Thousands gather as Joburg Pride to celebrates 35 years

JOHANNESBURG - Rainbows and revelry in Sandton as Johannesburg Pride celebrated 35 years of visibility.

On Saturday, thousands of LGBTQIA+ community members and allies gathered in Sandton to celebrate Johannesburg Pride under the theme Celebrate Yourself.

The event, now Africa’s largest Pride parade, marks 35 years since the continent’s first march for queer rights.

Saturday’s march spanned from West Street, Rivonia Road, and Fredman Drive, with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) providing security for nearly 10,000 participants.

Jubilant participants spoke to Eyewitness News, stressing the importance of visibility and representation, calling the day both a celebration and a fight for acceptance.

“I think pride marches like this help a lot. We have come a far way since years ago. I think we are getting there slowly.”

“The last time it was during covid and there was a bomb threat against us, but we felt the need that we should march.”