South Africa LGBTIQ+ Rights Watch: October 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 and other human rights developments.

Here is our summary for October 2024.

Queer Kairos Document Takes on Religious Queerphobia

In response to the Southern African Anglican Church’s recent rejection of same-sex unions, the Queer Kairos Document: A Call to Justice, Transformation and Love in Southern African Churches and Beyond, authored by Professor Sarojini Nadar, was published. It challenges churches to dismantle queerphobia and embrace inclusive theology. Inspired by the historic 1985 Kairos Document against apartheid, this new manifesto urges churches to reject patriarchal and heteronormative doctrines. It demands an end to the church’s exclusion of LGBTIQ+ people, equating this marginalisation to systemic violence. The document calls for affirming same-sex unions, providing pastoral care for queer individuals, and embracing a theology of liberation that centres justice, intersectionality, and transformative love. • Read more

Court Proceedings Advance in Lesbian Rape Case

The Pretoria Magistrates Court held multiple hearings in October concerning the case of a lesbian woman who was raped in 2020 as a minor. Access Chapter 2 (AC2), an organisation monitoring the proceedings, praised the thorough and professional handling of evidence and witness testimonies. The case has been postponed to allow for additional investigation and deliberation. AC2 reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice is served and will continue to oversee the process. The suspect, who denies the charges, remains in custody as the legal process unfolds.

Petition Demands Evidence-Based Support for Trans and Gender-Diverse Youth in South Africa

A petition, initiated by Cape Town psychologist Jenna-Lee de Beer-Procter, was launched calling for urgent evidence-based care and support for transgender and gender-diverse youth in South Africa. Signed by over 2,000 individuals, including 150 professionals and activists, it advocates for access to healthcare, psychological services, and safe spaces, highlighting the constitutional rights to dignity and equality. The petition condemns harmful stereotypes and anti-gender rhetoric, urging the government and society to prioritise compassion and inclusivity. • Read more

Gay Man Alleges Workplace Discrimination

OUT LGBT Well-being received a report from a gay man in Johannesburg alleging workplace discrimination due to his sexual orientation. The individual claimed he was deliberately excluded from opportunities provided to his colleagues, despite successfully completing relevant tests. He further stated that he has never felt welcomed within the company and is frequently excluded from organisational developments. Attempts to address his concerns internally were reportedly unsuccessful. OUT is working with the individual to provide support and explore ways to assist him in addressing these issues.

Parents Protest Church Silence on LGBTIQ+ Violence

At the South African Council of Churches’ Triennial National Conference, parents and families of LGBTIQ+ individuals staged a silent protest on 17 October 2024, demanding action against ongoing violence targeting the queer community. Representing organisations Lerato la Basadi and Parents, Families and Friends of South African Queers, the protesters highlighted the council’s failure to follow through on its 2017 resolution condemning such violence. Holding placards advocating for the inclusion and affirmation of queer children, they shared their pain and called for accountability. While SACC leaders engaged briefly with the group, activists criticised the council’s lack of tangible action, arguing that its historical commitment to justice must extend to LGBTIQ+ individuals and their families. • Read more

Cape Town Grindr Gang Case Delayed Amid Justice System Concerns

The trial of three men accused of using Grindr to kidnap and extort queer men in Cape Town was delayed again, raising questions about justice system inefficiencies. The postponement followed the absence of a Zulu translator, reportedly due to a lack of payment by the Department of Justice. The suspects — Mlungisi Mbuthu, Bongani Zulu, and Zwelakhe Ngwenya — allegedly lured victims into fake dates, then kidnapped, assaulted, and robbed them. The trio was arrested in June after allegedly targeting a 50-year-old man in Woodstock using the app. Several other victims have since come forward. The suspects face charges of kidnapping, extortion, cybercrime, and money laundering charges. Authorities link the men to a national syndicate targeting queer individuals, urging caution when using dating apps. • Read more

Victims of Hate Crimes Honoured at Johannesburg Pride

At the 35th Johannesburg Pride, OUT LGBT Well-being honoured 13 known LGBTIQ+ victims of suspected hate crimes in South Africa. Amid the celebratory atmosphere, the organisation displayed placards featuring victims’ names, photos, and details of their deaths, serving as a poignant reminder of ongoing violence against the community. OUT’s Civil Society Engagement Officer, Sibonelo Ncanana, highlighted the need to acknowledge these lives amidst Pride celebrations, especially for those in vulnerable rural areas. The campaign, which continues online and at future events, seeks to ensure these victims are remembered and to amplify awareness of hate crimes against LGBTIQ+ individuals. • Read more

 

• 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.