By John Mack Freeman
Mpumalanga’s Gert Sibande district made South African history this week when it hosted that country’s first ever pride parade. The event drew about 100 participants, and it sought to highlight that no one is above the law in South Africa as it sought to combat the violence that LGBT people often face in that region. Via AllAfrica.com:
“We are all protected by the South African Constitution and no one is above the law,” said Thandi Maluka from the Sexual HIV Prevention Programme, which works to stem new HIV infections by ensuring that a combination of HIV prevention methods are available to South Africans.”The Bill of Rights recognises and protects all South African citizens, irrespective of race, gender or sexual orientation, against any form of abuse or discrimination.”
For many of the marchers, the event was an emotional one in light of the recent media reports on the continued “corrective” rape and murder of lesbians. In August, media reported on the murder of 18-year-old Gift Makau who was found dead in Mahikeng, North West. She had reportedly been raped and strangled with wire. A shoelace and a hosepipe had also been shoved into her mouth.