South Africa - Capricorn Ignited LGBTI: Strengthening Visibility, Awareness and Dignity of LGBTIQ+ persons in a traditional culture rooted Limpopo province

Capricorn Ignited LGBTI operates in Limpopo, a province where many LGBTIQ+ people continue to face discrimination despite progressive national legislation. The organisation has worked to expand visibility, advocacy and access to information in deeply traditional communities where stigma remains strong. From childhood, many people face rejection, bullying and violence due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Limited access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information further compounds these vulnerabilities.

With support from the Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) programme, the organisation intensified its SRHR Tsebo work, expanding training and sensitisation beyond Polokwane into remote villages. Demand for information grew rapidly, with leaders from rural areas requesting support. WVL funding strengthened the organisation’s reach, administration and sustainability planning.

Participation in Gender Links sessions enhanced administrative systems, networking, and online engagement. The visit from Global Affairs Canada strengthened team morale.

Capricorn Ignited LGBTI addressed challenges such as hate crimes, uninformed law enforcement, and limited rural access to services. By partnering with police stations, health facilities, traditional structures and faith-based institutions, the organisation created forums and sensitisation programmes aimed at reducing stigma and ensuring fair treatment for victims.

The organisation strengthened financial systems, opened project accounts, improved documentation, and refined monitoring processes. Governance structures were reviewed to support sustainability.

Expanding work into rural villages enables LGBTIQ+ people to live safely in their home communities. Collaboration with SAPS, Health, Social Development, municipalities, victim empowerment centres and civil society ensures a multisectoral response that protects human rights and widens access to justice, health and support.

Sustainability is rooted in these partnerships and locally-driven committees that allow collective planning, wider reach and strong community mobilisation.