Tebogo Makwati, better known as Pana, is a determined activist committed to promoting the rights, dignity, and health of the LGBTIQA+ community in the Northern Cape Province. As executive director of D’Gayle Diamonds, Tebogo leads the organization with a strong commitment to inclusive policies, community advocacy, and amplifying diverse voices in public life. Tebogo is actively engaged in advocating for intersex people in the political, health, and rights spheres, pushing for explicit recognition, bodily autonomy, and access to comprehensive medical care for queer and intersex people.
She advocates for access to gender-affirming healthcare and is currently collaborating with Equity Court to promote comprehensive services, including hormone therapy. She leverages her political networks to ensure that the voices of queer and intersex people are heard in governance and decision-making, strengthening community representation. She advocates for the explicit inclusion of intersex people in policy and health guidelines and campaigns for informed consent, bodily autonomy, and access to appropriate, patient-centered medical care for all. Tebogo has led policy reforms within the South African Police Service (SAPS) to align dress code policies with diverse gender identities, promoting greater respect and inclusivity. She has built and mobilized networks that led to the election of eight openly queer councilors across the Northern Cape, strengthening community representation in local government. Tebogo has ensured consistent cross-sectoral collaboration through provincial councils and forums to promote the rights of queer and intersex people, holding numerous positions including:
• Provincial AIDS Council — Provincial Coordinator for the LGBTI Sector
• Working Group on LGBTI Rights of the Provincial Department of Justice
• “Parliamentary Million” Program — Member
• “Activate Leadership” Program Network — Member
• Northern Cape Forum on Juvenile Crime Prevention — Member
• Tshwaragano Youth Development Organization — Member of the Board of Directors
Why she does it: “I believe that change comes from courageous leadership and persistent action. By challenging unjust policies, giving a voice to marginalized people, and building strategic alliances, I work to ensure that every person—whether queer or intersex—can live authentically and with dignity.”
My motto: “Use your voice to bring about meaningful change.”