The annual Soweto Pride event has announced a dramatic change to how it will stage its march and post-march celebration in 2025.
In a statement, the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW) – the organisation behind Soweto Pride – confirmed that the 21st Soweto Pride will take place under the theme “Key to Empowerment.”
Traditionally, the event featured a political march on a Saturday morning followed by a celebration on the same day. This year, however, the two components will be held on separate days for the first time.
The political march will now take place on Friday, 26 September 2025, with the community celebration scheduled for the following day, Saturday, 27 September 2025.
A Strategic Shift
FEW described the move to separate the two parts of Soweto Pride as a strategic decision.
According to the organisation, the shift aims to deepen engagement with civil society organisations and government departments, which are generally more accessible on weekdays.
The change also seeks to create greater opportunities for participation from embassies, policymakers, and institutional stakeholders, ensuring that Soweto Pride’s political message is heard in spaces where it can effect meaningful change.
“We believe that marching on a Friday will amplify our political voice and allow for broader reach, stronger media presence, and increased accountability from those in power,” said FEW.
Queer Joy and Community Celebration
While Friday will focus on political protest, Saturday, 27 September, is set to be a day of queer joy, community building, and cultural celebration under the banner of “Isango LenKululeko” (The Gateway to Freedom).
“This space is for the LGBTI community, feminist allies, families, and friends to reconnect, express themselves, dance, and heal together in a safe and supportive environment. It is a celebration of resilience, identity, and love,” said FEW.
Soweto Pride: A Political Project
Soweto Pride was launched in 2004 to create and safeguard political and social spaces for Black lesbian women and the broader LGBTI community.
Initiated by FEW, the event remains a critical platform for visibility, resistance, and affirmation. Each year, the march brings attention to the ongoing violence, discrimination, and erasure experienced by queer people—particularly Black lesbian women—in South Africa’s townships.
It is a defiant and powerful moment where participants march in memory of those who have been lost, in solidarity with those still facing violence, and in a call for freedom, dignity, and justice.
“We call on all comrades, allies, and those in solidarity with our struggle to join us on Friday for the political march and on Saturday for the cultural programme—to stand with us, celebrate with us, and move with us toward true liberation,” said FEW.
The organisation affirmed its continued commitment to working closely with civil society and government to ensure that Soweto Pride remains impactful, inclusive, accessible, and safe for all.
