Pastor Oscar Bugardt, a known LGBTQ+ critic, stated that he was pleased by reports of alleged multiple acts of vandalism against the rainbow crossing in the De Waterkant area of Cape Town. He noted that such actions demonstrate that not all residents of Cape Town support this rainbow crossing.
Images of the heavily damaged landmark on Somerset Road went viral on Sunday, September 6. The word 'Jesus' had been written on the rainbow surface. Following this, the City painted the crossing bright pink.
However, unconfirmed photographs show that the crossing has been defaced again. This time, the images displayed pink paint with inscriptions reading 'Perversion; Romans 1: 24-27; Jesus is Lord,' written on the road.
Local Councillor for Ward 115, Jan McMahon, confirmed the first incident and stated that the rainbow paint would be restored. When IOL Media contacted Councillor McMahon regarding the second incident, he did not respond by the time of publication.
City Council member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas, emphasized that the Waterkant area is known as a hub for the queer community and that Cape Town embraces diversity. He stated: 'This area has always been home to many, if not most, LGBTQ+ social institutions in the Mother City.' He added that Cape Town is famous for its vibrant nightlife and LGBTQ+ community, and the city strives for everyone to feel welcome there, preventing vandalism from discouraging them.
The images circulated online allegedly contained words including 'Perversion' and 'Romans 1:24–27.' Bugardt, who was previously investigated by the South African Human Rights Commission for his statements, said that the vandalism did not upset him.
He wrote on Facebook that the City of Cape Town, led by DA, forced residents to accept the pedestrian crossing in De Waterkant without proper consultation. Bugardt believes the city used intimidation tactics to appease LGBTQ+ lobbying groups, ignoring the opinion of ordinary Cape Town residents. He added that not everyone agrees with this agenda, which explains the repeated vandalism. In 2023, a group opposing LGBTQ+ symbolism had already threatened to desecrate it. In Bugardt's view, the city should have consulted with residents before painting public infrastructure in the colors of a controversial social movement, as forcing drivers and pedestrians to interact with 'abomination' is imposing LGBTQ+ propaganda on the population, especially children.
He concluded his reflections by saying he was glad to see that not all residents of Cape Town support this rainbow crossing, later clarifying: 'I want to clarify: I am not sad that the rainbow pedestrian crossing was damaged.'