Eudy Simelane

Eudy Simelane (11 March 1977 – 28 April 2008) was a South African footballer who played for the South African national team and was an LGBT rights activist. She was one of the first lesbian women to live openly in KwaThema, Springs, Gauteng. Because of this, she was gang raped—in what was called corrective rape—and murdered at the age of 31.

Early life Simelane was born on 11 March 1977, in Kwa-Thema, a township in the Gauteng province, southeast of Johannesburg. When she was only four years old, she became interested in Football. Bafana Simelane said that his sister was a very playful child who developed a love for soccer from following him around everywhere he went.

Football Nicknamed 'Styles' because she was left-footed, midfielder Simelane joined her local team, Kwa-Thema Ladies, now known as the Springs Home Sweepers.

Death Simelane's partially clothed body was found in a creek in KwaThema. She had been abducted, gang raped, beaten, and stabbed 25 times in the face, chest, and legs. She had been one of the first women to live openly as a lesbian in KwaThema. One of the four alleged attackers pleaded guilty to rape and murder and was sentenced to 32 years' imprisonment.

Eudy Simelane Memorial Lecture This annual lecture is hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Religion. The lecture typically focuses on issues related to LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and social justice, highlighting the struggles and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in South Africa and beyond.

Honors A miniature bridge was erected in KwaThema, Springs, Gauteng, in her honor in 2009.