The city’s streets were painted in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet as the LGBTQI+ community’s annual parade to raise much-needed awareness about the existence of this community in society on Saturday October 28.

The colours reflected the diversity of the LGBTQI+ community and the spectrum of human sexuality and gender.
The parade started at Alroe Park, proceeded along Madiba Drive all the way to Anderson Street, and on to Oewersig Park. It attracted members of the community who came to offer their support. The member of the provincial legislature and chief whip of the main opposition, the EFF, Ntsako Mkhabela, represented her organisation.

ALSO READ: Premier motivates Matsulu Grade 12s for exams

“It gives us pride to be standing here today and be part of this historic pride parade with you. When we received an invitation to this event, we immediately knew that we had to be part of this, because as an organisation of the people we believe that every life is precious and we are all equal before the eyes of our Maker, the Almighty God. This, right here and right now, is where we want to be, because the EFF is home for everyone,” she said.

“We are here because we understand the issues and challenges. We understand the stigma against members of the LGBTQI+ community. We understand the discrimination still facing this group.

ALSO READ: Rob Ferreira Provincial Hospital hosts awareness campaign for the community of Mbombela

“We are here because we understand all these issues and we want to assure you there is nothing wrong with being gay or lesbian. We were simply born that way and we are proud of it. Rest assured, the EFF will always support this group and we will always strive to improve and create a safer environment for every member of the LGBTQI+ community. Today we are out and we are proud,” said Mkhabela.

The EFF was the only political organisation at the parade. The Department of Health was also present and offered health and educational tips.