Can the tourism industry bring World Pride 2028 to Cape Town?

Cape Town is ready to host, the industry is ready to propose, and all that is needed is a little bit of help from you.

Here is the What

The Mother City has long been known as the LGBTQ+ capital of South Africa. The city is leading the way in creating a truly welcoming and inclusive society for the LGBTQ+ community in South Africa and represents a beacon of hope for the rest of the continent.

This is not only a perfect fit for the work of SATSA’s Access, Inclusivity and Diversity (AID) Committee but also for our #FreeToBeSA campaign. Hence us reaching out to you on behalf of Michael Gladwin, a fellow member, who has taken on this project with big passion and determination.  

We all know that we have a lot of problems in South Africa, but on the positive side, what we do have, and something we can be very proud of, is a Constitution that is founded on the achievement of equality, the advancement of human rights, and freedom. 

World Pride will not only bring thousands of visitors to South Africa with incredible concerts, parties and the biggest Pride March South Africa has seen; it will also host one of the biggest LGBTQ+ Human Rights Conferences to have ever been staged. A conference that is desperately needed in Africa – there is still much work that needs to be done to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Africa, and this can start the much-needed journey.

Sydney World Pride is expecting around 500 000 people on the last day Pride Parade and Celebration alone, with many more in the 3 weeks leading up. New York City in 2019 attracted more than 5 million visitors to the city over a 3-week period and World Pride Oslo, hosted as a hybrid event due to Covid, still attracted 300 000 people.
 

Here is the Why 

In the process for South Africa to qualify for bidding, it is mandatory that there is SA representation at World Pride Sydney 2023 which is taking place between 24 February and 6 March 2023. Not much time left.

The proposal has great support from the Mayor of Cape Town, the City of Cape Town, Cape Town Tourism, Wesgro, the National Convention Bureau, and South African Tourism. They all see the value of hosting the event in Cape Town and are excited to partner on the bid.

The one hurdle we have, and where we need your help, is that procurement processes are restrictive when it comes to sending a private sector representative. Michael is ready to go, and we want to help him realise this great market access and exposure opportunity for South Africa. 

Here is the How 

We are happy to report the wonderful news that Aquila Collection stepped up to the challenge and will be taking care of Michael’s flights to Australia and back as they believe in bringing more people from new markets to Cape Town.

For the 10 days that Michael is there, he will work as a volunteer, attend the bidding briefing, learn, network, and connect with the right people so that the knowledge he gains gives us added value to our bid.

He is using a local crowd-funding platform, Back-a-buddy to raise the required outstanding funds. All money raised will be used to pay for accommodation and registration to Sydney World Pride’s Human Rights Conference. The funds will not be used for any personal expenses while in Sydney. 

Click here to donate (anything is welcome from R100 to R1000 and even more)

And finally, there is no such thing as a free lunch…

In exchange, Michael has committed to providing free online LGBTQ+ Sensitivity and Awareness Training to SATSA members – giving you the opportunity to start the process of becoming truly inclusive. This means that WHEN we win this bid, you will be able to proudly say that you are an authentically LGBTQ-friendly organisation.

For more information on the World Pride Proposal, please click here.

If you want more information or to chat with Michael, you can reach out to him at mike@afrigay.co.za.