South Africa LGBTIQ+ Rights Watch: July 2025
MambaOnline publishes a monthly overview of reported LGBTIQ+ rights violations in South Africa, including hate speech, hate crimes and other incidents of discrimination.
We also look at the status of cases making their way through the criminal justice system and related human rights developments.
Here is our summary for July 2025.
Limpopo Gay Man Survives Brutal Suspected Hate Crime Rape
A 24-year-old gay man from Limpopo was brutally beaten and raped twice in a suspected hate crime after being harassed about his sexuality by two men. One suspect was arrested and charged with rape, while the second remains at large. Activists have criticised police for an initially slow response, alleging action was only taken after intervention from local LGBTQ+ advocates. The survivor was left traumatised and fearful, with community members convinced he was targeted because of his identity. Local activists have condemned the attack as an affront to human dignity and equality.
Equality Court Case on Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Prisoner
An Equality Court case is testing whether South African prisons must provide gender-affirming healthcare, including hormone therapy, to inmates. NM, a transgender woman serving a life sentence in Johannesburg, alleges ongoing unfair discrimination, harassment, and denial of gender expression by prison officials, in violation of constitutional and international human rights standards. She seeks an order recognising her right to express her gender identity, receive hormone therapy, and be housed with prisoners of the same gender identity. The Department of Correctional Services disputes her claims, arguing resource constraints and denying that gender-affirming care forms part of prisons’ primary healthcare obligations.
Equality Court Hears SAHRC Hate Speech Case Against Gqeberha Business Owner
The Equality Court in Gqeberha heard arguments in the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) case against Dawood Lagardien, accused of hate speech, harassment, and unfair discrimination after displaying a sign outside his shop in 2023 declaring “LGBTIQ not welcome at La Gardi, save our children” and creating an anti-LGBTQ+ WhatsApp group. The SAHRC argues this incited hatred and fear against the LGBTIQ+ community, while Lagardien claims religious freedom protects his right to oppose same-sex relationships. Both parties will submit final written arguments in August, with the judgment expected to set an important precedent on the limits of religious expression in cases of anti-LGBTIQ+ hate speech.
Call For Accountability from National Task Team on LGBTIQ+ Violence
A petition has challenged South Africa’s National Task Team (NTT) on SOGIESC Matters to improve transparency, public accountability, and effectiveness in addressing violence and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people. Activist Orthalia Kunene initiated the call after finding limited public data on the NTT’s work, budget, or hate crime monitoring, and amid concerns over its limited visibility in communities. The petition urges the appointment of a long-vacant civil society co-chair, public reporting on activities and resources, inclusion of same-sex intimate partner violence in GBV frameworks, and decisive implementation of the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act. The Department of Justice confirmed the NTT’s broadened mandate but acknowledged challenges such as poor public awareness, uneven provincial representation, and limited resources.
Marriage Bill Hearings Marred by anti-LGBTIQ Hate Speech
During public hearings on South Africa’s new Marriage Bill in Welkom, queer MP Palomino Jama reported facing dehumanising and derogatory remarks, including hearing queer love described as “unnatural.” Parliamentary translators also refused to use the LGBTIQ acronym, instead referring to the community as “that thing.” Jama condemned the comments as hate speech disguised as opinion, stressing that equality and dignity are constitutional rights and cannot be undermined by cultural or religious beliefs. Committee Chairperson Hon Mosa Chabane intervened to state that such language borders on hate speech and is unacceptable in democratic processes.
Charges Withdrawn in Murder of LGBTQ+ Teen Likhona Fose
The case of 14-year-old Likhona Fose, whose brutal killing in Roodepoort in June sparked national outrage and was suspected to be a hate crime, suffered a major setback. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withdrew charges against the sole accused, Mduduzi Mnisi, after new witness statements and verified phone data supported his alibi, contradicting earlier evidence linking him to the crime. The NPA said that the investigation remains ongoing. Likhona, who her family said identified as LGBTQ+, was found mutilated, raising fears of a targeted hate crime or ritual killing. The withdrawal of charges has left her family and the community without answers and renewed concerns about justice for queer victims of violence.
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. We will refer survivors to community groups that can provide support.
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