Girly Nkosi, affectionately known as S’Gelane, was born on 14 May 1972 in Kwa-Thema to Rev. Timothy Shabangu and the late Miriam Patose. She lived and was brought up by her late grandmother, Ms Elizabeth Nkosi, who she loved and respected very much.

Arguably the most visible lesbian of Kwa-Thema, she was actively involved in initiatives of stopping abuse against women. In the last two years she was a proud campaigner against hatred towards lesbians through the national 070707 Campaign Act to End Hate Crimes against LGBT people. She was a loyal supporter of the Lesbian and Gay Equality Project work, often saying “kay-kapa-kayi” [wherever] count on me. She understood and embraced solidarity, and passionately sang ‘Yonk’ indawo umzabalazo uyasivumela’ [everywhere, the struggle allows us].

She lived a proud life transgressing all social gender norms and openly confronting the ills posed by economic exclusion. Known to many across the country and internationally, she will be remembered for her jolliness, jokes, dance, beautiful and powerful voice in song and speech.

Girly survived numerous attacks in her life. In early May she was brutally attacked in Highlands, reported the matter to the SAPS and was pursuing the responsible officials to solve the case by arresting the assailants. On Friday 19th June, in an unexplainable manner, she was again attacked in the same neighbourhood. She was admitted to Pholosong Hospital on Saturday and passed away early Monday morning, 22 June 2009, due to internal bleeding near her spine.

Girlie's father plans a Tombstone unveiling for Girlie Nkosi on 10 July 2010. Service at Trinity Church (Mdebuka Str & Thema Road; KT) from 7am-9am then to grave site.