Human Rights Defender
KZN Legislature Speaker acclaimed as a Human Rights Defender
This year marked the 3rd year of the KZN Legislature LGBTI+ Hybrid Symposium on Human Rights. The symposium attended by LGBTI+ representatives from 11 KZN District Municipalities; KZN Government MECs, Mayors and other relevant stakeholders, was held under the theme- Strengthening Solidarity for “Inclusion, Visibility and Representation”.
Dignitaries took turns delivering messages of support and presenting their roles in protecting and promoting the rights of the LGBTI+ Community. Each speaker seized the opportunity to sing praises of the role that is played by the KZN Legislature Speaker, Nontembeko Boyce in defending and promoting the rights of the minorities through meaningful sectoral programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the KZN Premier, MEC Khoza for Social Development, highlighted that it is unacceptable that 30 years into democracy, LGBTI+ community is still discriminated socially, educationally and in workplaces. She applauded the KZN Legislature Speaker for her prowess in defending the rights of all humans regardless of their sexuality. She further said parents should be accommodating and accepting of all their children.
In his opening remarks Mayor of Umgungundlovu District, Cllr Muziwokuthula Zuma said violation of rights of the Queer Community should be obsolete.
“We are experiencing low levels in reporting crimes committed against LGBTI+, fewer cases reported doesn’t translate to cases also being low, but it means most cases are not reported. We need swift response and full participation from Government, Traditional Leaders, and Civil Society. We are all duty bound by the Bill of Rights to put an end to the violation of rights of LGBTI+ Community,” says Mayor Zuma.
The Mayor of Msunduzi Municipality, Cllr. Mzimkhulu Thebolla, encouraged all the duty bearers to take a stance in unison on non-discrimination against LGBTI+ community and recognise the right of everyone who resides in South Africa regardless of their gender, sexuality, and race.
“As the City of Choice, we have a high population of LGBTI+ community thus we fully support the programme led by our Speaker Nontembeko Boyce and wish for everyone to form part of educational and awareness programmes. We believe that such programmes will teach us to co-exist. We encourage ONE MESSAGE – MANY VOICES,” says Cllr Thebolla.
KZN Legislature started the fight to end discrimination against the Queer Community with consultations in 2019, educating people and constituencies so that they can start talking because the matters of sexuality are not taboo. Symposiums started in 2021 during COVID on an advocacy level addressing issues of crime and discrimination through the law.
Delivering her keynote address, the KZN Legislature Speaker, Nontembeko Boyce put an emphasis on the implementation of the provision of access to an affirmative health system through specialised reproductive health. Boyce said reproduction should be according to the needs of an individual instead of an umbrella approach. She further encouraged everyone to organise and mobilise for the protection and promotion of the rights of the LGBTI+ community.
“We need to have friendly clinics that accommodate everyone while acknowledging the individual needs. A lot needs to be done within education and health sectors on the rights of minorities. We all need to be visible through positive behaviour; respecting the rights for all; creating and occupying spaces,” says Speaker Boyce.
With resolutions taken last year, participating departments presented their responsive feedback on their contribution to the LGBTI+ community and the crucial role they play in protecting and promoting their rights. Participating departments committed to a collective responsibility to end LGBTI+ discrimination and to provide access to all services are Education, Sports, Arts & Culture, Social Development, Labour, and Health.
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