SADC: Inaugural Marang Fund Media Awards honour bold LGBTIQ journalism

The inaugural Marang Fund Media Awards honoured outstanding journalism advancing LGBTIQ rights and inclusion across Southern Africa, marking a significant milestone in amplifying diverse voices through the media. 

Presented for the first time as part of the long-running Voice & Choice Awards hosted by Gender Links in Johannesburg, the award recognises impactful reporting from countries where the Marang Fund works - Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Madagascar and Mauritius, showcasing coverage that challenges harmful attitudes, promotes diversity and contributes to policy and social change.

Two winners and one runner-up walked away with awards for their powerful storytelling:

Keneilwe Lephoi (YTV, Botswana) was recognised for “Intersex community speaks out – calls for recognition and protection in Botswana,” a powerful report elevating voices of the intersex community and sparking public dialogue. Judges commended the inclusive range of voices and noted the contribution to shifting conversations from silence to awareness, dignity and recognition.

Rethabile Mohono (Public Eye, Lesotho) received the award for “Lesotho’s first transgender political candidate sparks hope,” a bold and thought-provoking article challenging misconceptions and highlighting representation in political spaces. Judges praised the courage of the piece and its role in provoking dialogue around inclusion and leadership.

Runner-up honours went to Philippine Rasoafara (Radio, Madagascar) for a national radio programme exploring community perceptions of LGBTIQ issues. Judges highlighted the commitment to mainstreaming gender and LGBTIQ perspectives, as well as efforts to build capacity among journalists covering sensitive issues.

Across entries, judges commended the courage, innovation and growing momentum of media practitioners using storytelling to shift narratives and advance inclusion in challenging contexts.

The awards follow the launch of the Marang Fund “I” Stories at the opening of the Voice & Choice Summit - a powerful collection of first-person accounts amplifying lived experiences from LGBTIQ communities across the region.

“This is not merely a collection of stories; it is a living regional archive of courage,” said Lusanda Mamba, Programme Manager, Marang Southern Africa LGBTIQ Fund. “A constellation of testimonies carried across borders, languages and generations, where identity, healing and resistance come together. It reminds us that transformation begins when someone decides their story deserves to live.”

The Marang Fund Media Awards and “I” Stories underscore the critical role of storytelling and media in advancing gender justice — not only by informing, but by shaping narratives, influencing policy and creating space for voices too often excluded.