In a historic fashion Stellenbosch was the host of the first-ever Stellenbosch Pride March, which took place at the weekend. The event drew more than 150 participants of the LGPTQI+ community.
Jointly organised by African Sun Media and the Stellenbosch University Equality Unit with support from Monarch Coffee Cartel and Toco, the inaugural Pride March drew diverse participation from all sectors of society and made for a colourful parade.
Speaking at the start of the Pride March, Nirode Bramdaw, Managing Director of African Sun Media, said he spoke in support of LGBTQI+ Pride.
“LGBTQI+ individuals everywhere face discrimination, stigma, and prejudice based on their gender identity or sexual orientation,” he said. “We need to stand united against this injustice and discrimination, and ensure everyone in society is treated equally, regardless of race, gender or sexuality.”
Fanele Ndebele of the Stellenbosch University Centre for Social Justice said it is essential to address ongoing prejudice many people face simply because of whom they love or identify with. “We must work together to eradicate hate attitudes and ensure that, in our homes, workplaces and everyday lives everyone feels safe, respected and accepted.”
The Pride March commenced and culminated in the university’s Rooiplein, where a carnival atmosphere was enjoyed by the 150 participants. the march proceeded through Victoria, Bosman, Plein, Mill and Bird Street before ending at the Rooiplein.
Among the celebrated participants were Miss and Mr Gay Stellenbosch, who invited participation in the pageant as their reign was drawing to an end.
At the end of the pride march Bramdaw said: “While in South Africa LGBTQI+ rights are enshrined in our Constitution, this Pride March is in solidarity with those in the rest of Africa, where sexual orientation is a crime.”
Prof Thuli Madonsela, Law Faculty Trust Chair in Social Justice at Stellenbosch University, congratulated the organisers: “Embracing the humanity of all regardless of sexual orientation or gender preference is both a human-rights and social-justice issue.”
