By Tebogo Monama.
Defiant organisers of Johannesburg Pride say the annual parade will go on despite a terrorist attack warning this weekend.
The organisers say that after consulting with law enforcement officials, they decided not to cancel the 33rd edition of the Pride march.
“From a South African perspective, we believe that all lives matter. Johannesburg Pride has not been directly threatened, nor have we received any communication from outside parties other than what the media assumed via the US Embassy’s website.”
On Wednesday, the US Embassy alerted its staff and residents about a possible terror attack in Sandton this weekend.
Canada and the United Kingdom also issued travel alerts to their residents.
“We have consulted with the various entities, and at this point: postponing Pride is hard, proceeding with Pride is hard, and deciding whether or not to attend is a hard decision,” Pride organisers said.
“We urge you to remember the essence of why Pride began. It was, for all intents and purposes, a protest action. We, as a continent, have a very marginalised LGBTQ+ community, we live under constant attack, and there is a constant fear of being arrested in 33 of 54 countries.
“Despite our constitutional rights, we are marginalised in South Africa. 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 for our existence.
“We must remember that it is critical for us to occupy the space we intend to occupy on 29 October, that we take to the streets, and that we assert our visibility. We must establish our presence and demonstrate our strength as a united community.”
The organisation said it would not succumb to threats.
“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.”
At the same time, the City of Joburg has called on residents not to panic but be cautious in light of a potential terrorist attack. Joburg Mayor Dr Mpho Phalatse said: In this light, the United States consul-general in Johannesburg, Mr Vincent Spera, contacted me to inform me of their detection of a potential attack in Joburg. In order to ensure that the city is well-informed and prepared for any eventuality, I have spoken with the Gauteng South African Police Service Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela, requesting that any and all information and intelligence be shared with the city.
“The provincial commissioner has assured me that the necessary measures have been put in place and that nothing will be left to chance. I have also engaged with MMC for Public Safety Cllr David Tembe, and the acting chief of the Joburg metropolitan police department, Thulani Khanyile, who have advised that visible policing resources have been deployed to the Sandton area.”
She said the city would share a list of events taking place this weekend with law enforcement authorities and the national government.
“Without causing a panic, I would like to encourage residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.”
Police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe referred questions about the alert to the Presidency.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency said: “Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor for any threats to our citizens, our nation and our sovereignty. Threats are assessed continuously and are acted upon to ensure the safety of all. Should the need arise, the South African government will be the first to inform the public about any imminent threat.”
Businesses in Sandton also said they would take their cue from law enforcement.
Southern Sun said: The safety of our guests, service providers, employees and stakeholders is of utmost importance. We are working with our partners, landlords and the authorities to actively monitor the situation, and we have heightened security measures at our hotels in the area and at the Sandton Convention Centre. We are currently trading as normal.
The Sandton Central Management District said they were in contact with authorities and were vigilant about possible attacks.