Uthingo Network

About Uthingo Network

Uthingo Network (formerly the Gay and Lesbian Network) was founded in 2003 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, and has since been the primary LGBTQI+ support entity in rural KwaZulu-Natal. The name "uthingo" means "rainbow" in isiZulu — a reference to both the LGBTQI+ identity and the diversity of communities the organisation serves. Based at 19 Connaught Road, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, the organisation serves individuals across KwaZulu-Natal, with a particular focus on rural and peri-urban communities where LGBTQI+ people face the most acute discrimination, stigma, and violence.

Uthingo is supported by the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, among other donors, and has received national and international recognition for its work in one of South Africa's most challenging operating environments for LGBTQI+ rights.

Why Uthingo Belongs in a GBV Directory

LGBTQI+ people in South Africa — particularly Black lesbian women and transgender individuals — face disproportionate rates of targeted sexual violence. So-called "corrective rape" (rape perpetrated with the stated intent of "converting" LGBTQ+ people to heterosexuality) is well-documented in KwaZulu-Natal. Gay and bisexual men and transgender women face extreme rates of rape and assault. Uthingo is one of the only organisations in the province equipped to support these survivors in an affirming, culturally competent, and safety-conscious way.

Programmes and Services

Direct Support for GBV Survivors — Uthingo provides immediate support to LGBTQI+ individuals who have experienced violence, including hate crimes, corrective rape, domestic violence, and family violence. This includes safety planning, psychosocial support, accompaniment to police and court processes, and connections to shelters and legal services.

Community Safe Spaces — Uthingo creates safe physical and social spaces for LGBTQI+ individuals, especially in rural areas where no other affirming spaces exist. These gatherings provide peer support, community, and access to information.

Advocacy and Rights Education — The organisation engages with families, educational institutions, health facilities, and traditional, religious, and political leaders to build understanding and reduce violence. This long-term community engagement approach is central to how Uthingo works — recognising that the violence against LGBTQI+ people is driven by community attitudes that must change.

Policy and Legal Advocacy — Uthingo advocates at provincial and national level for laws and policies that protect Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) rights, and monitors how these rights are implemented in practice.

Health and HIV Programming — given the intersection of sexuality, stigma, and HIV risk in KZN, Uthingo provides health education and connects members to appropriate health services.

Operating Hours

Monday to Friday: 08:00–16:00