gay organizations hit back at holomisa

Nthateng Mhlambiso (BTM Senior Reporter)

February 22, 2007: “Comparing gays and lesbians to incest and bestiality is an affront that is based on absurd ignorance,” the Triangle Project in Cape Town responded to the recent homophobic statement made by Patekile Holomisa.

Speaking at the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa’s (Contralesa) National General Council meeting, the Chairperson of the congress – Holomisa, said that homosexuality is a taboo.

Vista Kalipa, Media Coordinator for the Triangle Project pointed out that a pervasive hostility towards same-gender loving South Africans is ubiquitous.

“We do not need community leaders to fuel this kind of bigotry,” Kalipa reprimanded.

He continued that “this kind of statement promotes an atmosphere of hate, while perpetuating a culture rooted in prejudice.”

Thuli Madi of Behind The Mask – a gay media house, also strongly deplored Holomisa’s statement.

“It is unfortunate that Chief Holomisa’s statements confirm that his leadership of the traditional structures will do the opposite of what our democratic and progressive constitution seeks (in order) to promote equality and respect for human rights among others”, she explained.

Madi added that such utterances will force homosexuals who believe in African traditions to completely discard the traditions therefore satisfying those who view homosexuality as un-African.

She lashed at Holomisa saying his “leadership lacks Ubuntu and respect for human rights. This is unacceptable for a public leader.”

While Contralesa also slammed the recently passed Civil Union Act, calling it an error, the Triangle Project responded that; “We suggest that Holomisa leaves the interpretation of the constitution to qualified constitutional experts and that he restricts his comments within the confines of his expertise.”