George Pride Imbizo 2026 builds momentum for inclusive and safer communities
In the photo above is a group of attendees at the George Pride Imbizo 2026 Pre-Launch and Stakeholder Engagement
George Municipality hosted the pre-launch of the 4th Annual George Pride Imbizo on in this past week, bringing together local government, civil society organisations, LGBTQIA+ community structures, health-sector partners, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and other stakeholders.
The 4th Annual George Pride Imbizo takes place on 10 October 2026 in Thembalethu. The starting point for the march is the open space next to the Thembalethu Fire Station. Participants in the march can start gathering at 12 noon and the official march will then start at 13:00. The official event will be held after the march at Thembalethu Community Hall, where health services will be available and speeches will be delivered.
The pre-launch engagement provided an opportunity to reflect on progress within the LGBTQIA+ sector, strengthen partnerships and identify ways to address ongoing challenges affecting LGBTQIA+ communities.
George Municipality LGBTQIA+ Project Coordinator Khanyisile Fortuin said the Pride Imbizo is about more than an annual event. “The launch is more than just a programme; it is an opportunity for us as a sector to reflect on our journey, celebrate our progress, acknowledge the challenges that remain, and strengthen our collective commitment to an inclusive and safer George.”
Fortuin said Pride represents visibility, dignity, safety, equality, health and belonging.
She said, “Pride is more than a celebration. It is about creating a society where every person can live openly and with dignity, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.”
Prince Mathe, Garden Route District Manager at TB HIV Care, highlighted the importance of continued efforts to address HIV-related stigma among key and priority populations.
He emphasised the need for inclusive, respectful and non-judgemental healthcare services, as well as a shared responsibility to strengthen HIV prevention, treatment and support.
Vuyolwethu Ngcofe, Transformation Officer at NMU George Campus, welcomed the partnership between the University and George Municipality.
“We are happy to start this partnership with the Municipality because before you are a university student, you are a member of the community.”
Ngcofe said the partnership would support advocacy and awareness around Pride both within the university and the broader community.
Neviron Meyer, Operations Manager at Gender Dynamix (GDX), highlighted the organisation’s commitment to promoting the rights, dignity and inclusion of transgender and gender-diverse people.
GDX is a trans-led human rights organisation working across Southern Africa on community leadership, advocacy, access to healthcare and public services, and legal and policy reform.
Meyer said the organisation values opportunities to work with local communities and partners to turn dialogue into practical action.
GDX’s message to George is that transgender and gender-diverse people belong, have valuable contributions to make and deserve to live safely, freely and with dignity.
The Western Cape Provincial Chairperson for the LGBTQIA+ Sector within the Civil Society Forum of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Gita November, participated virtually in the George Pride Imbizo Pre-Launch and Stakeholder Engagement and delivered her address during the programme. She emphasised the importance of ensuring that the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people inform policies, programmes and services.
“Our role as the LGBTQIA+ Sector within the Civil Society Forum is not simply to represent a constituency in meetings. Our role is to bring the voices, lived experiences, evidence and realities of LGBTQIA+ people directly into the spaces where policies, programmes and services are designed, implemented and monitored.”
The Chairperson said meaningful advocacy must result in practical action and ensure that constitutional rights are reflected in the everyday experiences of LGBTQIA+ people.
The pre-launch demonstrated the value of collaboration between government, civil society, academic institutions, health-sector partners and LGBTQIA+ communities.
The 4th Annual George Pride Imbizo will continue to provide a platform for dialogue, advocacy and community engagement, with a focus on issues including stigma and discrimination, HIV and healthcare access, gender identity, safety, human rights and social inclusion.
Photos:
Khanyisile Fortuin – LGBTQIA+ and HIV/AIDS Project Coordinator, George Municipality.
Neviron Meyer – Operations Manager, Gender Dynamix.
Vuyolwethu Ngcofe – Transformation Officer, Nelson Mandela University, George Campus.
Prince Mathe – Garden Route District Manager, TB HIV Care.