After a week of build-up activities, the eThekwini Pride March culminated on Saturday with a vibrant display of unity, visibility and support along Durban’s South Beach beachfront. Hundreds of people gathered dressed in their pride colours, carrying placards calling for equality, inclusion and human rights.
This year’s march stood out for the strong presence of families, with parents, uncles and brothers marching in solidarity with their children and siblings. The atmosphere was filled with songs of pride, resistance and struggle as members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies came together in celebration and advocacy.
The march brought together people from all walks of life, crossing racial, generational and social divides. Activists, community leaders, allies and supporters marched side by side, demonstrating the power of collective action and belonging.
Solidarity matters now more than ever
Addressing the crowd, Deputy Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, praised the organisers, participants and allies for their continued commitment to equality.
“We should not leave anyone behind. We want to say as government of South Africa, this constitution was hard-won by activists, by freedom fighters, LGBTI people were there. We are here now, we must guard this constitution.”
Letsike also emphasised the importance of global solidarity, adding:
“We must stand with LGBTI people everywhere. Our solidarity matters now more than ever.”
- View our full gallery of images of eThekwini Pride 2026 here
Spirit of togetherness
International partners also showed their support. Deputy General Representative of Flanders in South Africa, Nicolas Vandeviver, highlighted the importance of visibility and standing against growing intolerance.
“We really think it’s important to show our support, to show up, to be here, to stand shoulder to shoulder with everybody who believes that love is love, that you just have to be and you can be whoever you are.”
Representing the Embassy of Ireland, a spokesperson reflected on the spirit of togetherness that defined the event.
“We have a phrase in Ireland that says na chéile, which means together. And I just want to say na chéile for you, we are together with you and for you and for those who are proud of you.”
As the march made its way along the beachfront, the message was clear: eThekwini Pride remains a powerful platform for visibility, equality and unity.
eThekwini Pride celebrations after the march
Following the march, celebrations continued at The Joint, where members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies gathered for an afternoon of music, connection and joy.
The venue transformed into a vibrant, safe space where people could unwind after the march, make new friends and celebrate their identities freely. Guests enjoyed performances from some of Durban’s favourite queer DJs, whose music kept the dance floor alive throughout the day.
For many attendees, the event was more than just a party. It was a reminder of the importance of safe and inclusive spaces where the LGBTQIA+ community can come together, celebrate diversity and build lasting connections.
- View our full gallery of images of eThekwini Pride 2026 here
