The Year That Was: MambaOnline’s 15 Most-Read Queer Stories of 2024
2024 was a year of both progress and tragedy for the LGBTIQ+ community, in South Africa and across the world.
From landmark victories to devastating hate crime murders, these stories captured the hearts and minds of our readers. The year was marked by rising visibility, historical achievements, growing resistance to transgender rights, and the ongoing struggle against queerphobia. These stories have set the stage for both celebration and deep reflection on the path toward a more inclusive future.
These are MambaOnline’s top 15 most-read articles of 2024.
15. The Senseless Murder of Trans Woman Clement Hadebe Led to Victim-Blaming
In August, the tragic murder of 22-year-old transgender woman Clement Hadebe in Johannesburg saw transphobic and inaccurate reports going viral on social media about the circumstances of her death. Clement’s friend, Sasha, clarified that Clement was killed after a night out, following a visit to a pub with friends. She left the venue alone in the early hours of the morning and was later found shot and unresponsive a few streets away. No arrests were made, and the motive remains unclear. OUT LGBT Well-being condemned the victim-blaming media coverage, emphasising that there can be no justification for violence against LGBTIQ+ individuals.
14. President Ramaphosa Signed the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill
In May, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill into law, a historic step after nearly two decades of advocacy. The law, which criminalises hate crimes and hate speech for the first time in South Africa, aims to prevent offences motivated by prejudice or intolerance, including those based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, and religion. The legislation also establishes enforcement measures and data collection on hate crimes. While it excludes academic, artistic, and religious expression done in good faith, it was welcomed by rights groups in the hope it will reduce hate crimes against the LGBTIQ+ community.
13. Paris Olympics: History Made as Drag Queens Carry Olympic Torch
Three French drag queens — Minima Gesté, Miss Martini, and Nicky Doll — made history by proudly carrying the Olympic torch ahead of the 2024 Paris Games. Nicky Doll shared her torch-bearing experience on Instagram, using the platform to advocate for peace and social justice. Minima Gesté, despite facing queerphobic hate, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to convey a positive image of the LGBTIQ+ community. Miss Martini emphasised the Olympic values of openness and inclusion. Their participation highlighted the growing visibility of LGBTIQ+ representation in the Olympic Games. While almost 200 out LGBTIQ+ athletes competed in the Paris Games, the event saw a queerphobic backlash against the inclusive opening ceremony and the participation of Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif, who was falsely labelled as transgender.
12. Hate Crime Murder of Gay 21-Year-Old Diego Jacobs in Cape Town
In February, the tragic murder of 21-year-old Diego Jacobs, a gay man who was fatally stabbed in a suspected hate crime, made headlines. Jacobs was killed in Delft, Cape Town, after encountering a former neighbour who had harassed him for his queer identity. Despite attempting to avoid the confrontation, Jacobs was attacked with a knife and succumbed to his injuries in the arms of a friend. The suspect was arrested while Jacobs’ family and Cape Town’s queer community mourned his loss, demanding justice for his death. Tragically, 2024 went on to record more than 12 other LGBTIQ+ murders in South Africa, suspected to have been queer-phobic hate crimes.
11. Grindr Came Face-to-Face with SA Grindr Gang Attack Survivors
In February, Grindr representatives met with South African survivors of the so-called Grindr Gang syndicate. These criminals use dating apps, most commonly Grindr, to lure LGBTIQ+ individuals into abductions, assaults, and extortion. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences of kidnapping, torture, and even murder, shedding light on the scale of the crisis. Many expressed frustration over police incompetence and inaction, with some alleging collusion between law enforcement and criminals. While the meeting provided catharsis for some, others criticised the company for delayed action and insufficient safety improvements. Unfortunately, cases continued to mount throughout 2024, with seemingly little progress made by Grindr in making its platform more secure.
10. Religious Groups Fueled Trans Panic Over SA Schools’ “Transgender Ideology”
In March, conservative South African religious groups fueled fear and panic among parents by falsely claiming that the Department of Basic Education’s Early Childhood Education Gender Responsive Pedagogy toolkit aimed to “indoctrinate” children with “transgender ideology.” The toolkit, designed to promote gender equality and challenge harmful stereotypes in early childhood development, faced fierce opposition from groups like FOR SA, which alleged it conflicted with traditional parental values. Critics of the toolkit used inflammatory rhetoric, branding the initiative as “demonic” and “satanic,” despite the department clarifying that it simply sought to create inclusive, stereotype-free learning environments guided by constitutional values.
9. Anastasia K Boney, The First Trans Miss Drag South Africa
In a joyful moment, Anastasia K Boney, a police constable from Springbok, Northern Cape, made history as the first transgender woman to win the Miss Drag South Africa title. Crowned at a gala in Cape Town in May, Boney impressed judges with her queer talk show celebrating LGBTIQ+ storytelling. She highlighted the importance of trans women taking up space in social activities and beauty pageants, aiming to foster acceptance and representation. Boney, who overcame challenges in the South African Police Service by educating her colleagues about LGBTIQ+ issues, described the victory as a milestone for her community and her province.
8. SA Groups Urged SA Government to Condemn Ghana Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill
In March, more than 20 South African LGBTIQ+ organisations condemned Ghana’s oppressive Anti-LGBTQ+ bill (the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill) in a joint statement, urging South Africa’s government to denounce the appalling legislation. The organisations described the bill as a gross violation of human rights, Ghana’s constitution, and democratic principles, calling for solidarity with LGBTQ+ Ghanaians and decisive action against rising homophobia and transphobia across Africa. Sadly, the South African government neither responded to the statement nor publicly condemned the legislation. In April, the government was again called out for its silence on LGBTIQ+ abuses on the African continent. Ghana’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill has yet to be signed into law by the country’s president.
7. Mr Gay World vs Louw Breytenbach Defamation Case Dismissed
In April, the Pretoria High Court dismissed the high-profile defamation case brought by the then-owners of Mr Gay World against former titleholder Louw Breytenbach on technical grounds. Breytenbach, who resigned as Mr Gay World in 2021 after accusing the organisers of imposing an “unconstitutional and opaque” contract and misusing his image, faced legal action for defamation and damages. Acting Judge Mervyn Rip ruled that procedural flaws invalidated the case but did not address its merits, awarding costs against Mr Gay World. Breytenbach and his publicist, Gavin Prins, celebrated the outcome as a victory for freedom of expression. The organisers responded by maintaining that the statements made by Breytenbach and Prins were false and defamatory, “and it’s evident that the court did not find otherwise”.
6. Steve Letsike was Sworn in as South African MP
Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, a renowned South African LGBTIQ+ and HIV rights activist, made history by being sworn in as an out and proud Member of Parliament for the ANC during International Pride Month in June, marking a milestone in South African LGBTIQ+ representation. Letsike has had a trailblazing career advocating for human rights, democracy, and equality. Her appointment was widely celebrated by members of the LGBTIQ+ community, activists and organisations, who hailed her as a symbol of progress and a powerful voice for marginalised communities. A few days later, Letsike was also appointed Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
5. Potch Student Suspended for Disrupting LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Orientation
Shaun Christie, a final-year law student at North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus, made headlines in February when he was suspended after disrupting an LGBTIQ-inclusive first-year orientation programme, accusing the university of forcing an LGBTIQ+ “agenda” on students. His actions received support from the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), which accused NWU of infringing on the student’s religious rights. NWU defended the programme as essential for fostering diversity and stated that Christie’s behaviour violated the rights of others.
4. The Murder of Carlos Fernandes, Angola’s LGBTIQ+ Pioneer
The Angolan queer community was devastated by the murder of Carlos Fernandes, the trailblazing founder and director of Associação Íris Angola, the country’s first registered LGBTIQ+ organisation. Fernandes’ body was found in his Luanda home on 26 February, with authorities investigating asphyxiation as the cause. His death followed another suspicious case involving an LGBTIQ+ lawyer, sparking fears of targeted violence. A vigil in Fernandes’ honour was marred by homophobic attacks at his funeral, though no serious injuries were reported. The murder remains unsolved.
3. 2024 Cape Town Pride Parade In Pictures
Our most viewed image gallery of 2024 documented the joy and vibrancy of the annual Cape Town Pride Parade, one of the largest Pride events on the continent, held in Cape Town since 1993. The procession, a riot of rainbow colours, kicked off in the De Waterkant area on March 2nd and was led by the 2024 Mr and Miss Cape Town Pride titleholders. The marchers paused briefly for the official ribbon cutting and launch of the city’s Rainbow Crossing, before continuing to the Green Point A Track for the Cape Town Pride Mardi Gras celebrations.
2. Pietermaritzburg Auto Shop Denied Shocking Anti-LGBTQ Sign
In March, a Pietermaritzburg car parts shop sparked outrage after a sign allegedly denying service to LGBTQ+ individuals was photographed inside the store. The sign, featuring anti-LGBTQ+ imagery and language, was exposed by an Uthingo Network staff member. The shop’s owner, Sulaiman Docrat, denied the sign’s existence and claimed his business does not discriminate (despite admittedly opposing LGBTQ+ rights). Conflicting statements from staff and the subsequent removal of the sign added to the controversy. The incident followed two stores in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape placing similar discriminatory signs targeting the LGBTQ+ community in 2023.
1. Jacob Zuma Vowed to Reverse Same-Sex Marriage Rights in South Africa
Our most-read story of 2024 – a landmark election year for South Africa and the country’s 30th anniversary of the dawn of democracy – revolved around one of the nation’s most contentious figures, former President Jacob Zuma. He caused controversy early in the year by questioning the legitimacy of South Africa’s same-sex marriage laws, calling them “undemocratic” at a campaign rally for his then-fledgling uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. Zuma, who has a history of homophobic remarks, suggested he would support repealing these laws if his party won the elections. A few months later, the queer community was further appalled when MK began to sell LGBTIQ-themed merchandise in a bizarre bid to appeal to rainbow voters. The party went on to win substantial support in the general elections in May, becoming the third-largest party in Parliament.
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