eThekwini Pride: Durban’s Queer Community Rises in Colourful Defiance

Durban’s beachfront erupted in celebration and protest on Saturday as hundreds of LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies gathered for the first-ever eThekwini Pride March. The event marked a milestone in KwaZulu-Natal’s queer history, not just for its visibility, but for the political message it carried.

In the days preceding the march, eThekwini Pride also hosted workshops and dialogues, a party cruise, film screenings and the inaugural eThekwini Pride Recognition Awards. 

Saturday’s march began at uShaka Marine World and made its way along the iconic promenade, culminating at South Beach where government officials were waiting to receive a formal memorandum of demands from the organisers.

Reading the memorandum aloud, eThekwini Pride organisers delivered a clear and urgent call to action. They urged the municipality to formally recognise the LGBTQIA+ community under local law, to include queer voices in municipal planning and programming, to offer training and employment initiatives tailored to marginalised groups, and to implement strong, practical measures to prevent violence and discrimination.

“Create a safe environment by implementing strong measures to prevent violence against LGBTQI+ individuals,” the statement read. “We believe these actions are essential for building a more inclusive and equitable eThekwini. Nothing less will do. We really appreciate everyone contributing to this effort, but appreciation is not enough. We can and must demand better.”

The memorandum was received by Ward Councillor Cheryl Sisoka, who stood in for Mayor Cyril Xaba. Speaking to the crowd, Sisoka expressed solidarity with the community and acknowledged the struggles many still face.

“Your voice is correct and proper. I was only meant to accept a memorandum, but when I saw the invitation, I knew this was something close to my heart.”

Sisoka stressed that the city takes note of the violence and discrimination queer people endure and committed to change. “We are saying it is enough. Everyone deserves protection. We want a Durban where you are free to walk at any hour, without fear of attack based on your sexual orientation or gender identity.”

She further pledged that the municipality would engage with the issues raised, particularly the lack of support for individuals undergoing gender transition. “It is traumatic when people are left unsupported mid-transition. Our health department must do more, and I commit to working with you to make that happen.”

Also present was KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature Speaker Nontembeko Boyce, a long-time activist and ally. Reflecting on her role, Boyce said, “At the level of law-making, our responsibility is not just to pass legislation but to ensure it lives through government policies. We’ve made progress, yes, but there are still huge gaps.”

Boyce pointed to barriers transgender people face in accessing healthcare and psychosocial support, especially outside urban centres. “People still have to travel far or be placed on limited annual bookings. That’s not real access.”

She also urged for stronger oversight from government departments, particularly Health and Education, to ensure inclusivity is not just rhetoric. “We all have to participate in making South Africa a better place for everyone. When we say ‘We, the people of South Africa,’ we must mean all of us. Let’s stop the hate.”

Boyce’s message to those who still resist LGBTQIA+ inclusion was simple and powerful: “No one can make you someone else. Sexuality is not a choice, it’s who you are. Let’s make South Africa a country worth living in, for everyone.”

After the colourful parade dispersed, the festivities continued into the night with a host of DJs and performers entertaining hundreds of revellers on uShaka beach.

As the sun set over the Indian Ocean, one thing was clear, eThekwini Pride is just getting started, and the movement will only grow louder from here. Ethekwini Pride was not just a celebration, but a reminder that queer South Africans are still fighting for their rightful place in society.

The city’s Pride commemorations have not yet come to an end, with the longstanding Durban Pride event set to take place on 28 June at Gugu Dlamini Park behind The Workshop shopping centre.