SafePlace International director Earl Semu believes that people can live together in harmony.
Image: siyavuya khaya
SafePlace International organisation has called for unity, inclusion and an end to hate crimes during a Pride Month outreach event held in Endlovini informal settlement on Saturday, February 21.
The organisation, led by director Earl Semu, hosted a three-hour programme at the Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading (VPUU) Hall, bringing together community members for dialogue, games and shared meals under the banner of its “Acts of Kindness” programme.
Addressing attendees, Ms Semu said the initiative aims to support underserved communities and close social gaps, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals who often experience isolation and discrimination. “We are coming with joy for communities that are underserved,” Ms Semu said.
“There is a significant gap in many of our communities, especially for people who feel isolated because of their LGBTQ+ identity. We are here to bridge that gap and reconnect people,” she said.
The event formed part of Pride Month activities and focused on promoting social cohesion, challenging discrimination and amplifying marginalised voices. Ms Semu said the “Acts of Kindness” programme has previously been implemented in other communities with a positive impact.
Ms Semu said Pride Month should be used as a platform for education and engagement. “There are many negative narratives about Pride, but it is about celebration and coming together. We can use this month as a teachable moment to remind ourselves that we are human, we are African, and everyone has a place in this world,” she said.
She addressed ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, including homophobia, hate crimes, and harmful speech. “The most common reactions we encounter are homophobia and hate speech. But people can unlearn what they have been taught. The idea that being LGBTQ+ is ‘unAfrican’ is a false narrative. We are African, and we are part of these communities,” she said.
Ms Semu emphasised that the organisation is not seeking to impose beliefs but to encourage dialogue and mutual understanding. “We are not here to change anyone’s narrative. We are here to show how we can all be united and to showcase life as a Pride family,” she said.
Neighbourhood watch member and community leader Betty Nqweniso has urged the public to change their negative narratives about LGBTQ+community
Image: siyavuya khaya
The programme also addressed broader social issues, including bullying, gender-based violence, and trauma experienced by adults in the community.
She said creating safe spaces for engagement is critical to tackling these challenges. Participants shared meals and took part in recreational activities designed to foster connection.
Ms Semu urged residents to focus on positive action despite ongoing social and economic difficulties. “There are many bad things happening in our communities, but there are also good things happening,” he said. “We are encouraging people to be part of the positive work and to give back,” she said.
Neighbourhood watch member and community leader, Betty Nqweniso, said they feel privileged that the organisation has created such an engaging and meaningful event. She highlighted that one of the key lessons is learning to tolerate and embrace one another.
She added that hate speech and violence should be condemned by leaders and residents on every platform.
Ms Nqweniso stressed the need to change negative perceptions about the LGBTQ+ community, reminding the public that these are our sisters, brothers, and children.
“Hate speech and gender-based violence should have no place in our communities. We have a huge responsibility, especially in the township, to teach our children the values of ubuntu. It is not for us to judge people based on their sexuality - only God can judge us as our creator.
"We must teach our children the importance of tolerance and encourage them to live authentically, rather than conforming to societal standards,” she said.
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