Eight years ago, Qwelane sparked outrage when he wrote a column titled: "Call me names, gay is not okay."  

The South African Human Rights Commission took the matter to court seeking a public apology and damages from Qwelane.

Qwelane denied any wrongdoing.  

Judge Dimpheletse Moshidi ruled in favour of the South African Human Rights Commissions (SAHRC) and ordered that Qwelane write a public apology to the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) within 30 days.  

Moshidi said the apology must be published in a Sunday newspaper.

He pointed out that Qwelane's column published in 2008 was hurtful, harmful and disrespectful to the LGBTI community.  

During the trial Advocate Ngcukaitobi who represents the SAHRC told the court that they had received more than 300 complaints relating to the article.

Qwelane has been ill, and was not in court on Friday.

Source: SABC