The City of Johannesburg, through the Department of Social Development, is in the process of developing an exclusive programme dedicated to advancing the rights of the LGBTI+ community.
This was revealed by the Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social Development, Councillor Eunice Mgcina, during the first-ever LGBTI+ discussion in the City that aims to address challenges faced by LGBTI+ community.
“We will consult with the LGBTI+ community as soon as we have the first draft has been completed in order to have their input as well,” said Cllr Mgcina.
She said the City is dedicated to advancing the human rights with particular focus on those who are marginalised, including LGBTI+ community.
In his keynote address, the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Geoff Makhubo, said the LGBTI+ community is entitled to all rights as every South African citizen and should be treated with dignity and respect.
“As government we need to reflect on whether we have done all that was expected of us to ensure that the values in the constitution are realised and lived,” said Mayor Makhubo.
The panel included Jay Judah Matlou from Thami Dish Foundation, Roche Kester from OUT Organisation, Anzio Jacobs from Scope Facilitation and Mpho Buntse from Embrace Diversity Movement.
Matlou said the City has the responsibility to educate the residents. “How many people attending this virtual discussion know what LGBTI+ letters stand for and what it mean? That’s where we have to start when educating the people and I believe the municipality have the resources to do so.”
Kester said while strides has been made in advancing LGBTI+ rights over the last two decades, the City has made unfulfilled promises, include having a shelter exclusively dedicated to members of the LGBTI+ community. She urged the City to review gender policy as most LGBTI+ community members who work for the municipality are mistreated by their colleagues.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Social Development, Cllr Margaret Arnolds, urged residents not to discriminate based on sexuality or race. “We should normalise to be proud of ourselves. We should not be in the closet about challenges that are faced by LGBTI+ community. We must all live with each other in harmony.”
The virtual discussion was streamed on Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft Team.
Written by Takalani Sioga
