This year’s edition of Johannesburg Pride is not sponsored by the US multinational giant, Amazon.
That’s according to founder Kaye Ally, who is also the founder of Pride of Africa, in response to calls for boycotts of this Saturday’s LGBTQIA+ event.
Earlier this week, several organisations issued an open letter. In it, they criticised Pride for aligning with companies like Amazon, which “profit from oppression” and have “no true commitment to equality.”
They also alleged that Amazon was complicit in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They claimed that the company is supplying Israel with advanced technology. Thus, they are allegedly contributing to mass genocide and human rights violations in Palestine.
JOHANNESBURG PRIDE FOUNDER RESPONDS
On Thursday, 23 October 2025, Ally shared a statement on several of Johannesburg Pride’s social media platforms.
“Johannesburg Pride would like to firmly state that we have officially announced our 2025 partners,” the statement reads. “To address the current matter directly, Johannesburg Pride did not onboard Amazon as a partner for this year’s event.
“We hope this clears up any misconception or confusion that the open letter may have caused.”
SPONSORSHIP MISCOMMUNICATION
While there were “preliminary discussions” that did take place between the two parties, Ally says that a deal never came to fruition.
However, there was apparently a break in communication, as Glamazon – Amazon’s LGBTQIA+ affinity group – announced on social media in July that the retail giant was sponsoring Pride this year.
“While Johannesburg Pride had engaged in preliminary discussions with Amazon, the partnership announcement was released prematurely on a platform outside of our control and before any formal agreement had been finalised,” Ally wrote.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR JOHANNESBURG PRIDE?
Many are calling on their fellow South Africans to boycott the event altogether and instead attend alternative Pride gatherings.
Despite the backlash, Ally is adamant that the primary goals of the event are to foster inclusivity and uplift members and allies of the queer community.
“Johannesburg Pride remains focused on creating a safe, inclusive and affirming space for the LGBTQ+ community and our allies – a space built on truth, respect and collaboration,” the statement concludes.
