NMB Pride Hosts Beach March Against Gender-Based Violence

On Saturday, 14 June, the Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) Pride Organisation led a powerful and defiant Pride Month beach march against gender-based violence (GBV) affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.

NMB was last year the site of a series of brutal murders of queer people that devastated families and communities. Those whose lives were snuffed out included Xolani Xaka, a 32-year-old gay man, Sipho Mahlinza, a 27-year-old gay man, Nokuthula Veronica Bottoman, a 35-year-old lesbian woman, and queer couple Siyasanga Mabulu, 39, and Abongile Mani, 23.

Held under the theme “Unity Under the Rainbow”, the 2-kilometre march set off from King’s Beach Parking Lot and made its way along the scenic Summerstrand promenade to Shark Rock Pier.

The organisers said in a statement that the event served as both a protest and a celebration and “a clear message that violence against any member of our community is violence against us all.”

 

A large rainbow flag led the procession, carried proudly at the front, with chants, music, and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere energising the crowd.

A Diverse Coalition of Support

Cllr Yolisa Pali-Jongilanga, MMC for Roads and Transport, led the march, joined by LGBTQIA+ activists, youth groups, local councillors and their constituents, as well as representatives from political parties, institutions of higher learning, non-profit organisations, and the media.

Organisations from across the metro united in solidarity, including four political parties, three universities, three non-profits advocating for marginalised groups, and a major media house.

Tarryn Light, Deputy Chairperson of NMB Pride, opened and closed the event with a call to action, reminding the crowd that the fight against gender-based violence remains both urgent and unrelenting.

Spotlight on Solutions and Safety

At Shark Rock Pier, marchers gathered to hear from a panel of speakers committed to addressing the ongoing GBV crisis in Nelson Mandela Bay. 

Speaking on behalf of Hon. Mayor Lobishe, Cllr Pali-Jongilanga reaffirmed the city’s commitment to safeguarding all communities.

Brigadier Smit of the Metro Police outlined crime prevention strategies and protection measures, while Tim Macquire from the SAPS Youth Desk highlighted youth-focused resources. PC Thabisa Fukutwa, GBV Coordinator at Humewood SAPS, addressed the need for survivor support and systemic accountability in law enforcement responses.

An Afternoon of Connection and Celebration

The event concluded with a relaxed networking session on the beachfront, where community members and allies connected and celebrated in unity, accompanied by music from a city-sponsored PA system.

Attendees were later invited to continue the Pride celebrations at an LGBTQIA+ friendly after-party hosted at R-Lounge in North End.

NMB Pride will host its traditional annual Pride event later this year, with the date still to be confirmed.