The Strides of Rainbow (PELLA-PRIDE) event, which took place in the Khai Ma Local Municipality of the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape, was a powerful display of unity and a bold statement in support of minority communities.
This comes as a group of young people came together last month to paint the streets with LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexual, Asexual) colors led by the entertainment of Nama Dancers from a community stadium.
Several people joined the march and law enforcement was visible to ensure all participants’ safety.
Proudly to the behavior demonstrated by the Pella community members, no threat or danger was sensed, but a positive aura as residents cheered from their homes.
The organizers firmly insisted on the need to celebrate the gay community and unequivocally oppose any form of discrimination. They also underscored the vital importance of intergenerational education and mutual learning. The event fostered a secure and spirited environment, featuring competitive games, captivating dance competitions, and electrifying performances by local artists, all serving as a testament to the unwavering commitment to hosting the Pride event annually.
Joandri Basson, the event organizer, said that the district lacks celebration and awareness when it comes to the gay community even though it has a growing number of members. “It is time for us to celebrate our community and mark our existence. So much is happening in South Africa with Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases increasing each day, we are no different from being affected by that, As we fall to be victims of being ourselves,” Joandri said. Adding, “We can not live in fear, we need to take charge of our own lives and protect one another”.
Chadwin Jonas, one of the organizers, saw the significance of joining and organizing the Pride event, as to educate people and uplift the community, to live in peace without any discrimination or judging one another. “Within our community, we are learning every day and the community itself is evolving,” he said.
Agnes Witbooi, Pella Nama dance leader, said intergenerational education is vital as every day there is something to be learned.
“We are a group consisting of different ages, and we are minded to learn from our grandchildren as we also share our wisdom and life experiences, even though ways of living have drastically changed with technology evolving. It is time for the older generation to learn older, but also for the current generation to be understanding and empathetic towards us. There is a lot that we have to digest.”
From the walk, the event continued with games and dance competitions exciting children in attendance. As the day progressed, local artists were the cherry on top to make it the night to remember. No aggressive conflicts or injuries were reported.
Deviney Diergaardt said that as a group of young activists, they have a long way to go and learn. The group plans to host the Pride event annually and aims to accelerate pride within the LGBTQIA+ community. “We plea for relevant stakeholders to join us and alliances to join and for all of us to be one next year 2025.”
