The 36th edition of Johannesburg Pride is set to light up Sandton on Saturday, 25 October 2025 — and this year’s celebration promises to be bigger, bolder, and prouder than ever before.
Kaye Ally, founder and director of the Pride Africa Foundation — organisers of Johannesburg Pride — says this year marks another “full circle moment” for the movement. “It’s older than our democracy,” she notes.
The theme this year is ‘Purely, Queerly, African’. Ally says the theme is a reminder that while the constitution protects the queer community, lived reality does not match the promise. “Violence, discrimination, and everyday policing of queer existence persist. Pride is our reminder that we are still here, still visible, and still demanding the equality means more than words on paper.”
What began in 1990 as South Africa’s first protest march — and the first Pride on the African continent — has grown into one of Africa’s most inclusive and diverse public celebrations. “Thirty-six years later, Pride remains as necessary as ever. It has become both a marker of how far we’ve come and a mirror reflecting how far we still need to go,” Ally reflects.
Despite progress, challenges remain. “There’s still a long way to go in bridging the barriers. But by showing up — visibly, authentically, purely, queerly African — we chip away at them,” she adds.
For Ally, the most powerful part of Johannesburg Pride is the sense of belonging it creates. “It’s like a huge family coming together to celebrate — not just the day, but themselves and each other. That’s a full circle moment for me.”
As a parting note, she reaffirms Pride’s role as a safe, affirming space: “For young queer Africans we say — we see you, you belong, you don’t have to shrink to survive.”
Joburg Pride is free to attend and takes place along Katherine Street, Sandton CBD, between West Street and Rivonia Road. Gates open at 10:00, and the parade starts at 14:00 from the corner of Katherine and 5th streets.
For more information visit the Pride website, POA WEBSITE
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi