Compliance Drive/ LGBTQIA+ & SOGIESC Rights Workshop for Political Parties/ LGBTQIA+ Voter Registration and Education

October 2

Isibani’s mission is: “To see a just and equal society that is inclusive to the marginalized community and youth in KwaZulu Natal. Tackling socio-economic problems through meaningful civil society engagement to encourage programs in government that will address gender diversity and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community and youth participation’’.

With the 3 day program we were able to bring significant political, civil society and government engagement in advancing Socio- Economic issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community In Umgungundlovu District. Early in the year 2023 March we hosted a program with the Trans community in collaboration with Triangle Project commemorating Transgender Day of Visibility. We invited the Trans community to engage on a movie screening and talk about what does it mean to be Trans visible in KwaZulu Natal.

As we celebrated 33 years of South African Pride, it was vital for Isibani to reinforce its mission in celebrating “CONSCIOUS PRIDE’’. Conscious Pride to us means creating an enabling environment for the queer community to be active citizenries and be politically conscious so that we as a community continue to advance socio-economic issues faced by the community.   

Day 1

Nedbank Financial Literacy, DUT Innobiz and SARS Compliance drive in partnership with PLUS.

PLUS is a dynamic organisation that was formed in 2O18 with a mission to advocate for the economic inclusion of LGBTQI+ individuals in the business world. PLUS is dedicated to promoting economic rights and opportunities for LGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners locally and beyond. Leveraging PLUS partnership with Nedbank, the compliance drive aims to provide comprehensive support that addresses the issue of financial literacy for small businesses. Through the sessions, providing support resources and networking opportunities, we aim to equip our members with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage their financial affairs and make informed decisions, ultimately leading to better financial outcomes for their businesses.

In partnership with SARS, PLUS compliance drive aimed at empowering members with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the tax environment in South Africa and remain compliant with SARS regulations. Furthermore, the compliance drive offered personalized support to members through engagement with SARS official, who provided  guidance on tax types, compliance, and addressing specific tax-related queries. This one-on-one assistance  enabled members to better understand their tax obligations and take necessary steps to comply with SARS regulations.

Day 2

POLITICAL PARTIES GENDER AND SEXUALITY (SOGIESC) SENSETIZATION WORKSHOP

The South African Constitution promises the protection of LGBTQI+ communities and in particular proclaims protection against unfair discrimination on the basis of one’s gender, sexual orientation and sex. Furthermore, section 27 of the Constitution states that everyone has the right to access to healthcare services. Over the years, research has shown that while our Constitution is one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, it does not translate to the lived realities and experiences of LGBTQI+ communities. There is no doubt that even after 29 years of democracy, LGBTQI+ people do not enjoy the benefits of the Constitution compared to the general population.

The Isibani Civil Society Forum has been established to engage with different political parties in KwaZulu-Natal in response to the many challenges faced by marginalised LGBTQI+ communities. It is highly important for LGBTQI+ communities to find space and a political voice in order to challenge structural homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and intersexphobia. Our communities are facing many disparities, are often side-lined politically and cannot access socio-economic government opportunities. Having meaningful engagement with different political parties is the first step in addressing these challenges that LGBTQI+ communities are facing in our everyday lives.

Thou we were hoping to meet with different political parties, it was unfortunate that only IFP and EFF attended the workshop. Apparently the ANC had an agent caucus meeting in the morning and couldn’t attend. However we were able to engage with  the district speaker and she was able to engage with us giving us direction on how we can further engage the office regarding LGBTQIA+ issues and secondary rights. 

Day 3

LGBTQIA+ Voter’s registration campaign! #RSAVoteWithPride!

This was a ground-breaking program that has never been done in the whole of South Africa. With the program we were encouraging  the LGBTQIA+ community to take active citizenry serious and understand the important of participating in the country decision making process. More importantly it was  crucial for Isibani to highlight the importance of the community to vote and exercise their civic and democratic rights and responsibilities.  

We collaborated  with the Umsunduzi  Municipality (Pietermaritzburg) as well as different stakeholders to make the day a success. We are most grateful for IEC who joined  us on the day to make the campaign a success and we were able to Register over 30 queer potential voters for the 2024 elections on the day.

The LGBTQI+ Community in KwaZulu-Natal has expressed concerns over delays in the
implementation of more gender-affirming healthcare centres that were promised by the
KZN Health Department last year.

Bulelani Mzila, a gender non-conforming political activist and founder of the Isibani Civil
Society Forum based in Pietermaritzburg, said gender-affirming healthcare centres are
facilities that offer hormones, surgery, supportive psychosocial and mental health
services, and other procedures and services that affirm their gender identities.
Mzila said currently only Edendale hospital in Pietermaritzburg offers affirming
healthcare in the whole of KZN. This means that many trans persons outside of
Pietermaritzburg who seek to affirm their identity cannot access these services, or have
to travel long distances to access such services.

“We also experience stigma, discrimination and prejudice based on our sexual
orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics when we try to
access general healthcare and other services. This infringes upon our human rights to
dignity, equality and health,” said Mzila.

To read more follow this link.

(Stories of Queer Activism in Sub-Saharan Africa Anthology)

By Bulelani Mzila

Bulelani had an opportunity to be featured in an anthology by Taboom Media and GALA Queer Archive through their ground-breaking LGBTQIA+ Media Advocacy Training. The anthology features 20 LGBTQIA+ activist from across Sub-Sahara Africa.

Karin Tan senior Information Officer at GALA Queer Archive writes in the foreword “Storytelling uses present experiences and imagined futures to build a broader narrative of history.” Bulelani explores this through their diving deep into their personal politics, past traumas, achievements and their hopes and dreams.

Taboom Media helped Isibani to launch the Stand With Us campaign which highlighted the need for the Hate Crimes Bill to be passed in South Africa. We commemorated Lindo Kuhle Cele’slife and engaged with the MEC oF Social Development.

You can download the digital copy here.