DA Officially Backs WorldPride Cape Town 2028

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has officially endorsed Cape Town hosting WorldPride in 2028, describing the event as a boost for the city’s thriving tourism sector.

In a statement on Tuesday, the party, which governs the metro, congratulated the organisers of Cape Town Pride for securing the right to host the global event. The city beat Guadalajara Pride in Mexico to win the bid.

“Cape Town Pride was represented in the bid by Michael Gladwin, Tommy Patterson, and Councillor Rob Quintas, who brought it home, and we recognise and thank them,” said the DA.

The International Association of Pride Organisers (InterPride) announced the decision in November last year. While the news sparked celebrations within the local LGBTIQ+ community, it also faced a homophobic backlash from some religious groups in the Western Cape.

Undeterred by criticism, Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, welcomed the announcement. He emphasised that the event “reaffirms Cape Town’s reputation as one of the LGBTQIA+ travel capitals of the world.”

Vos added: “We look forward to welcoming travellers from across the globe to celebrate the joyous unity of diversity.”

Nicholas Gotsell, a DA NCOP member, also praised the development. “We commend the Cape Town LGBTQIA+ community’s contribution to tourism and job creation in the province, which has helped the Western Cape become the only province in the country with an unemployment rate below the 20% target.”

While the DA has historically positioned itself as an LGBTIQ-affirming party, this has been marred by it’s opposition to the hate crimes and hate speech bill, and anti-trans comments made by Helen Zille, the DA’s Federal Council Chairperson. 

Gearing Up for WorldPride Cape Town 

WorldPride is a global event promoting visibility and awareness of LGBTIQ+ issues. It features parades, festivals, and activities such as human rights conferences. The first WorldPride was held in Rome in 2000.

The next WorldPride is scheduled for Washington, D.C., from 23 May to 8 June 2025 and is expected to attract over three million attendees.

Cape Town is already gearing up for its 2028 hosting duties. A community information session on WorldPride Cape Town 2028 will take place on Thursday, 23 January 2025, at Bertha House, 67-69 Main Road, Mowbray, from 12:30 to 14:30.

The session will provide details about the planned WorldPride events and initiatives, opportunities for community involvement, and discussions on building a Pride celebration that reflects, unites, and celebrates the city’s diversity.

To attend, please RSVP to Romeo Trussel at rstemporium@gmail.com by Tuesday, 21 January.