Connecting Communities. Advancing Equality. Inspiring Liberation.

Equal rights, made real.

PRIDE-INTL is a human-rights and community-development organisation. We empower LGBTQIA+ persons and other vulnerable and marginalized communities across South Africa through advocacy, healthcare access, economic empowerment, education and direct service delivery.

What Our Name Stands For

PRIDE-INTL

PPronouns
RRespect
IInclusion
DDiversity
EEquality
IInternational
NNetwork
TTogether
LLiberation
Why Our Work Matters

Strong on paper. Unfinished in practice.

South Africa's Constitution was the first in the world to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and in 2006 the country became the first in Africa to recognise same-sex marriage. On paper, LGBTQIA+ South Africans are equal citizens.

Yet those rights do not always reach everyday life. Discrimination, stigma and gender-based violence remain a daily reality for many — especially transgender people, black lesbian women, people who use drugs, people living with HIV, sex workers and those living in poverty. The distance between the Constitution's promise and lived experience is exactly where PRIDE-INTL works.

First in the world
South Africa's Constitution was the first to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation.
A persistent gap
Strong legal protections still leave many facing exclusion and barriers to health, justice and safety.
Closing the distance
Our advocacy, health and service work turns written rights into dignity that is felt.
Who We Are

Our story, mission and the change we seek

Organisational profile

PRIDE-INTL NPC (Pronouns. Respect. Inclusion. Diversity. Equality. International. Network. Together. Liberation.) is a South African Non-Profit Organisation dedicated to advancing human rights, social inclusion, healthcare access, economic empowerment and community development for LGBTQIA+ persons and other vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Founded on the principles of dignity, equality, diversity, respect and collective liberation, PRIDE-INTL works to create safer, healthier and more inclusive communities through advocacy, education, strategic partnerships and direct service delivery.

As an international network, we believe that meaningful change happens when communities work together. Through collaboration, empowerment and measurable impact, we strive to build a future where every person can live openly, safely and with dignity.

Mission, vision & motto

Mission

To empower LGBTQIA+ persons and other vulnerable and marginalized communities through advocacy, education, public health, economic empowerment, partnerships and community-based service delivery that promote equality, safety and sustainable social impact.

Vision

A globally inclusive society where diversity is celebrated, human dignity is protected and every individual has equal access to justice, healthcare, opportunity and community support.

Our Motto

Connecting Communities. Advancing Equality. Inspiring Liberation.

Our objectives

  • Promote LGBTQIA+ rights, dignity, equality and inclusion
  • Advocate against discrimination, hate speech and gender-based violence
  • Educate communities on diversity, gender identity and human rights
  • Support youth empowerment, identity development and leadership
  • Build national and international partnerships for advocacy and health
  • Promote access to inclusive healthcare and wellness
  • Advance economic empowerment and skills development
  • Deliver measurable community service and outreach
  • Advocate for vulnerable groups including people who use drugs, people living with HIV and sex workers
  • Promote social justice, legal awareness and community wellbeing

Our theory of change

If PRIDE-INTL strengthens human rights and social inclusion, improves access to health and protection services and expands economic empowerment opportunities, then LGBTQIA+ persons and other vulnerable and marginalized communities will be better equipped to live healthy, safe, dignified and economically secure lives, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Priority 1
Rights & Inclusion

People know and exercise their rights

Priority 2
Health & Protection

People access healthcare and support services

Priority 3
Economic Empowerment

People gain skills, opportunities and financial independence

Combined Impact
Dignity • Equality • Inclusion • Liberation
Our Work

Programmes that meet real needs

Our service delivery focuses where LGBTQIA+ persons and other vulnerable and marginalized communities face the greatest need — rights, health, safety and opportunity.

01

Advocacy & Human Rights

Awareness campaigns, human-rights workshops, inclusion events and legal referral partnerships that combat discrimination and gender-based violence.

02

Community Health & Wellness

HIV prevention and awareness, wellness screenings through partners and allies, outreach and access to inclusive, affirming healthcare.

03

Mental Health & Support

Support groups and psychosocial care, recognising the toll that stigma and rejection take on wellbeing.

04

Gender-Based Violence Support

Prevention and survivor support for those affected by gender-based, homophobic and transphobic violence.

05

Economic Empowerment

Skills development, job-readiness and CV training, digital literacy and entrepreneurship support toward independence.

06

Community Relief & Safe Spaces

Emergency relief, food parcels, shelter assistance and safe, affirming spaces for those who need them most.

Service first.

Committed to community, by constitution

PRIDE-INTL is constitutionally committed to directing income, grants and donations toward direct community service delivery for LGBTQIA+ persons and other vulnerable and marginalized communities — a founding promise, backed by published annual impact reports.

Strategy 2025–2028

Six pillars for the road ahead

Our three-year plan guides how we grow into a sustainable, accountable and globally connected organisation.

01

Organisational Development

Strong governance, compliance and operational capacity for a sustainable, professionally run organisation.

02

Advocacy & Human Rights

Promoting equality, dignity and legal protection and reducing stigma through education and campaigns.

03

Community Health & Wellness

Improving healthcare access, HIV awareness and mental-health and psychosocial support.

04

Economic Empowerment

Reducing economic vulnerability through up-skilling or skills development, job readiness and entrepreneurship support.

05

Community Service Delivery

Direct, measurable support — relief, food and outreach — backed by our constitutional service-delivery commitment.

06

Partnerships & Sustainability

Building national and international partnerships and diversified funding for long-term impact.

Who we serve

LGBTQIA+ PersonsPeople Living with HIV (PLHIV)People Who Use Drugs (PWUD)Men who have Sex with Men (MSM)Sex WorkersAllies & SupportersOther Marginalized Communities
Leadership & Governance

The people behind PRIDE-INTL

PRIDE-INTL is guided by a committed board of directors, supported by an Advisory Board.

RC

Ruan Carstens

Executive Director
HNJ

HNJ Financial Solutions Incorporation

Finance & Administration
CR

Charne Roberts

Human Rights & Advocacy Coordinator
JM

Julie Mac Donnell

Community and Training Facilitator
V

Volunteer

Community Outreach Officer
PM

Phumlani Malinga

Communications and Media Liaison

Advisory Board

Chairperson

Leads the Advisory Board and guides strategic direction and accountability.

Secretary

Keeps governance records, minutes and organisational documentation in order.

Treasurer

Oversees budgets, financial controls and transparent reporting.

Programmes & Partnerships Advisor

Advises on programme design, delivery and strategic partner relationships.

Community Engagement Advisor

Keeps community voices at the centre of every decision we make.

Join Us

Be part of the change

Our volunteers, partners and supporters are at the heart of everything we do.

Volunteer

Give a few hours or a regular commitment — from events and outreach to admin, education and peer support. No special qualifications needed, just commitment and care.

Email Us to Volunteer

Partner With Us

Organisations, funders and businesses that share our values are welcome. We build partnerships that strengthen rights, health and opportunity.

Email Us to Partner

Donate

Your support funds frontline services — every contribution helps drive direct community service delivery. Donations are tax-deductible (Section 18A receipts issued).

PayFast — Coming Soon
Everyone is welcome. Membership and participation are open to LGBTQIA+ persons, allies and aligned organisations — without exclusion based on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, or nationality.
Contact Us

Get in touch

Whether you want to volunteer, partner, seek support, or learn more — reach out and we'll respond as soon as we can.

Registered office126 Quays, 4 Park Lane, Century City, Western Cape, 7441
PostalPostNet Suite 2021, Private Bag X2, Century City, 7441

Need support?

If you or someone you know is facing discrimination, rejection, ill-health, or crisis, please reach out. You are not alone and we will help connect you with affirming support and services.

Company Information
Registered NPCSince 2021
Registration number2021/786605/08
PBO number930078799
VAT number4160307866