Pride Month 2025, led by Pride of Africa, unfolds throughout October under the theme “Purely, Queerly, African.” The programme spans the entire month, from cultural showcases and community dialogues to the flagship Johannesburg Pride March, placing African identity, expression, and empowerment at the heart of the continent’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy initiative. Join the main event, the Johannesburg Pride March on Saturday, 25 October 2025.
Purely, Queerly African
Pride Day will unite thousands from across South Africa and beyond in a cultural movement that converges art, music, fashion, and activism. The goal is to celebrate individuality while challenging injustice and driving change.
The “Purely, Queerly, African” theme underscores Pride of Africa’s role as a vessel for policy evolution and social progress. It's a cultural mechanism for uniting the continent’s diverse LGBTQ+ voices. Africanism is embedded in the fabric of the event! Pride of Africa affirms that African queer identities are not marginal but central to the continent’s future.
The Big Day
When: Saturday 25 October; 10 AM - midnightWhere: Sandton CBD, Katherine Street between Rivonia Road and West StreetCheck out the Pride march route here! For more information, visit the Pride of Africa website or official Instagram page.
“This year, our theme ‘Purely, Queerly, African’ is a declaration of pride in who we are as Africans. It is about reclaiming space, celebrating our diversity, and demanding inclusion across the continent. Pride is a living, breathing, and constantly growing community that continues to shift the narrative globally while grounding itself firmly in Africa.” - Kaye Ally, Founder and Director of Pride of Africa Foundation
The Johannesburg Pride March 2025 will introduce three key entertainment hubs designed to celebrate the community in diverse ways:
● The Main Stage: a free space with no barriers to entry. Featuring internationally acclaimed artists alongside community favourites!● The Signature Experience: a ticketed space with private lounges, bars, and gaming activations.● The Beer Garden Stage: an inclusive platform for emerging live artists and performers. Alongside a beer garden, of course!
Image: @director_ya_dinepe
Making History
In a historic gesture of solidarity, the City of Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor, Dada Morero, will join the march. This affirms a strong commitment to the human rights campaign and the fight for inclusion. A powerful moment of connection has been programmed and curated to start at 13:30 on Saturday, 25 October.
This year’s Pride is proudly supported by leading sponsors who recognise the importance of queer visibility and empowerment in Africa. These include Jägermeister, Google, Amazon, GBV Rescue Fund, Baker McKenzie, Ernst & Young, Webber Wentzel, Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, and Clyde & Co.
Image: @yomzansi
The Pride of Africa Day and Johannesburg Pride March stand as Africa’s flagship Pride events and the continent’s most visible LGBTQ+ platforms. It's about equality, visibility, and inclusion, amplifying African voices and reshapingnarratives on the global stage.
