WATCH: Minister Gigaba receives human rights award
The minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba on Saturday received a human rights award from the LGBTI community.
Thousands of members of the LGBTI community gathered at the Centurion Rugby Club for the fourth annual Pretoria Pride parade and festival.
The minister said in a brief statement that the award is dedicated to members of his department who work tirelessly in promoting the rights of people as enshrined in the constitution.
"I also dedicate this award to each and everyone of you, who are proud of who you are. You guys are fearless," said Gigaba.
The award comes after the department denied the so-called anti-gay pastor, Steven Anderson, entry to South Africa last month.
The move subsequently led to Anderson being kicked out of Botswana, according to the chairperson of the Pretoria Pride Board.
"We appreciate what government is doing for the LGBTI community even though we think more can be done in promoting our rights," he said.
The annual Pretoria Pride is a celebration of sexuality and this year's theme "Raise Your Flag" is aimed at being a more inclusive community who welcomes people from all backgrounds, races and sexual orientation.
"We hope to see all institutions conduct same sex marriages in the near future to allow people of the LGBTI community to join in a civil union," said minister Gigaba.