South Africa: Transformative leaders must recogniseLGBTI rights

The acceptance of lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in Africa is a battle that is yet to be won. Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral aspects of an evolving society. In conservative societies where LGBTI’s face discrimination, political and traditional leaders must lead in the discussions towards the acceptance of sexual minorities.This follows the recent homophobic comments made by King Goodwill Zwelithini of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

On 21 January 2012, King Zwelithini, addressed crowds at the 133rd commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana in KwaZulu-Natal. It is alleged that in his speech, the King commented that, “Men would go for months in battles to fight the enemies without their wives, but did not harass each other sexually and there were no cases of rape of women. Nowadays, you even have men who rape other men. If you do those things, you are rotten. We condemn those involved, no matter who you are.” The King’s office has since denied this statement saying that what the King said in a local language has been recklessly translated.

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Source:Gender Links Opinion and Commentary Service