MambaOnline publishes a monthly overview of reported LGBTIQ+ rights violations in South Africa, including hate speech, hate crimes and other forms of discrimination.
We also track the progress of cases through the criminal justice system and highlight key human rights developments. While we aim to be as comprehensive as possible, many incidents go unreported or are not identified as hate crimes.
Below is our summary for February 2026.
Same-Sex Marriage Under Fire at Marriage Bill Hearing
Nearly two decades after marriage equality was legalised in South Africa, vehement opposition to same-sex marriage was expressed by community members and religious figures at a public hearing on the proposed new Marriage Bill in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. Speakers at the packed meeting called for the removal of same-sex unions from the Bill, and some used discriminatory language towards the LGBTQ+ community. Lesbian activist Zaheeda Munyai challenged these views, condemning the derogatory remarks and warning that discrimination against LGBTQ+ people remained widespread in the area. The proposed legislation, which seeks to merge and simplify existing marriage laws, has undergone extensive public consultations around the country, concluding in Limpopo.
Brutal Killing of Queer KwaZulu-Natal Teen Shana Mzobe
The brutal killing of 19-year-old openly queer teen Sbongimpilo “Shana” Mzobe in the Msunduzi area of KwaZulu-Natal shocked the local community after his body was discovered under a bridge on 25 January 2026. Mzobe was found with severe injuries, including broken arms and mutilated genitalia. A murder case was opened at the Msunduzi Police Station; however, at the time of reporting, no arrests had been made, and the victim’s family and friends expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of urgency from authorities. While the motive remained unclear and community members differed on whether the attack was linked to Mzobe’s sexual orientation, the killing underscored concerns about violence and the vulnerability of queer people in South Africa.
Big Brother Mzansi Criticised Over Transphobic Remarks
Transgender reality TV contestant Ilano Sky faced transphobic harassment on the show Big Brother Mzansi after fellow housemates Thandeka and Ramona questioned her gender identity and made derogatory remarks. The comments sparked widespread backlash from viewers, LGBTQ+ advocates, and public figures, while social media also saw a wave of transphobic posts misgendering Ilano. Following mounting criticism and a petition demanding Thandeka’s eviction, the show’s producers ultimately took disciplinary action by issuing strikes to both housemates for violating rules on respect, identity and dignity. The incident raised concerns about the duty of care owed to transgender participants on reality television.
Johannesburg Grindr Gang Trial Continued
The trial of seven men accused in the so-called “Grindr Gang 7” case continued in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court. They face charges of kidnapping, extortion, attempted murder and theft linked to the alleged abduction and assault of a Wits University student lured through the dating app Grindr. The victim was held captive at a Denver hostel in September 2023 and used in ransom demands sent to his family. During proceedings, the lead investigating officer rejected defence claims that police had assaulted the accused during their arrests, while also confirming that the victim had been found injured and unresponsive when police arrived. Several of the accused denied involvement and alleged police misconduct, which the investigator disputed. The case highlighted the phenomenon of violent crimes targeting LGBTQ+ people through dating apps in South Africa. The trial resumes in May.
Lack of Progress in Imam Muhsin Hendricks’ Murder Case
February 15 marked a year since the assassination of openly gay imam and LGBTQ+ activist Muhsin Hendricks in Gqeberha in 2025. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains unresolved, raising serious concerns within the LGBTQ+ community about accountability and safety. Hendricks, a prominent advocate for queer Muslims and founder of the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, was shot dead in a targeted attack captured on video, yet authorities reported that the case was still awaiting forensic and specialist reports. His organisation also criticised the lack of communication from law enforcement and government bodies. While the National Task Team on Gender and Sexual Orientation-Based Violence said it was monitoring the matter, the continued absence of arrests or significant updates intensified fears of impunity in cases involving violence against LGBTQ+ people.
Trans Health Experts Push Back on Youth Care Opposition in South Africa
The issue of gender-affirming healthcare for transgender and non-binary youth was again highlighted after the Professional Association for Transgender Health South Africa (PATHSA) published an article defending evidence-based, non-discriminatory care. This was in response to criticism from the advocacy group First Do No Harm South Africa (FDNHSA), which questioned treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy and cited controversial international research. The group condemned the South African Society of Psychiatrists for issuing guidelines supporting a patient-centred approach to treating transgender youth. PATHSA rejected this criticism, arguing that FDNHSA’s claims relied on contested sources and that gender-affirming care aligns with international medical standards and South Africa’s constitutional protections of dignity, bodily autonomy and freedom from discrimination.
Alleged Humiliation of LGBTQ+ Learners at East Rand High School
Allegations of discrimination against LGBTQ+ learners emerged at a high school in Benoni after eight students were reportedly publicly humiliated by the school principal over their choice to wear trousers instead of skirts. According to activists and parents, the learners were allegedly forced to remove their clothing and wear old, donated dresses in front of others, causing significant emotional distress. The incident prompted intervention from community advocates and a meeting with officials from the Gauteng Department of Education, which confirmed that an official investigation into the principal’s conduct had been launched.
NPA Refuse to Prosecute Ngizwe Mchunu LGBTQIA+ Hate Case
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) declined to pursue criminal charges against former radio host Ngizwe Mchunu over his anti-LGBTQIA+ remarks and actions, prompting anger from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. The complaint concerned viral videos in which Mchunu said he “hates” gay people and mobilised supporters to confront queer patrons at Johannesburg’s Kwa Mai Mai Market. This includes alleged hate speech, intimidation and incitement to violence. Prosecutors stated that the matter had stronger prospects of success in civil proceedings rather than criminal court, a decision activists criticised as premature. While the criminal case was closed, related civil proceedings remained active in the Equality Court, which had already issued an interim order prohibiting Mchunu from engaging in anti-LGBTQIA+ speech or activities.
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.
