Cape Town Pride recently acknowledged some of the individuals and organisations that do amazing work within the LGBTQ+ community through its 2025 Pride Heroes Awards.
The annual awards gala and charity auction took place at the city’s Protea Fire & Ice Hotel on Sunday, 21 September.
The event was hosted by Cape Town Pride Brand Ambassador Nkosinathi Sangweni waka Mtshali and drag star Stella Rosé, who also performed alongside vocalist Andy Ralph
“The Pride Heroes Awards are a way for Cape Town Pride as an organisation to shine the spotlight on the unsung heroes of our community as well as to honour and recognise their contributions,” said Evan Tsouroulis, Cape Town Pride Marketing, Sponsorship & Parade Coordinator.
Meet this year’s Heroes:
Earl Semu – Global Family Initiative, Safe Place International
Earl Semu, Director of the Global Family Initiative at Safe Place International, was honoured for their extraordinary leadership and compassion in uplifting marginalised LGBTQ+ refugees and migrants around the world. Drawing from their own experience as an asylum seeker, Earl has transformed hardship into hope—building programmes that provide shelter, food, healthcare, and empowerment to displaced communities. Their vision has expanded the Global Family Initiative to over 30 countries, launched the Acts of Kindness movement, and supported local Pride events such as Worcester and Khumbulani Pride. Through their work, Earl embodies resilience and humanity, proving that transformative leadership begins with empathy and action.
Imam Muhsin Hendricks – Lifetime Achievement Award (posthumously)
The late, slain Imam Muhsin Hendricks posthumously received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his groundbreaking work as one of the world’s first openly queer Muslim clerics and a fearless advocate for faith-based inclusion. As founder of The Inner Circle and later the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, Imam Muhsin created sacred spaces for queer Muslims to reconcile spirituality with authenticity and self-acceptance. His teachings, rooted in compassion and justice, redefined what it means to live as both devoutly Muslim and proudly queer. His legacy of courage, humility, and unconditional love continues to inspire interfaith solidarity and affirm that equality is deeply spiritual and profoundly human.
Nathan Sass – National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
State Advocate Nathan Sass was recognised for his dedication to justice and survivor support within South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority. As part of the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit, Nathan manages operations at Thuthuzela Care Centres in the Western Cape, ensuring survivors of gender-based violence receive dignified, coordinated care. His commitment extends beyond the courtroom—through outreach, education, and advocacy for vulnerable and LGBTQ+ communities. Quietly effective and deeply compassionate, Nathan exemplifies what it means to serve with both heart and integrity, turning justice into a lived experience for those most in need.
Sandra Dee – The Fairy Godmother Foundation
Legendary Hanover Park activist and drag icon Sandra Dee (Sandra Lentoor) was honoured for her decades-long commitment to empowering youth and celebrating queer visibility through The Fairy Godmother Project. Founded a decade ago, the initiative provides underprivileged matric learners with dresses, hairstyling, and makeup for their Matric Ball, while also engaging local seniors as “Fairy Godmothers” and mentors. A former resident of District Six, Sandra has survived violence, prejudice, and apartheid-era persecution to become a beacon of hope and glamour. Through fashion, mentorship, and joy, she continues to transform lives and uplift her community.
Tine Ros – Ally Extraordinaire
Danish-based activist Tine Ros was celebrated as an “Ally Extraordinaire” for her unwavering global solidarity with South Africa’s LGBTQ+ community. Having grown up in apartheid-era Southern Africa, Tine’s lifelong stand against injustice has evolved into vibrant, visible support for Cape Town Pride. Since 2022, she has donated Pride materials—including the giant rainbow flag that leads the parade each year—and has proudly carried the Cape Town Pride flag at parades in Denmark and Sweden. Her cross-continental allyship is a reminder that Pride knows no borders and that true solidarity transcends distance.
Stephnè Davel – Cape Town Lesbian Queer Book Club
Stephnè Davel, founder of the Cape Town Lesbian Queer Book Club, was recognised for creating a welcoming, free, and inclusive space where queer people can connect through literature and community. What began in 2023 as a small monthly meetup at Cape Town’s Central Library has blossomed into a safe haven for readers, writers, and allies—celebrating queer stories, hosting author events, and fostering belonging outside nightlife spaces. Under Stephnè’s care, the club has become much more than a literary circle—it’s a community of acceptance, visibility, and friendship open to all.
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages – Outstanding Corporate Supporter
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages received the Outstanding Corporate Supporter Award for its long-standing partnership with Cape Town Pride. For over 15 years, the company’s consistent sponsorship and commitment to diversity and inclusion have helped sustain and elevate Pride into one of Africa’s premier LGBTQ+ celebrations. Accepting the award, spokesperson Priscilla Urquhart reaffirmed the company’s belief that inclusivity and representation are essential to a stronger, more united South Africa.
Wentzel April – Outstanding Contribution and Dedication to Cape Town Pride
Drag performer and community leader Wentzel April was honoured for his outstanding contribution as Cape Town Pride Festival Director and long-time supporter of LGBTQ+ visibility. Known for his charisma and humour as his alter ego Wendy La Rosa, Wentzel brought fresh creativity and dynamic leadership to Pride, helping to revitalise the festival experience. His dedication, authenticity, and infectious energy have left a lasting mark on the Pride community, embodying the spirit of celebration, resilience, and love that the event stands for.
