In honour of Pride Month 2025, the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality, in partnership with civil society groups and advocacy stakeholders, hosted a powerful two-day LGBTQIA+ Summit at the St. Michaels Sands Conference Centre on the 5th and 6th of June.
The summit brought together activists, local government, and community members with one unified goal: to educate, support, and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly in rural and often underserved areas of the Eastern Cape.
A Municipality That Stands for Inclusion
In her keynote address, Mayor Cllr T.D. Mafumbatha affirmed the municipality’s unwavering support for equality and non-discrimination.
“Our responsibility as the government to the people is to ensure that they are accepted for who they are, in all their diversity,” said the mayor. “This summit has the full support of our municipality and government at large.”
She emphasized that the municipality is committed to serving all people without prejudice, and that public spaces, services, and leadership should reflect this inclusive vision.
Bridging Gaps Between Government and LGBTQIA+ Advocacy
The summit also shed light on critical gaps between government departments and LGBTQIA+ activists, especially in rural areas where young people often grow up with limited access to affirming resources.
Stakeholders called for:
- Better coordination between government and LGBTQIA+ organisations
- Curriculum interventions that empower rural youth with knowledge about gender and identity
- Safe spaces that encourage self-expression without shame
Pride in Rural Communities
Activists shared stories of resilience, discrimination, and survival, challenging both attendees and policymakers to take action. A recurring theme was the urgent need to educate children in rural areas so they grow up knowing that their identities are valid, powerful, and worth celebrating.
A Step Forward for Dignity and Human Rights
The LGBTQIA+ Summit in Mbizana marks a significant step toward social cohesion and human rights, setting a precedent for other municipalities to follow. As Pride Month continues across the country, this event stands as a local symbol of progress, compassion, and visibility.
