VOICES OF PRIDE: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT SPARKS DIALOGUE ON LGBTQIA+ RIGHTS IN BOPHELONG

By Lorato Modisenyane.

• ⁠Empowerment and Awareness: The dialogue focused on raising awareness of available services for LGBTQIA+ individuals, and the crucial role communities play in fostering inclusion.
• ⁠Calls for Respect and Action: Personal testimonies and speeches addressed harmful stereotypes, hate crimes, and the need for respectful engagement and expanded outreach by the Department.
• Support from Stakeholders: Contributions from the Department of Social Department, the NPA, and the Badumetse Batho Centre emphasised a collective effort to support and protect the LGBTQIA+ community.

On Friday, 6 June 2025, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the LGBTQIA+ non-profit organisation Badumetse Batho Centre and various stakeholders, hosted a robust community dialogue at the Bophelong Service Point in the Southern Corridor.
Held under the theme “The Power of Communities,” the gathering emphasised the vital role communities play in empowering LGBTQIA+ individuals, promoting inclusivity, and advocating for equal rights. The primary aim was to raise awareness about available support services for LGBTQIA+ individuals and to foster greater understanding and acceptance within families and the broader Bophelong community.
Addressing attendees, social worker Nompilo Bhila encouraged LGBTQIA+ individuals to seek counselling and support through departmental offices.
“We currently fund one organisation—Badumetse Batho Centre—to serve LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families throughout the Southern Corridor. Please make use of their services. They are here to support you,” she stated.
Bhila also reminded participants about the department’s 24-hour Command Centre and the availability of emergency shelters.

Local LGBTQIA+ activist Thapelo Kgakatsi challenged harmful stereotypes and called for greater respect and understanding.
“Stop the name-calling. There are no ‘after-nines’ or ‘twin plugs.’ We are human beings and deserve to be treated with dignity,” he said.
Kgakatsi also urged an end to hate crimes and violence targeting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Survivor and speaker Mpho Letsholo shared a moving personal account of family rejection and eventual healing.
“Parents, would you rather lose your child to suicide than accept them for who they are?” he asked.
Letsholo appealed to the Department to organise more initiatives like this dialogue and suggested door-to-door campaigns to increase awareness at the grassroots level.
A representative from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) encouraged victims to pursue their cases despite the challenges they faced.
“We ask detailed questions not to embarrass you but to build stronger cases. Work with all stakeholders to ensure your voices are heard.”
The programme concluded on a vibrant and celebratory note with a video presentation addressing LGBTQIA+ issues and femicide, followed by a symbolic and joyful colour splash.