Despite weeks of uncertainty and a near-total lack of funding, Langa LGBTQI+ Pride returned this past weekend with a powerful display of visibility, resilience and community, drawing hundreds of LGBTQI+ people and allies onto the Cape Town township’s streets.
Held under the theme “Rooted in Pride, Rising in Unity,” the second annual event transformed Langa into a vibrant celebration of queer joy, solidarity and activism, while highlighting the growing importance of township Pride events in South Africa.
From Zero Budget to Community Success
What made this year’s Pride particularly remarkable was that organisers began planning just months ago with virtually no budget.
“The journey to the 4th of July was not without its hurdles. With a zero-budget start just a few months prior, the organising team faced plenty of closed doors and decline emails,” the organisers said. “In true queer fashion, the team leaned into community spirit and optimism, and their tenacity paid off.”
That perseverance was rewarded when sponsors, community organisations and individual supporters stepped in during the final weeks before the event, ensuring the celebration could go ahead.
Pride March Brings Visibility to Langa
The Pride march began at Isilimela Comprehensive School before making its way along King Langalibalele Drive to the Guga S’Thebe Arts and Culture Centre, where a day of performances, community engagement and access to LGBTQI+-affirming services awaited participants.
Cape Town Pride Brand Ambassador Nkosinathi Sangweni waka Mtshali delivered the keynote address, encouraging LGBTQI+ people to continue claiming space within their own communities. He was followed by Free Gender chairperson Anele Ligunya, who emphasised the importance of speaking with a united voice to ensure LGBTQI+ rights are recognised and respected.
Organisers said one of the most memorable aspects of the march was the enthusiastic response from residents.
“As the march wound its way down King Langalibalele Drive, the community response was overwhelming. From local children whistling and cheering to passing cars hooting in solidarity, the atmosphere was one of total affirmation,” they said. Even an elderly resident joined the procession and later attended the festivities, underscoring what organisers described as the deep roots of Pride across generations.
Health Services, Community Support and Faith Dialogue
At Guga S’Thebe, the focus shifted from speeches to community connection. Organisations including Impulse Cape Town, Triangle Project, the Desmond Tutu Foundation, Intersexions.org, Safe Place International, The Aurum Institute and Inclusive & Affirming Ministries hosted information booths offering sexual health resources, educational materials and support services. Attendees also had opportunities to learn more about intersex inclusion, access wellness resources and connect with LGBTQI+ organisations serving Cape Town.
The organisers also used Pride as an opportunity to give back to the local community. Ahead of the event, they partnered with Safe Place International to provide food parcels and hot meals to a Langa family affected by a devastating house fire that claimed one life. Together with Inclusive & Affirming Ministries, they also hosted a faith dialogue exploring affirming interpretations of the Bible and fostering conversations about LGBTQI+ inclusion within religious spaces.
Celebration Through Performance and Community
Entertainment kept the celebrations going throughout the afternoon, with performances by Queen Sinda, Lesbians Never Surrender, Miss Jackye Majawie and acclaimed drag artist Manila von Teez. DJs Tee Bee, Websta, AnonimasDJ and TikTok personality DODO provided the soundtrack to a festive atmosphere that reflected both celebration and resistance.
Organisers credited the success of the event to the leadership team headed by chairperson Anele Gqasana, alongside vice-chair Nandipha Tshabane, secretary Vinolia Sidukwana, vice-secretary Zuko Buyambo, finance officer Bridgette Nkomana, media and communications officer Simphiwe Mahlanyana, a dedicated team of volunteers and the many community members and partners who rallied behind the event.
Looking Ahead to Langa Pride 2027
Reflecting on the significance of the day, the organisers said the event had lived up to its theme.
“Rooted in Pride, Rising in Unity wasn’t just a theme; it was the lived experience of everyone who walked those streets on Saturday.”
With the second edition now complete, planning is already underway for an even bigger Langa LGBTQI+ Pride in 2027, as organisers continue building a celebration that not only showcases queer visibility but also strengthens community ties in one of Cape Town’s oldest townships.
