Sandton On High Alert As 33rd Johannesburg Pride Marches On

All levels of the City of Johannesburg security cluster have been mobilised as this weekend’s 33rd Johannesburg Pride remains on track, following an alert of a potential terrorist attack in the greater Sandton area.

In a statement, the 33rd Johannesburg Pride has called on the LGBTQ+ community to ‘demonstrate strength as a united community’ as the march remains on track.
Visible policing resources have been deployed to the Sandton area by the City.
At least four other embassies have issued safety advisories to its nationals.
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Following a security alert issued by the US Embassy to the Republic of South Africa and the subsequent travel advisory issued by the United Kingdom (UK), which both warn of a potential terrorist attack in the greater Sandton area, over the weekend, 33rd Johannesburg Pride released a statement opting to proceed with the 2022 march, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

We have spent the last 24 hours assessing the situation, consulting with authorities, and managing the situation as a whole from a planning standpoint, and we have learned that there are a number of large public events taking place in the surrounding areas. 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.

// Johannesburg Pride Chairperson, Kaye Ally (via Twitter)

Organisers of Johannesburg Pride have acknowledged that both postponing the event would be hard, just as much as proceeding with it. Deciding whether to attend 33rd Johannesburg Pride would also be a hard decision for attendees.

Remember, our pride began as a defiant campaign, and 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. We are confident that the 33rd Johannesburg Pride March and Pride of Africa Celebrations can go ahead as planned thanks to our team, private security, the private security of Sandton Precinct and the authorities.

// Johannesburg Pride Chairperson, Kaye Ally (via Twitter)

The City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Cllr Mpho Phalatse also released a statement advising that the City has ‘taken serious note’ of the threats.

The United States Consul-General in Johannesburg, Vincent Spera, contacted me to inform me of their detection of a potential attack in Joburg.

// City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Cllr Mpho Phalatse

33rd Johannesburg Pride — The layout of the 2022 Johannesburg Pride Village, outside the Sandton City Protea Court, corner Sandton Drive and Rivonia Road. Image: Johannesburg Pride

In order to ensure that the City is well-informed and prepared for any eventuality, the City has called upon the Gauteng Provincial South African Police Service (SAPS) Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela, requesting that any and all information and intelligence be shared with the City – SAPS has given its assurance that the necessary measures have been put in place and that nothing will be left to chance.

It has further requested the City’s Joint Operations Committee (JOC) to provide a full list of events taking place in Johannesburg over the coming days, which will be shared with law enforcement authorities and National Government.

The City of Johannesburg has prioritised safety and security, and will avail any resources and support required by the SAPS and National Government to ensure the safety of Joburg residents and visitors.

// City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Cllr Mpho Phalatse

Sandton Central Precinct also released a statement advising it is assisting and supporting the local authorities in ensuring enhanced security in Sandton over the coming weekend. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the SAPS by calling the 10111 emergency line.

In response to the US Embassy’s warning about a potential terror attack in Sandton on over the weekend, at least four other embassies, including the Canada and Australia, have issued safety advisories to nationals.

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