Ekurhuleni LGBTQ Pride March in South Africa Calls for Inclusion and Safety
On September 12, 2026, the annual Ekurhuleni Pride march took place in Geluksdal, South Africa, with participants calling for greater visibility, inclusion, and safety for LGBTQ people. According to MambaOnline , the event was organized by the Ekurhuleni Pride Organising Committee (EPOC) and brought together members of the local queer community and city officials.
The march began at Mponeng Park and concluded at Geluksdal Stadium, where the formal program took place. EPOC founder and director Ntsupe Mohapi noted that the Pride location changes annually to cover different areas of the Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality. This year, choosing Geluksdal was particularly significant due to concerns about safety, hate crimes, and hate speech in the area.
“As a queer nation, we are diverse, so people must know that we are here, we are queer, and we are everywhere,” Mohapi stated. She emphasized that Pride is not only a celebration but also a platform to address community issues and raise awareness about LGBTQ rights. The event’s safety was supported by local structures and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department.
Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Nkosindiphile Xhakaza joined the Pride march. Addressing the attendees, he stated that the city has taken a deliberate stance to support the LGBTQ community. The mayor highlighted the constitutional rights of citizens, including freedom from discrimination based on sexual orientation, and emphasized the need for material, social, and health support from the government.
The City of Ekurhuleni, located in South Africa’s Gauteng province, is one of the country’s largest municipalities, encompassing several industrial towns. Ekurhuleni Pride is held annually, aiming to combat homophobia and integrate LGBTQ people into society. Previously, the late South African LGBTQ activist Banyana Hlutamo, who passed away earlier this year, collaborated with local Pride organizations, including Ekurhuleni Pride.
