A date change has unexpectedly turned into a social media spat after Pretoria Pride and Jacaranda Pride moved their scheduled events in Centurion to the same day in October.
The 15th annual edition of Pretoria Pride was originally set to take place on Saturday, 3 October, 2026. However, on 12 August, organisers announced that the event would move to 10 October.
They cited the broader October events calendar, logistics and the desire to create the best possible experience for attendees for the change. The location remains the Centurion Rugby Club, Pretoria Pride’s longstanding home for the past decade.
Just a day later, ETC Pub Centurion, which hosts Jacaranda Pride, revealed that its own event would also move from 3 to 10 October.
And that’s where things got a little… tense.
Pretoria Pride distances itself
On Sunday, Pretoria Pride issued a statement noting that it had received several enquiries about Jacaranda Pride and clarifying that it has “no affiliation, partnership, collaboration or organisational connection” with the event.
The organisation said its decision to change dates had been made independently and asked anyone with questions about Jacaranda Pride to approach its organisers directly.
“Our focus remains firmly on delivering Pretoria Pride 2026 – Pride Reclaimed: United In Strength,” Pretoria Pride said, describing its event as a celebration that supports and uplifts the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.
Jacaranda Pride responds
Jacaranda Pride responded later the same day, saying it did not want to engage in “unnecessary drama” or a “tit-for-tat” exchange or contribute to division within the LGBTQ+ community.
But it nevertheless questioned Pretoria Pride’s decision to publicly distance itself.
“Are you not organising a gay Pride event?” Jacaranda Pride asked, questioning who is included in an event promoting the slogan “United in Strength”. It stated that “the public distancing from another LGBT+ event creates the appearance of division rather than unity.”
The organisers also referred to previous disagreements between Jacaranda Pride and Pretoria Pride organisers.
They further described Jacaranda Pride as “a themed party held in remembrance of Stonewall and of the sacrifices made by individuals such as Harvey Milk.”
The statement concluded with a conciliatory message: “Different Events, One Community, Same Pride.”
Two Pride events, one date
So, where does that leave Pride-goers?
Both events will take place on Saturday, 10 October 2026, meaning that Pretoria’s LGBTQ+ communities will have two celebrations in Centurion – just 1.3 kms from one another – to choose from.
It would appear, however, that Pretoria Pride positions itself as a traditional Pride celebration, which typically includes a march through the streets of Centurion, while Jacaranda Pride is more of a Pride-themed celebration at the ETC venue.
Perhaps the real challenge is ensuring that different approaches don’t become divisions — and that, whatever the event, the community remains united around the values that Pride exists to celebrate: visibility, equality, freedom, dignity and belonging.
