The Hangout: Pride unites South Africa

October has arrived in a burst of sunshine and rainbows, and Pride Month in South Africa is well under way. Across the country, people are showing up, showing love and celebrating who they are in every colour of the spectrum.

From community events and live performances to art, dialogue and unapologetic joy, Pride this year feels bigger, brighter and more inclusive than ever before. The theme, “Purely, Queerly, African”, has taken hold of hearts and streets, reminding everyone that pride and identity are beautifully rooted in the African story.

At the centre of all this vibrancy is Kaye Ally, executive director of Johannesburg Pride and the powerhouse behind the Pride of Africa Foundation. Kaye has been leading the charge in transforming Pride from a one day parade into a month long celebration that blends entertainment, advocacy and empowerment. She is not just organising marches and parties; she is creating spaces where people can connect, learn and feel seen. Her vision has turned Johannesburg Pride into one of the most influential queer movements on the continent, bringing together corporate partners, activists, artists and everyday allies in a shared spirit of inclusion and hope.

If you have been anywhere near Johannesburg this month, you have probably felt the buzz. The city has been alive with events since the first week of October. The emPOWERment Summit in Sandton kicked things off with heartfelt discussions about representation and workplace equality, while the fabulous Queer Met Gala added a sparkling dose of glamour to the mix. Markets, performances and pop ups have filled every weekend with something new to see or do, whether it is catching drag shows, browsing queer owned businesses or attending talks on community safety and mental health.

Pretoria has been shining too, hosting its fourteenth Pride celebration at the Centurion Rugby Club. The energy there was electric, with music, laughter, food stalls and families joining in. It is a reminder that Pride is not just about protest and politics, though both matter deeply. It is also about belonging and joy. South Africa’s queer community continues to show how celebration and activism can walk hand in hand, inspiring others across the continent to raise their voices too.

Johannesburg Pride, the highlight of the month, is taking over the streets of Sandton today with more colour and confidence than ever before. The Pride Village stretches along Katherine Street, filled with live music, delicious food, art and vendors from across the city. The march itself begins in the afternoon and winds through Sandton’s business district, transforming one of Africa’s busiest hubs into a sea of rainbows, laughter and solidarity. It’s a moment that captures the spirit of Pride perfectly, loud, proud and united. Marchers carry banners and flags while allies line the route to cheer them on. There are drag queens in heels higher than anyone thought possible, families with children waving tiny rainbow flags and friends dancing together to the beat of music that fills the air. It is joyful, emotional and deeply moving. Every year the march grows larger and more diverse, and this year’s turnout is already shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.

As the month continues, the message rings loud and clear. Pride is for everyone. It’s about love, laughter, courage and community. It’s about being proudly African and proudly yourself. Thanks to leaders like Kaye Ally and the Pride of Africa Foundation, Pride Month has become a beacon that lights up not just Johannesburg, but the whole continent. Whether you are marching, dancing, cheering from the sidelines or simply wearing a little extra colour this October, remember that you are part of the movement, and that is something worth celebrating.