Story of Change: Capricorn Ignited amplifying voices

Capricorn Ignited LGBTI (CIL) is an organisation conceptualised through a feminist lens to advocate for LGBTIQ+ rights in Limpopo Province, focusing on the understanding and belief in full social, economic, and political equality for LGBTIQ+ individuals. CIL is formed with the explicit intention of building strategic partnerships and movements that utilise training and dialogues as a key platform for critical engagement and mobilisation, capacity development, reframing of perceptions, and advocacy interventions across the Limpopo Province. Led by Monama Maburwana, CIL has emerged as a catalyst for inclusive social change. Their participation in the 2025 Voice and Choice Learning and Sharing Summit, along with their win in the movement-building category, showcases their impact in fostering inclusive social change.

Description of the Organisation and Its Work

Capricon Learning operates on four key pillars to drive systemic change. The first pillar, Governance and Resource Allocation, emphasises the importance of collective decision-making through plenary meetings and securing vital resources, such as transportation, catering, and logistics, via strategic partnerships for large-scale advocacy events. The second pillar, Inclusive Leadership & Coordination, focuses on establishing Local Organising Committees (LOCs) within police clusters to decentralise leadership and enhance grassroots participation through effective task delegation and community mobilisation. The third pillar, Connecting and Community-Building, involves maintaining communication through platforms like WhatsApp groups and forums while expanding their focus to include issues related to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), HIV/AIDS prevention, and LGBTIQ+ rights, thereby increasing the demand for essential services. Lastly, the fourth pillar, Linking and Learning, encompasses conducting training sessions on LGBTIQ+ rights advocacy and documenting human rights violations, thereby ensuring that survivors are connected to the necessary legal and psychosocial support.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Before Capricon Learning, there was a lack of safe spaces for open discussions about LGBTIQ+ rights, but now, participants have access to support groups and legal assistance. Key indicators of success include an increase in the reporting of gender-based violence and LGBTIQ+ discrimination, driven by growing trust in support systems. There has also been enhanced police engagement with local organisations on human rights cases, a noticeable rise in women and LGBTIQ+ individuals in leadership roles, and a significant reduction in the stigma surrounding mental health and sexual and reproductive health rights, thanks to wellness sessions.

Changes that have occurred

Systemic change is being observed as police clusters now actively collaborate with local organisations on human rights cases, and LGBTIQ+ issues are increasingly integrated into local governance discussions. This shift is complemented by community empowerment efforts, such as the establishment of safer spaces for LGBTIQ+ individuals and the creation of a Human Rights Violations Support Group, which is serving as a model for other regions. Furthermore, advocacy initiatives have successfully influenced policies, promoting the greater inclusion of LGBTIQ+ rights in legislative frameworks and highlighting a positive trend towards increased acceptance and protection of these rights within the community.

Significance of the change

CIL has made significant strides in fostering trust within support systems for marginalised groups. By promoting intersectional advocacy, the organisation effectively links vital issues, including GBVF, SRHR, and the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals. This comprehensive approach not only empowers communities to challenge discrimination but also encourages them to demand accountability from authorities and institutions, creating a more equitable environment for all.

What contribution did your organisation make to this change?

CIL plays a crucial role in driving transformation by providing training and capacity-building for activists, which empowers them to effect change in their communities. It also focuses on establishing decentralised leadership through LOCs to achieve a broader impact. Additionally, CIL creates safe spaces and support networks for survivors, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources and support. Furthermore, by leveraging technology, such as WhatsApp groups, CIL facilitates real-time collaboration among activists, enhancing their ability to respond effectively to challenges.

Next Steps

To expand their impact, CIL will implement several key strategies. First, they plan to scale their LOCs model to more districts, ensuring that their services reach a broader audience. Additionally, they will launch a digital hub that will serve as a repository for training resources, making it easier for individuals and organisations to access critical information. Strengthening partnerships with legal aid organisations is another vital objective, as this collaboration will enhance support for those in need. Ultimately, CIL aims to advocate for necessary policy reforms that focus on addressing gender-based violence and protecting the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals, thereby contributing to a more equitable society.

Conclusion

CIL demonstrates that sustainable change begins with inclusive leadership and community ownership. Their work serves as a blueprint for rights-based advocacy in South Africa and beyond.