Bold new mural celebrating LGBTQ+ visibility unveiled in Langa, Cape Town

A striking new mural promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity has been unveiled in Langa, Cape Town, through a collaboration between Langa LGBTQI+ Pride, Langa Centenary and several community organisations.

The brightly coloured artwork, painted on the side of the Johnson Ngwevela Community Hall at the corner of King Langalibalele Drive and Church Street, was launched on 7 February as part of the Cape Town Pride Festival, which runs until 28 February. Its position on a major thoroughfare ensures the piece is visible to residents and visitors across the township.

Designed by Khador Publika Studios, with Pharie Sefali as lead artist, the mural depicts a figure holding the Progress Pride flag. Sefali drew inspiration from the inaugural Langa Cultural Pride held in 2023.

The launch opened with a workshop on sexual orientation and gender identity, led by members of the Queer Community Health Advocates (QCHA) programme, supported by the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation. Speakers from Triangle Project, Gender Dynamix, Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) and Impulse Cape Town also took part.

The session featured educational discussions on queer identities, personal testimonies, live musical performances and a screening of Mirror Him, a documentary by filmmaker Lilita Singata about his experience navigating gender transition as a trans man.

Attendees described the workshop as a meaningful space for connection and learning. “People were very keen to share their personal experiences. They were thrilled to meet new community members and to find the event a safe space,” said QCHA member Thamsanqa Siyo.

Anele Gqasana, director of Langa LGBTQI+ Pride, said: “The initiative seeks to create a visible, vibrant symbol of inclusion, pride and awareness, giving space for queer voices and experiences to be recognised, celebrated and shared with the broader community,” Gqasana said.

“For the queer community in Langa, it is a source of pride and affirmation that their stories and identities matter. For the broader Western Cape, it signals solidarity, collaboration and social inclusion, showing that celebrating diversity strengthens communities.”