This will see Lesbians and Gays community members, organisations and entrepreneurs gather in Johannesburg for an international Conference in October 2018, the first of its kind.
Themed ‘Unlocking the world by linking LGBTIQ+ communities globally’ according to the organizers, they see this conference as a platform to network and explore synergies around various forms of activism, expression, economics and opportunities.
“The network will be a platform to link NGO’s, LGBTIQ+ affinity groups, LGBTIQ+ activists, corporates and governments in a bid to form partnerships that benefit the global community.
The common thread highlighted throughout the launch was how building unity through the network will provide a more powerful and unified voice for LGBTIQ+ communities globally.
Gauteng Tourism is very proud of its association with the LGBTIQ+ Global Network. It resonates with our strategy of targeting niche markets in the roll out of our promotional drive to get the residents of Gauteng to travel more with their province and to attract travelers from throughout the country and from abroad,” read a media statement.
This also forms part of supporting the Joburg/Gauteng Pride March, the Pinknic at Maropeng as a build-up to the Feather’s Awards in November 2017.
The LGBTIQ+ Global Network conference follows the inaugural Afropunk music festival scheduled from December 30 to 31 2017.
Afropunk is an international fest held across Europe and US.
Meanwhile, a group of seven tourists‚ including an Iraqi diplomat‚ were attacked at the Corlett Drive offramp in Johannesburg on Thursday evening.
According to tweets from anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee‚ the tourists were followed from the OR Tambo International Airport (following a conference in Knysna, Cape Town) as they made their way to their hotel.
He said one Iraqi ambassador was assaulted‚ and the tourists’ luggage was stolen. He said the criminals left the scene in two vehicles.
Gauteng police spokesman Kay Makhubele could not immediately confirm the attack on Thursday evening.
Recently, Dutch tourists were hijacked after leaving OR Tambo, that necessitated a call by Police minister Fikile Mbalula to place the airport under the spotlight and improve security.
