News
Joburg Pride will go ahead despite US terror warnings
- This weekend’s Johannesburg Pride march will proceed as scheduled.
- Following a security alert from the US Embassy regarding a potential terrorist attack in Sandton, the event was in limbo.
- The City of Johannesburg has advised residents to exercise caution rather than panic.
A terrorist attack warning for this weekend has not deterred the resolute organisers of Johannesburg Pride, according to News 24.
The organisers claim that following discussions with law enforcement officials, they made the decision not to postpone the 33rd 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.”
The US Embassy warned its staff and locals on Wednesday about a potential terrorist attack in Sandton this weekend.
Travel warnings were also sent to residents of Canada and the UK.
“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
READ | Joburg’s wealthiest suburb could be a terrorist target
At the same time, the City of Johannesburg has urged citizens to exercise caution in the event of a terrorist attack rather than panic. Mayor of Johannesburg 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.
According to the Sandton Central Management District, they were in touch with the police and on high alert for potential assaults.
