South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ community is mourning the loss of veteran activist and community leader Banyana Thobeka Khutamo, who died in the early hours of Tuesday, 5 May, following a brief illness. She was 45 years old.
Khutamo’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from activists, politicians, and organisations across the country, many describing her as a fearless advocate for equality, dignity, and justice.
Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike wrote on Facebook: “We have lost one of our own. An activist, an incredibly committed community leader, a sister, a mother and proud queer woman. I am not sure how to digest this loss.”
The Ekurhuleni LGBTIQ+ Sector described Khutamo as “a beloved member of our community, a friend, and a fighter for dignity,” adding that “through their advocacy, they reminded us that community means looking out for each other.”
A Life Dedicated to Justice and Equality
Born on 1 November 1980 in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, Khutamo devoted her life to community upliftment, women’s empowerment, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. Over the years, she became a respected figure in political, civil society, and grassroots spaces.
Her activism began while she was still a learner at Zitikeni Secondary School, where she served as Deputy President of the School Representative Council in 1997. She later joined the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), focusing on youth development and increasing the participation of young women in politics.
In 2009, she became the first female Zonal Secretary of the ANCYL Andrew Mapheto Zone, breaking barriers for women within the structure.
Khutamo also played a key role in advancing LGBTQIA+ visibility within progressive political movements. During the ANC Women’s League National Lekgotla in 2018, she strongly advocated for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ issues in the organisation’s programme of action.
Building LGBTQIA+ Representation
In 2017, Khutamo co-founded the Embrace Diversity Movement (EDM), where she served as Deputy Secretary General. The organisation said she was “a fearless advocate for equality, dignity, and justice” who used her “voice and leadership to advance the inclusion and representation of LGBTQIA+ persons within the African National Congress, its Mass Democratic Movement, South Africa, and beyond.”
EDM added that her activism “was rooted in compassion, courage, and an unwavering belief in a more inclusive and just society.”
The organisation said her death was “not only a loss to our organisation, but to the broader movement for human rights and social justice. South Africa has lost a powerful voice for equality.”
Khutamo also worked with platforms and organisations including the Gauteng Legislature LGBTQIA+ Sectoral Parliament, SANAC Civil Society Forum, Access Chapter 2, Ekurhuleni Pride, and Tembisa Pride.
A Fearless Voice for Dignity
On the day of her passing, ANC MP Palomina Jama dedicated her maiden speech in Parliament to Khutamo during a Freedom Day debate.
“Today we lost not just a leader but a fearless voice for dignity, for equality, and for the full humanity of those too often pushed to the margins of society,” Jama said.
She described Khutamo as “disciplined, courageous, and deeply committed to the struggle for a South Africa that lives up to the promises of its Constitution,” adding that “she was especially passionate about the representation of queer people in all corridors of power and decision-making.”
A memorial service to honour Khutamo was held in Tembisa on Wednesday 13 May.
She leaves behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and unwavering activism that touched countless lives and helped shape South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ movement.
