PINK MYNAH PARADE CANCELLED

The LGBT street parade that was set to take place on Saturday in Pietermaritzburg has been cancelled.

The parade was one of the events in the fifth Pink Mynah Festival, hosted by the Gay & Lesbian Network, which is currently underway in the city.

According the network, the procession was cancelled following a request by the Msunduzi Municipality to do so in light of the recent death of Nelson Mandela and the associated events in the area.

“Out of respect for Nelson Mandela and mourning in our country and the world, the Gay & Lesbian Network acceded to the request,” said Director Anthony Waldhausen.

However, the organisation will continue with its other events on Saturday in Hall 7 at the Royal Showgrounds from 12pm. These will feature stalls, live entertainment and DJs until 6pm. There will also be speeches to mark the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

The fair day will include a tribute to Mandela and the singing of the national anthem as well as a condolence book in which members of the public will be invited to write messages in memory of the late icon. This will be handed over to the Nelson Mandela Foundation after the festival.

“Mandela’s strength and commitment to democracy and human rights has made our beloved country strong but there is still a long way to go to ensuring that we are truly free from gender based violence, discrimination and hatred,” said Waldhausen.

“It is our resolve and commitment to continue where he left off and to work tirelessly for what he stood for.”

For more information on the Pink Mynah Festival click here or e-mail director@gaylesbiankzn.org.