George Municipality Establishes LGBTQI Forum
The George Municipality Community Development division successfully convened a meeting on 5 February 2025 with key stakeholders and Human Rights Implement partners to establish the George Municipality LGBTQI Forum.
The well-attended gathering brought together representatives from NGOs, government departments, the private sector, and civil society to advance LGBTQI rights and inclusivity in the region. A significant milestone of the meeting was the election of the forum’s executive committee, which will oversee and coordinate efforts to ensure that organizations remain accountable and committed to creating inclusive environments. The elected leadership is as follows Chairperson, Bernelee Wonderlik, Vice-Chairpersons Jasmine Malimayovha and Angelique Vazasie and Secretary, Khanyisile Fortuin.
The newly established LGBTQI Forum will focus on policy review, inclusivity advocacy, and fostering a culture of acceptance and tolerance. Through this forum, the LGBTQI Help Desk aims to strengthen collaboration between stakeholders and drive impactful initiatives that promote and safeguard LGBTQI rights. The meeting was attended by representatives from the following departments and organizations Department of Correctional Services, Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Employment and Labour, Nelson Mandela University (George Branch), Nedbank LTD, S.H.E. (Social, Health and Empowerment Feminist Collective of Transgender Women of Africa), Legally You and George Municipality.
The George Municipality LGBTQI Help Desk remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for the LGBTQI community. The establishment of the LGBTQI Forum marks a significant step towards achieving this goal and ensuring sustainable progress in LGBTQI advocacy within the municipality.
For further information, please contact:
Khanyisile Fortuin, LGBTQI Help Desk Coordinator – George Municipality & District Sector Leader LGBTQI Sector
Photos:
From left Alex Hendry (Coordinator), Jasmine Malimayovha (Vice-Chairperson), Bernelee Wonderlik (Chairperson), ,Angelique Vazasie (2nd Vice-Chairperson), Khanyisile Fortuin (Secretary).
From left back Vincent Muller (Department Correctional Services), Nina Abrahams (DCS), Melany Martuinis and Wilhelmina Fortuin (DOH), Carin-Leigh Stoffels (SHE), Smamkele Pindani (NMU), Zinzi Simawuse (EPWP Intern), Thandabantu Ndamase (WCED), Sulette Cronje (DEL), Ayanda Mjojubana (Nedbank LTD).