Thirty-six years after South Africa hosted the continent’s first Pride march, Johannesburg Pride remains a vital platform for visibility, activism, and empowerment. What began in 1990 as a protest for equality has evolved into a movement that celebrates identity, amplifies diverse voices, and challenges persistent discrimination.
This year’s Pride, themed “Purely, Queerly, African,” takes place on Saturday, 25 October 2025, at the Sandton Pride Village. The event aims to reclaim and celebrate queer African identity, shifting the narrative from one of pain to one of power, culture, and resilience. The Pride March, led by Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero, will begin at 14:00, winding through the Sandton CBD before returning to the Village for an evening of music, culture, and community celebration.
Kaye Ally, Executive Director of Pride of Africa, says Pride continues to be a necessary act of resistance. “Our Constitution protects us, but lived reality doesn’t always reflect that promise. Violence, discrimination, and the policing of queer existence still persist. Pride is our reminder that we are still here, still visible, and still demanding that equality means more than words on paper.”
Ally adds that Pride’s evolution reflects the growth of South Africa’s LGBTQ+ movement. “We’ve shifted from marching for acceptance to creating platforms for change and empowerment. Pride today is both a statement of freedom and a test of how society treats that freedom.”
The 2025 event introduces several key shifts. Cultural ownership takes centre stage, with greater emphasis on African art, music, and storytelling. Sustainability and inclusivity are prioritised through greener practices and ethical partnerships. A digital campaign, #PurelyQueerlyAfrican, will collect and share stories from across the continent, creating a living archive of queer African experiences. Pride will also collaborate only with partners who align with its values, while safety and accessibility remain top priorities, supported by JMPD, SAPS, and the City of Johannesburg.
This year, the event space has expanded from 12,000 to 46,000 square metres to ensure greater safety and comfort. Security personnel have tripled, with visible and plainclothes officers, armed response units, and wristband access control.
Entertainment will feature three stages with performances from top local and international artists. The main stage, powered by Jägermeister, will be headlined by Focalistic and Brass Cartel, alongside Courtnaé Paul, Mbali Nkosi, Ms Party, Kamo WW, and DJ Adam “The Drag Diva.” The VIP stage will host Hellokenny (USA), Kagiso Mogola, and Kaymow The Barb, while the Beer Garden stage will feature SOSSI, Armand Joubert, and Nikita, who DJed at the first Johannesburg Pride in 1990.
“Pride has moved from being an event to becoming an impact platform,” says Ally. “It’s where activism, art, and community meet. Each year, we reclaim public space, tell our stories, and demand dignity for every queer person in Africa.”
Johannesburg Pride remains free and open to all, with VIP and corporate lounge experiences available. Gates open at midday, with entertainment running until midnight.
