MambaOnline is excited to introduce Mamba Bites, a new weekly news programme bringing the stories that matter to queer South Africans directly to audiences through mobile journalism.
Hosted by Managing Editor Nompilo Gwala, Mamba Bites is designed to deliver accessible, engaging and timely reporting on the issues shaping LGBTQ+ communities. Using mobile journalism techniques, the programme combines on-the-ground storytelling with digital-first reporting to keep audiences informed about the developments affecting their lives.
The programme’s debut episode covers three important stories, highlighting the realities, achievements and ongoing struggles of queer South Africans.
Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi
The first story follows the case of Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi, the 16-year-old killed in Khayelitsha in December 2025. His mother continues to wait for justice as proceedings in the murder case face further delays. The episode explores the emotional toll these postponements have on the family and the community members standing alongside them.
MambaOnline 25th Exhibition
Mamba Bites also celebrates MambaOnline’s 25-year legacy of documenting LGBTQ+ lives through the Write the Next 25 exhibition at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. Featuring landmark articles and archival photographs, the exhibition reflects on the community’s journey towards equality and the importance of preserving queer history.
Equality Court ruling against Gqeberha shop owner
The programme’s third story examines an Equality Court ruling against Gqeberha shop owner Dawood Lagardien, who was ordered to apologise and pay R200,000 in damages after the court found hate speech, discrimination and harassment.
Through Mamba Bites, the publication aims to expand how it tells stories, making its journalism more accessible and bringing important community issues to audiences in a format suited to today’s digital landscape.
As a platform committed to documenting LGBTQ+ lives and holding power to account, MambaOnline continues to explore innovative ways to inform, connect and amplify queer voices.
Mamba Bites is another step in that journey, bringing trusted queer journalism to audiences one story at a time.
Watch the first episode of Mamba Bites below. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay connected to the stories shaping our community.
