If Homophobic attacks of this nature happen around the country numerously and never make front page news, does that tell you that we live in society that is truly against such barbaric acts of hate crime? Does it tell you that every South African is willing to enter into the discourse of Diversity, Equality and Humanity?

How does an organisation meant to deal with such inhumane acts of hate crime not meet in about a year as if hate crimes suddenly stopped for a recess? Have the members of the Rapid Response Team been getting their salaries? Knowing government, definitely.

It is good to see that some LGBTI orientated organisations are still pulling their weight and the actions that individuals took to get to the bottom of this matter is commendable. However, we cannot wait for such isolated incidents to happen before activism happens. We need Activism and strongly; and no, Pride is not activism. Not any more at least. What Pride is, to me, is the government pleasing the LGBTI+ community by allowing the marches (or parties rather) to happen and a way for some enterprises to make money. That is why when a LGBTI organisation at University of Johannesburg tells me ” we go to all Prides ” in an attempt to get me to join it, I do not join.

We do not need Pride as the LGBTI+ community, we need platforms (real platforms) to raise awareness, we need Action to be taken when acts of Hate Crime happen, we need justice for minorities in South Africa and we need National support to do this. We need real representation in Media. This incident shakes the reality of the South Africa we think we live in. We need to do more, as a country, than bleat about a Constitution that does reflect society.
Homophobia Must Fall!