Celebrating Success and Progress This International Pride Month

 

Modern Community Foundation at the forefront of Cape Town Pride

June is globally recognized as Pride Month, a time to honour love and the ongoing fight for equality. In South Africa, a nation renowned for its progressive constitution and diversity, Pride Month takes on special significance. It’s not just about celebration; it’s about recognizing the incredible strides made, the success stories, and the work still ahead to build a truly inclusive society.

A Brief History of South Africa’s Pride

South Africa’s journey toward LGBTQ+ rights is a pioneering story. As the first African country to include sexual orientation explicitly in its constitution (1996), South Africa set a global example for legal protections and human rights. Yet, despite these advances, societal acceptance remains a work in progress. Surveys indicate that while a majority of South Africans support LGBTQ+ rights, many still face discrimination, violence, and social exclusion.

CAPE TOWN PRIDE

Stat Spotlight:

- Over 60% of South Africans support equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals (Source: Afrobarometer, 2021). 

- LGBTQ+ individuals are twice as likely to experience discrimination at work compared to their heterosexual counterparts. 

- Hate crimes and violence against queer South Africans persist, especially in rural areas.

Success Stories You Need to Know This Pride Month

This month, we celebrate the inspiring achievements of South Africa’s LGBTQ+ pioneers who are breaking barriers and demonstrating that success, visibility, and authenticity go hand in hand.

1. Zakhele Mgobhozi

Recognized as South Africa’s multi award winning Business & Entrepreneurship Champion, Zakhele is a social entrepreneur and philanthropist dedicated to community upliftment. Through his leadership at Modern Centric Holdings and initiatives like the Modern Community Foundation and I AM ME, he champions systemic change, creating safe spaces, promoting inclusive entrepreneurship, and advocating for marginalized voices. His work exemplifies how business and activism can drive societal transformation. 

Group Managing Director of Modern Centric Holdings, Zakhele Mgobhozi and Managing Director of Modern Community Foundation, Revel Harris

2. Revel Harris

Managing Director and Co-founder of Modern Community Foundation, Revel is a survivor of homophobia and a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, workplace inclusion, and community development. His leadership in fostering safe environments and championing policies that empower marginalized groups highlights the importance of authentic representation and allyship.

3. Sylvester Chauke & DNA Brand Architects

Sylvester Chauke’s work with DNA Brand Architects has redefined how brands engage with identity and culture. His creative agency’s campaigns and partnerships, like with Flying Fish, Castle Lite, and Vodacom, are rooted in authentic storytelling and cultural relevance, inspiring societal acceptance and pride.

4. The Other Foundation

Dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, The Other Foundation funds initiatives that promote inclusivity and social cohesion across South Africa.

5. Flux Trends 

Founded by trend forecaster Dion Chang, Flux Trends identifies emerging opportunities in unpredictable markets, relating global trends to African contexts, empowering entrepreneurs and brands to stay ahead.

6. Doti Producxionz

Established in 2002 by Fanney Tshimong, Doti Productions specializes in storytelling through film and TV, showcasing local narratives at international festivals in New York, Brazil, and beyond.

7. DNA Brand Architects

Led by Sylvester Chauke, this agency champions authentic brand storytelling that celebrates identity and culture, inspiring societal acceptance.

8. Steve Lestike

The appointment of Steve Letsike as Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with dis-Abilities, highlighting a commitment to inclusion and social justice. Letsike’s leadership marks a new era of empowerment and hope for a more inclusive future.

Deputy Minister of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with dis-Abilities, Ms. Mmapaseka Steve Letsike at the 2024 I AM ME conference

9. Sibusiso Mncube

Success is happening. South Africa’s first openly gay Member of Parliament, Mr. Sibusiso “Sbu” Mncube, exemplifies how representation can influence policy and inspire others to live authentically.

Why Pride Month Matters

Despite progress, many LGBTQ+ South Africans still face discrimination and violence. Pride Month serves as a reminder that visibility matters, it empowers individuals, fosters acceptance, and drives societal change.

At the forefront of this ongoing transformation is I AM ME, a social impact platform and inclusive transformation movement. Established under Modern Centric Holdings, I AM ME champions the visibility, dignity, and empowerment of LGBTQIAP+ individuals, Persons with dis-Abilities, disadvantaged Women and Children, and Youth.

Preparations for the I AM ME Summit and Gala Dinner under the theme Leave No One Behind have commenced. This will not be just an event, it’s a movement for change, uniting leaders, changemakers, and communities to challenge discrimination, promote inclusion, and build a society where everyone has a seat at the table, and this will take place at the Marriot hotel, Melrose Arch from the 29th of July until the 2nd of August 2025. 

I AM ME now operates as a standalone subsidiary, bridging corporate South Africa with communities to foster real, lasting impact. It harnesses the power of allyship, education, entrepreneurship, and community upliftment, driving systemic change across sectors.

Join the Movement

Are you ready to be part of the solution? 

Support LGBTQ+ success stories, champion inclusive policies, and become an advocate for systemic change. Join I AM ME as a partner, ally, or advocate, and help amplify voices that need to be heard.

Happy Pride Month, Mzansi!