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A life-and-death struggle for queer people in South Africa.
“Thulile Ndwalane (28) was just 13 when she came out as a lesbian. Where she is from, that can be life-threatening. Outside her church, a girl was stabbed to death because of her sexual orientation.”
“This is exactly where she was killed,” says Thulile Ndwalane, pointing to the small gravel road leading up to Gamalakhe Assembly of God, a church located in a village a couple of hours outside Durban in South Africa.
The church serves as a safe haven for people in vulnerable situations. Here, they are met with inclusion, generosity, and support in facing the challenges they encounter. Many of those who come here are queer. This can be difficult in many of the countries where Norwegian Church Aid works. This is also the case in South Africa, even though homosexuality is not illegal.
Through the One Body project, LGBTQI+ inclusion is an important part of the work we carry out together with our partner FOCCISA.
FOCCISA stands for Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa. It is a collaboration between churches and Christian councils in Southern Africa that works on social and ethical issues such as HIV and AIDS, gender-based violence, the marginalisation of vulnerable groups such as LGBTQI+ people, human dignity, and social justice.
Risking her life for others
Mafungwase Mbili is a pastor at the church we are visiting. She has been subjected to attempted rape and attempts on her life, and is constantly targeted with verbal abuse. She has lost her job, gone unpaid, been bullied, and stigmatised. She refuses to give up the fight for justice and inclusion.
“I am an activist for queer people. I have studied the Bible, and if there is one thing I have learned, it is that it is important to stand up for everyone. I preach to everyone, I love everyone, so why should I discriminate? I preach about love, and I must show it in practice as well,” she says firmly.
We meet her at the church together with Thulile, where she has now worked for four years. It has been four demanding years, but she says her work is more important than ever.
“In this area, people are killed, raped, and harassed because of their sexual orientation. That is why I must use my voice for those who cannot use theirs. It is not easy. I have been subjected to attempted rape several times, in so-called ‘corrective’ assaults meant to prove that I am heterosexual and not a lesbian,” she says quietly.
Mafungwase does not see any contradiction between being a pastor and being an activist for queer rights.
“Sexuality does not define us, but being human does. As a pastor, I spend a lot of time talking about love and diversity. The Bible clearly states that we are all created in the image of God. People are people, regardless of everything. Regardless of disability, challenges, or sexual orientation. I want everyone to be able to live freely without being discriminated against. As a pastor, I speak up for that, and I will continue to do so until the day I die.”
“Are you not afraid?”
“No, I cannot allow myself to be. I hear too many stories to remain silent. Young girls and boys who are raped, so-called corrective rape intended to deny that they are queer. I hear stories about people being chased and killed. Most recently, right here on my doorstep, as she was trying to reach safety.”
Despite the resistance she faces, she also receives a great deal of support.
“I receive many positive messages saying that the work I do is important. I will not give up as long as I am alive,” she says with a smile.
Will not live in hiding
One of those who has found support in the church is Thulile. She came out as a lesbian at the age of 13, although her parents had known for a long time. Her friends had too.
“I was a typical tomboy and received many hurtful comments, but as my friends started getting boyfriends, I realised it was girls I liked,” she says with a smile.
She decided early on to stand up for who she is by being open.
“I chose not to hide, even though I have been threatened and bullied. I have tried to be brave and not let other people’s attitudes towards me frighten me. For me, it is important to believe in who I am and not let others break me down.”
Now she helps out at the church, creating a safe space for other queer people in the local community, while also playing on the church football team. It is a team where everyone should be able to be open about their sexual orientation without being harassed.
Now she dreams of having a family.
“Even though it is difficult to be queer, I have not given up on the dream of a wife and children,” she says with a smile.
A groundbreaking approach
The One Body method is a programme developed by our partner together with Nordic churches. It is both a methodology and a theological approach that focuses on human dignity, inclusion, and dialogue. It is used in workshops and training for church leaders and local communities, aiming to create inclusive communities and reduce stigma and discrimination.
“Although South Africa is a leading country in Africa in terms of legal protection for queer people, there is still a long way to go before everyone is protected in practice. Violence is widespread in South Africa, and queer people are among the most vulnerable groups,” says Guro Almås, Programme Director at Norwegian Church Aid’s regional office in Kenya.
She emphasises that churches play an important role in this work.
“Unfortunately, in many cases churches have legitimised negative attitudes towards queer people, but they also have enormous potential to contribute to positive change. Pastors often hold a high level of trust in local communities. Being able to support work like that of the Gamalakhe Assembly of God is incredibly meaningful. It both saves and changes lives.”
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