Mmapaseka Steve Letsike
Biography
Mmapaseka “Steve” Letsike is a South African human-rights advocate, feminist, organizer, and political leader with a longstanding focus on LGBTI+ rights, HIV/AIDS advocacy, women's rights, and social justice. She founded Access Chapter 2, a human-rights organization focused on women and LGBTI+ people and their participation in public policy and governance. She has also held leadership positions within the South African National AIDS Council and served as co-chair of the National Task Team on human rights and sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics.
Letsike played a leading role in the development of South Africa's first national LGBTI HIV plan in 2016 and has advocated for stronger protections against discrimination, violence, and barriers to health care. She served as chairperson of the Commonwealth Equality Network, a global network of civil-society organizations working to advance LGBTI+ rights across Commonwealth countries.
In 2024, Letsike entered national government after being elected to South Africa's National Assembly and appointed Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. She continues to advocate for human rights, equality, women's empowerment, and LGBTI+ inclusion in public policy.
BQW Impact
Letsike contributes to Black queer community life through decades of LGBTI+ rights advocacy, HIV/AIDS organizing, feminist leadership, and human-rights work. Her advocacy has addressed discrimination, violence, health access, and the inclusion of queer people in public policy.
As a lesbian woman who has moved from grassroots and civil-society organizing into national political leadership, Letsike represents a significant connection between Black queer activism, human-rights advocacy, and public policy in South Africa.
Notable Works
Access Chapter 2
Human-rights organization founded by Letsike focused on women and LGBTI+ communities, through which she established South Africa's first queer-led law clinic.
South Africa's LGBTI HIV Plan (2016)
National HIV plan for LGBTI+ communities that Letsike helped develop through her leadership with SANAC.
Commonwealth Equality Network
International network of civil-society organizations advancing LGBTI+ rights across the Commonwealth, where Letsike served as chairperson.
National Task Team on SOGIESC and Human Rights Matters
National government and civil-society initiative co-chaired by Letsike addressing human rights, hate crimes, gender-based violence, and discrimination affecting LGBTI+ people.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (2024)
National government leadership role through which Letsike works on women's rights, youth development, disability inclusion, equality, and human rights.
Learn More
South African Parliament, Mmapaseka Steve Emily Letsike
Official parliamentary profile documenting Letsike's role as Deputy Minister and Member of the National Assembly.
South African Government, International Day of Sign Languages
Government address documenting Letsike's work advocating for South African Sign Language rights and accessibility.
South African Government, LGBTIQ+ Human Rights
Government material documenting Letsike's work as Co-Chairperson of the National Task Team on SOGIESC and human-rights matters.
South African Department of Justice profile
Government profile documenting Letsike's activism, Access Chapter 2, LGBTI rights advocacy, and leadership within SANAC.