murders this year. Deputy Minister Steve Letsike joined the march, condemning the violence and urging greater protection for LGBTIQ+ people and refugees in South Africa. 

 

• Have you experienced or witnessed an LGBTIQ+ rights violation such as a hate crime, hate speech or any other kind of LGBTIQ+ discrimination in South Africa? If you’d like to bring it to the attention of the LGBTIQ+ community, email info@mambaonline.com. 
• If you need free support to uphold your LGBTIQ+ rights, please email OUT at report@out.org.za.
• Did you know you can lodge a complaint of unfair discrimination or hate speech (at no cost and without a lawyer), in the Equality Courts, which are located across South Africa? For more information, read OUT’s guide to using the Equality Courts.