OUT LGBT Well-being is proud to announce that Sibonelo Ncanana-Trower, Human Rights Coordinator at OUT, has been appointed Co-Chair of the National Task Team (NTT) on SOGIESC matters.
The NTT, convened by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, serves as a crucial platform to strengthen coordination between government and civil society in preventing and responding to hate crimes and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).
“This appointment reflects OUT’s long-standing commitment to advancing equality, dignity and justice for LGBTIQ+ communities,” said Dawie Nel, Executive Director of OUT LGBT Well-being. “Sibonelo has demonstrated consistent and principled leadership in their work, combining grassroots understanding with national advocacy. Their appointment signals a continued strengthening of community voice and accountability within the NTT.”
As Human Rights Coordinator, Ncanana-Trower has played a pivotal role in coordinating OUT’s human rights and hate crimes programme, leading national partnerships, and strengthening case-referral mechanisms across provinces. Their work has centred on supporting survivors of hate crimes, building the capacity of community-based organisations, and amplifying the rights of lesbian, bisexual, queer women, transgender and intersex persons in advocacy and policy spaces.
“I’m honoured to serve as Co-Chair,” said Sibonelo Ncanana-Trower. “The NTT must be a living structure that reflects the realities of survivors and communities on the ground. My focus will be on strengthening provincial coordination, ensuring survivor-centred responses, and building collaboration between civil society and state institutions to make equality a lived reality.”
Key Priorities for the NTT under Ncanana-Trower’s Co-Leadership
Survivor-Centred Justice: Strengthening coordination between police, courts, and support services to ensure timely, respectful, and accountable responses.
Provincial Collaboration: Building active, well-supported Provincial Task Teams that work hand in hand with municipalities and CBOs.
Inclusivity: Ensuring trans, intersex, and LBQ voices are fully represented and protected in national responses and policy frameworks.
Data and Accountability: Improving monitoring and reporting systems to inform prevention strategies and government accountability.
Community Empowerment: Resourcing and training grassroots partners to document cases, provide support, and sustain advocacy.
About OUT LGBT Well-being
Founded in 1994, OUT LGBT Well-being is one of South Africa’s longest-standing LGBTIQ+ health and human rights organisations. OUT works to advance the health, well-being, and human rights of LGBTIQ+ people through rights-based services, research, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. OUT’s work includes HIV prevention and treatment programmes, mental-health support, hate-crime response and legal referrals, and national-level policy advocacy.
Media Contact
OUT LGBT Well-being – Human Rights Office
Email: sncanana@out.org.za
WhatsApp: +27663955731
Website: www.out.org.za