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OPINION | Reverend Nokuthula Dhladhla: We are witnessing an LGBTIQ+ massacre in SA
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We do not know how many LGBTQ people are violently attacked or murdered in South Africa each year in homophobic or transphobic hate crimes. The South African Police Service (SAPS) does not keep statistics on hate crimes, and even if it did, many homophobic and transphobic hate crimes would not be classified as such because of the reluctance of the authorities to acknowledge the homophobic and transphobic motivation behind many of these attacks. (Similarly, authorities seem to be reluctant to acknowledge that attacks on many foreigners are fuelled by xenophobia.)
We do know that several LGBTQ individuals have been brutally murdered over the past few weeks because some news outlets have reported on at least some of these murders. The victims include Bonang Gaele, Nonhlanhla Kunene, Sphamandla Khoza, Nathaniel “SpokGoane” Mbele, Andile “Lulu” Nthuthela, Lonwabo Jack, Buhle Phoswa and Lucky Kleinboy Motshabi. These murders sparked nationwide protests from some members of the
‘Hear Our Cry’: South Africa s LGBTQ+ Activists Demand Action Amid Homophobic Attacks
President Ramaphosa condemned recent violence on Freedom Day, but activists say it s not enough.
Why Global Citizens Should Care
LGBTQ+ communities globally face stigma, prejudice, and violence every day around the world. In the mission to achieve the UN s Global Goals and end extreme poverty, the world is held back from progress while communities continue to be marginalised. Join the movement by taking action here to help end discrimination and violence, and achieve equality.
As South Africa celebrated Freedom Day this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa used the opportunity of his national address to call on South Africans to condemn homophobia, after a spate of homophobic murders rocked the country and sparked nationwide protests.