Statement on the rise of homophobia

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) has welcomed the decision by Parliament to set up a national task team to tackle hate crimes against lesbians and gays. We not only welcome the decision but want to point out that it is long overdue if one looks at the escalating numbers of brutal homophobic attacks with the latest being the cruel killing of Noxolo Nogwaza of KwaThema two weeks ago.

She was allegedly stoned, gang raped and stabbed. She suffered in the hands of people who were probably known to her as she was killed in her community and yet nobody has come forth with information which may lead to the arrest of her killers.

Noxolo’s death, as well as the deaths and harassment of other lesbians, is a slap in the face to South Africa – a country that prides itself for having the best and most far-reaching constitution in the world that guarantees gender equality.

We hope the formation of this task team – to be comprised of six representatives from the judiciary, police and social development, six representatives from the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and intersex (LGTBI) community will work towards the formulation of policies and legislation that will ensure that the rights of the LGTBI are not only realized but are also protected.

SADTU would like to urge the churches and community based organizations to begin to talk about the issues of lesbians and gays in their constituencies. We hope this will lead to acceptance and respect of lesbians and gays in our communities. This is a human right issue and deserves to be debated openly by society.

Contact:
Mugwena Maluleke, General Secretary, 082 783 2968
Nkosana Dolopi, Deputy General Secretary, 082 709 5651
Nomusa Cembi, Media Officer, 082 719 5157

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