Joburg Pride to go ahead despite terror warning

The US Embassy issued a security alert on Wednesday, warning its citizens based in South Africa to avoid crowds of people and large gatherings in the Sandton area on Saturday and Sunday.

The embassy said it flagged a potential attack which is expected to take place during the weekend of 29-30 October 2022.

The warning came as the  LGBTQIA+ community is expected to gather in Sandton on Saturday for the 33rd Pride Parade.

The event celebrates advocacy, activism, and change to "drive equality globally and liberate every LGBTQ+ person across Africa to live their most authentic lives".

In a statement released on Thursday, the pride organisers said after consultations with various entities, a decision was made that the event will go ahead as planned.

"The threat has provided an opportunity for homophobes to emerge, inciting a series of homophobic comments directed at Pride and Our LGBTQ+ community and the reason of our existence. Remember, our pride began as a defiant campaign, and we will not be subjected to any threats based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

“This is precisely why we take to the streets and march. We must assert our right to exist once more.

We must maintain our freedom of movement and freedom of expression," said the organisers in a statement.

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