Pride Month Begins in Pietermaritzburg (South Africa) with Flag-Raising and Call to Action

On June 1, 2026, Ethekwini Pride officially opened in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Organizers raised the flag outside the UThingo Network office, bringing together activists, religious figures, and international partners. The event was held under the theme “Beyond Waves, Pride in Action” and marked the beginning of Pride Month in the KwaZulu-Natal province.

Ethekwini Pride Chairperson Siphokazi Nombande stated that the ceremony is not a celebration, but a “declaration of war against silence and violence.” She recalled South Africa’s 1996 constitutional promise guaranteeing equal protection regardless of sexual orientation. Nombande urged the government and allies to move from symbolic support to action: “A right that exists only on paper protects no one.”

Uthingo Network Director Brian Sibeko-Ngidi noted that despite a progressive constitution, violence and discrimination against LGBT people continue in South Africa. “Our people, lesbians and transgender people, are still being murdered for who they are,” — he said. — “We are tired of slogans, we need action.” Sibeko-Ngidi also recalled the struggles of previous generations and the importance of collective responsibility.

Thomas Castrel, a representative of the Delegation of Flanders in South Africa, spoke via video link. He stated that the health of a democracy is measured by the protection of human rights and emphasized the importance of realizing rights in everyday life. “Equality is not a side issue. It goes to the heart of whether people can live openly, safely and with dignity,” — Castrel said.

Reverend Vernon also spoke at the ceremony. He called on churches to accept LGBT people: “To be an authentic Christian for me is to be someone who lives in line with the teachings of Jesus. Queerness is holy. It affirms that God does not make any mistakes.” Vernon apologized for the pain caused by religious institutions and invited LGBT people to find refuge in his community.

At the end, participants reaffirmed their commitment to protecting human rights and equality.