In a poignant moment of remembering, the Imagining a Queer Africa convening came together to commemorate the life and work of the late Imam Muhsin Hendricks. Led by Dr Nadeem Mahomed, the inaugural memorial lecture in honour of the Imam was held in May 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, coinciding with the 100-day mark of his brutal murder.
Following in the footsteps of the honoree, this evening was woven together by multiple faith disciplines and cross-sector representatives, who came together to fulfill a truly intersectional and reflective ritual.
We wish to thank Dr. Mahomed for the considered and stellar delivery of his lecture, which we know will inspire activists, scholars, and academics alike for many years to come.
Much gratitude also to Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike; Dr. Cherry Muslim (Director of Islamic Studies Research Unit (ISRU) at UKZN); Dr. Bonita Bennett (African Gender
Institute at UCT); Aaqielah Pillay (Chairperson at Al-Ghurbaah Foundation); Jacqui Benson-Mabombo (Shemah Koleinu); and Rev. Thuli Mbete (Ubomi Bam Luvuyo) for holding the space with much integrity; and to our partners ACT Church of Sweden for generously funding this occasion.
We also note, with profound sadness, the lack of communication from South African authorities regarding bringing Imam Muhsin’s killers to book. The surge in hate speech, particularly targeting the Muslim community, poses a significant threat to individuals’ safety and well-being, and this hostile environment has forced Queer Muslim activists to operate discreetly due to fear, resulting in a substantial gap in support and representation. We continue to call for #JusticeForMuhsin.
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