More than five years ago, Zoliswa Nkonyana was murdered – she was stoned and stabbed to death because of her sexual orientation. Finally, after a highly delayed and frustrating court battle, the sentencing of the four men convicted of her brutal murder commenced on the 19th of December 2011 at the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court.
As part of the “enhancing state responsiveness to Gender Based Violence” project (a project that aims to foster a culture of accountability, political leadership and women’s access and voice on the need to address gender based violence) Heinrich Boell Foundation (HBF) and the Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre (TLAC) in partnership with Free Gender revealed a mural to advocate for the eradication of hate crimes against lesbians. The event took place following the first day of the sentencing hearing. Everyone present signed the mural as a pledge to their commitment to this cause. Participants included friends and family of Zoliswa, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders.