HEADLINES
UCT Students Call For End to Deadnaming on Student IDs:
UCT students are calling on the university to end deadnaming on student IDs, saying the policy harms trans students’ dignity and safety.
Queer Film: Kiss of the Spider Woman is a Journey of Trans Discovery:
Kiss of the Spider Woman is more than a musical — it’s a celebration of trans identity, queer icons and the power of representation.
Progress at Last? South Africa’s Draft Hate Crimes Act Regulations Released:
After years of delay, SA’s hate crimes act regulations are open for comment. Here’s how they could affect LGBTQ+ safety and justice.
Justice Delayed Again: Missing Docket Halts Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi Murder Case:
The bail hearing in the murder of queer teen Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi was postponed again after officials failed to locate the case docket.
Kazakhstan: President Signs Repressive Russian-Style Anti-LGBTQ+ Law:
Kazakhstan’s president has approved a law restricting LGBTQ+ visibility, echoing Russia’s repressive propaganda ban and alarming activists.
Op-Ed: Nicki Minaj and the Tide of Transphobia – Thoughts by a (Former) Fan:
Former fan Malaika Delport examines Nicki Minaj’s transphobic turn and how it mirrors the growing alliance between pop culture and right-wing politics.
Chris Pappas, South Africa’s First Gay Mayor, Cleared of Corruption by Public Protector:
Chris Pappas has been formally cleared by the Public Protector, which found no evidence of corruption or nepotism against South Africa's first gay mayor.
The Ballroom Wave: Cape Town’s Atlantis Ball Recap:
Cape Town’s Atlantis themed Legacy Ball made waves with ocean-inspired looks, fierce competition, and ballroom excellence.
Eastern Cape Hate Crime Survivor Speaks Out: “My Whole World Just Turned Upside Down”:
Eastern Cape corrective rape survivor speaks out as bail is denied. The hate crime case against her alleged rapist continues in January 2026.
Features
In Pictures: Tropical Disko Turns Cape Town’s Inner City into a Queer Dance Floor: Disco balls, drag performances and dancing from
Opinion: When Power Puts Its Hands on a Child: There is a dangerous myth circulating freely in our communities: that conversion therapy happens only
Queer Stories That Defined 2025: MambaOnline’s Most-Read Articles: 2025 was a turbulent year for LGBTQ+ communities globally and in South Africa.
A Queer-Friendly Guide to Safe Holiday Romance & Dating: December in South Africa brings sunshine, long days, social events and, for many
Opinion: Addressing Africa’s Hostility Towards the LGBTQI+ Community: A 2025 report by the European Parliamentary Research Service revealed
In Pictures: Bearfest South Africa 2025 Celebrated Bear Pride in the Bush: Every December, SA’s bear community celebrates Bearfest South
South Africa LGBTIQ+ Rights Watch: November 2025: MambaOnline publishes a monthly overview of reported LGBTIQ+ rights violations in South Africa,
Home for the Holidays? Your LGBTQIA+ Holiday Survival Guide to Navigating Homophobic Family Dynamics: For many LGBTQIA+ people,
Opinion: From Awareness to Accountability – The Most Powerful 16 Days of Activism to Date: This year’s 16 Days of Activism
Culture
Queer Film: Kiss of the Spider Woman is a Journey of Trans Discovery: It says a lot when a film from the makers of Oscar sweepers like Chicago
Op-Ed: Nicki Minaj and the Tide of Transphobia – Thoughts by a (Former) Fan: Nicki Minaj’s recent public support for Donald Trump and
The Ballroom Wave: Cape Town’s Atlantis Ball Recap: On the 13th of December, Legacy Ball returned to Hearty Collective to give Cape Town the
In Pictures: Tropical Disko Turns Cape Town’s Inner City into a Queer Dance Floor: Disco balls, drag performances and dancing from
Limpopo’s Vukosi Mathye Crowned as Youngest Miss Drag South Africa: Tzaneen teen Vukosi Mathye took home the crown at the 2025 Miss Drag South
Watch: Crosby Jodwana and Sean Nhlapo – The Video Interview: MambaOnline recently sat down with Crosby Jodwana and Sean Nhlapo, crowned Cutest
Latest
UCT Students Call For End to Deadnaming on Student IDs
LGBTQIA+ student advocacy group RainbowUCT is leading a campaign urging the University
Posted by Malaika Delport 0 Comments
Queer Film: Kiss of the Spider Woman is a Journey of Trans Discovery
It says a lot when a film from the makers of Oscar sweepers like Chicago
Posted by Angelo C Louw 0 Comments
Progress at Last? South Africa’s Draft Hate Crimes Act Regulations Released
After years of delay, the Department of Justice and Constitutional
Posted by Luiz De Barros 0 Comments
Justice Delayed Again: Missing Docket Halts Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi Murder Case
There’s deep frustration as the bail hearing of the
Posted by Malaika Delport 0 Comments
