Langa LGBTQI+ Pride and Langa Centenary, alongside several collaborators, officially launched an eye-catching mural celebrating queer inclusivity and visibility in Langa, Cape Town.
The colourful artwork is painted on the side of the Johnson Ngwevela Community Hall, corner of King Langalibalelele Drive and Church Street, a prominent location in the township. The 7 February launch took place during the Cape Town Pride Festival, which runs until the end of February.
The mural’s design, which features an individual waving the progress Pride flag, is the creative vision of Khador Publika Studios, with Pharie Sefali as the lead designer. Sefali’s work was inspired by the first Langa Cultural Pride, which was hosted in 2023.
The launch event began with a sexual orientation and gender identity workshop presented by members of the Queer Community Health Advocates (QCHA) programme, supported by the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, as well as speakers from Triangle Project, Gender Dynamix, Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) and Impulse Cape Town.
The workshop included educational talks about different queer identities, stories from queer individuals about their lived experiences, musical performances and a screening of Mirror Him, a documentary by trans filmmaker Lilita Singata about his experience navigating transition as a trans man.
Attendees shared that grounding the workshop in the lived experiences of queer individuals was impactful, both for learning and for finding community.
“People were very keen to share their personal experiences. They were very thrilled to meet new community members and to find the event as a safe space for them”, said Thamsanqa Siyo, a member of QCHA.
Virginia Whites, a fellow member of QCHA added, “It was an amazing and remarkable LGBTQIA+ conference. I’ve learned a lot about other people’s sexuality and gender diversity. I’m excited that I met new friends and learned so many things.”
After a morning of education and community-building, the mural was formally unveiled.
When asked about the intention behind the mural, director of Langa LGBTQI+ Pride Anele Gqasana responded, “The idea for the mural came from Langa Centenary NPC, as part of a broader effort to celebrate and affirm Langa’s LGBTQIA+ community.
“The initiative seeks to create a visible, vibrant symbol of inclusion, pride, and awareness, giving space for queer voices and experiences to be recognised, celebrated, and shared with the broader community.”
Gqasana added, “For the queer community in Langa, it is a source of pride and affirmation that their stories and identities matter. For the broader Western Cape, it signals solidarity, collaboration, and social inclusion, showing that celebrating diversity strengthens communities.”
For more details about the 2026 Cape Town Pride Festival, click here.
