Mambaonline, Southern Africa's longest-running LGBTQ+ news and community platform, has launched Mamba Bites, a new weekly news programme. Hosted by Managing Editor Nompilo Gwala, it aims to deliver accessible and engaging reporting on LGBTQ+ issues. Using mobile journalism techniques, Mamba Bites combines on-the-ground storytelling with digital-first reporting. The programme's debut episode features three important stories, highlighting the realities and struggles of queer South Africans.
The first story in the debut episode covers the case of Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi, a 16-year-old killed in Khayelitsha in December 2025. His mother continues to seek justice as the murder case faces further delays. The episode explores the emotional toll of these postponements on the family and community members supporting them. Mamba Bites sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Mambaonline is also celebrating its 25-year legacy of documenting LGBTQ+ lives through the Write the Next 25 exhibition at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. The exhibition features landmark articles and archival photographs, reflecting on the community's journey towards equality and the importance of preserving queer history. This milestone highlights Mambaonline's commitment to telling LGBTQ+ stories.
The programme's third story examines an Equality Court ruling against Gqeberha shop owner Dawood Lagardien. The court ordered him to apologise and pay R200,000 in damages for hate speech, discrimination, and harassment. Mamba Bites aims to expand its storytelling methods, making journalism more accessible to audiences in today's digital landscape.
Through Mamba Bites, Mambaonline seeks to bring important community issues to audiences in an engaging format. As a platform committed to documenting LGBTQ+ lives and holding power to account, Mambaonline continues to explore innovative ways to inform and amplify queer voices. Mamba Bites is a step in this journey, providing trusted queer journalism one story at a time.
Mamba Bites is part of Mambaonline's efforts to adapt to the changing media landscape and reach a wider audience. By leveraging mobile journalism techniques, the programme can deliver timely and engaging reporting on LGBTQ+ issues. This approach enables Mambaonline to stay connected to the stories shaping the community.
The launch of Mamba Bites marks a new chapter in Mambaonline's history, as it continues to evolve and innovate in its storytelling approach. With its focus on accessibility and engagement, Mamba Bites is poised to become a leading source of LGBTQ+ news and information in South Africa.
Key points
- Mambaonline launches Mamba Bites, a weekly mobile journalism news programme for queer South Africans.
- The programme's debut episode covers three important stories, including the case of Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi and an Equality Court ruling against a Gqeberha shop owner.
- Mamba Bites aims to make LGBTQ+ journalism more accessible and engaging through mobile journalism techniques.
