Activists gathered in Gqeberha on Tuesday to mark Transgender Day of Visibility by calling for stronger protections and greater inclusion for transgender people in Nelson Mandela Bay.
During a peaceful gathering at Vuyisile Mini Square outside City Hall, Nelson Mandela Bay Pride (NMBPride) formally handed over a Memorandum of Demands to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, urging local government to take concrete steps to address discrimination, violence, and barriers to services faced by transgender residents.
The memorandum highlights ongoing challenges affecting transgender people in the metro, including harassment, exclusion, and difficulties accessing essential services. NMBPride says these issues undermine the constitutional rights to equality, dignity, and safety.
“Visibility must be matched with protection and meaningful action,” the organisation said in the memorandum addressed to the Executive Mayor.
Calls for action from the municipality
The document outlines several key demands aimed at improving the safety and inclusion of transgender people in the metro.
Among them is a call for the municipality to issue a public statement condemning violence and discrimination against transgender persons, and to clearly affirm its support for LGBTQIA+ equality.
NMBPride also urged the municipality to ensure that transgender people are treated with dignity and respect at all municipal facilities, and to address discrimination within municipal departments.
Another major demand is the introduction of mandatory LGBTQIA+ sensitivity training for municipal staff and safety personnel within six months.
The organisation further called for measures to improve safety in public spaces and to support community initiatives that promote inclusive and welcoming environments for transgender people.
Request for formal engagement
NMBPride is also seeking direct engagement with municipal leadership.
The memorandum asks the municipality to provide a written response within 14 working days outlining concrete action steps, and to convene a formal meeting with community representatives within 30 days.
According to NMBPride, the Office of the Speaker has acknowledged receipt of the memorandum, indicating that it will be reviewed and that further engagements may follow.
Marking Transgender Day of Visibility
The handover formed part of activities marking Transgender Day of Visibility, an international day observed on 31 March that celebrates transgender people while highlighting the discrimination and violence many continue to face.
Members of the transgender community, LGBTQIA+ allies, and civil society organisations attended the gathering in solidarity and support.
“Your rights and dignity matter”
In a message to the transgender community, NMBPride CEO Martin Smith emphasised the importance of visibility, advocacy, and collective action.
“We see you, we value you, and we stand with you. Your rights, safety, and dignity matter today and always,” Smith said.
NMBPride reaffirmed its commitment to continued advocacy until meaningful change is achieved. “We deserve safety. We deserve dignity. We deserve protection,” the organisation said.
