Johannesburg Constitution Hill hosts one of Gauteng’s key events – the 2025 Human Rights Festival from the 20th to 23rd March.
Celebrating it’s 7th year, the event invites the public to commemorate South Africa’s Human Rights Day and celebrate the memory of those liberation heroes who took a stand for human rights in the Sharpeville 1960 massacre.
The festival aims to build greater awareness and knowledge around human rights and to promote the importance of an active citizenry. The event strives to build solidarity, social cohesion and tolerance of difference and heal divisions in our communities. Moreover, the festival serves as both a global inspiration and display of the strength of South Africa’s ubuntu culture in working towards A just and inclusive society.
Civil society organisations have worked with Constitution Hill to shape a unique programme. Hosted on the apron of the Constitutional Court and using venues in the Old Fort and Women’s Jail, the Festival will bring together a public audience; community-based organisations; social movements; government & non-governmental organisations, and international organisations.
The four-day event is FREE to all and gates open at 10h00 on the 20th, 21st, 22nd. Of March. On Sunday, March 23rd, Constitution Hill invites the public to the last day of the event to take a stand and join together for Human Rights in the 8KM WeThePeopleWalk Walk through the city with a fun filled program kicking off from 7am and return to the site for activities and the local makers market.
Event Highlights:
This festival has a range of significant and entertaining events to enjoy at the festival.
20th March:
· MEC Lebogang Maile will deliver a powerful public lecture at Constitution Hill’s Women’s Jail Museum to honour the life and legacy of Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Known as a fearless icon of South Africa’s struggle for democracy. This event will be live streamed.
· The opening of Qhakaza: Pain Undefined Curated by Gift Kgosierileng, explores how Mama Winnie Mandela used fashion as a form of resistance and empowerment. Through carefully selected pieces, photographs, and multimedia installations, the exhibition highlights how her iconic style became a tool for reclaiming agency and asserting dignity in the face of systemic oppression
· NGO Capacity Building sessions; Learners Programs & Public dialogue sessions, the day ends with an NGO and Film Makers networking session.
21 March: 09h00 – 19h00
· Official opening ceremony – 1000 Drums for solidarity. Drumming serves as a powerful tool to amplify marginalized voices and foster solidarity within community groups.
· Multiple interactive sessions including workshops & dialogues
· Family fun at the Children’s village
· Explore the local authors book fair & book readings
· Don’t miss the film festival showcasing local and global talent
· Catch live poetry segments from our local talent
· Support Local at the curated maker’s market
22 March: 09h00 – 22h00
· Multiple interactive sessions including workshops & dialogues
· Family fun at the Children’s village
· Explore the local authors book fair & book readings
· Don’t miss the film festival showcasing local and global talent
· Catch live poetry segments from our local talent
· Support Local at the curated maker’s market
· Be sure to stay and enjoy The of Freedom live show from 17h00 – 21h00, headlined by none other than Mandisi.Dyantyis!
23 March: 07h00 – 15h00
· The iconic WeThePeople Walk is an 8km walk through the streets of Johannesburg that urges organisations; government offices and all members of the public to join in this walk for Human Rights and their own supported causes. Founded in 2014, attracting thousands of attendees.
FREE DAILY PASSES: www.
Our Constitution enshrines the human rights of everyone, and everyone is welcome!
We look forward to support from the media in promoting this vital event.
