The Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival 2025

Constitution Hill once again opens its doors to host a new edition of the Human Rights Festival, running from 20 to 23 March 2025. This 7th annual arts and culture festival in Johannesburg quickly became one of the most important events in the city and province.

Entry is free, and the greater public is invited to commemorate South Africa’s Human Rights Day and celebrate the memory of liberation heroes who took a stand for human rights in the Sharpeville 1960 massacre.

Today the festival’s focus is on building greater awareness and knowledge, human rights and promoting active citizenry. A range of workshops, talks, and entertaining experiences are curated to build solidarity, social cohesion and tolerance of difference and heal divisions in our communities. Here’s the full weekend programme.

The Human Rights Festival at Constitution Hill - What's on in Joburg

Thursday, 20 March – The Human Rights Festival opens

Highlights include a powerful public lecture by MEC Lebogang Maile 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.

Friday, 21 March – Drumming, a lively market, films and a book fair

There’s a lengthy lineup of immersive and entertaining activities on the cards on the Human Rights public holiday. The 1000 Drums for Solidarity experience serves as a powerful tool to give voice to the marginalised in our society and foster a sense of solidarity.

A host of interactive sessions including workshops and dialogues are on offer.

Take the kids to the Children’s Village where play experiences are on offer. Do also have a look at the Curated Maker’s Market serving street food fare and locally made crafts

Meet local authors at the pop-up book fair, uncover new publications, and sit in for one of the book readings planned for the day. Make some time to catch the film festival where the works of local and global talent will be on show, and the live poetry segments spotlight profound literature from the city’s emerging talent. See the full schedule here.

Cost: Free, but tickets are required. Get yours here

When: Friday, 21 March from 9am to 7pm
Where: Starting at Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

The Human Rights Festival at Constitution Hill - What's on in Joburg Mandisi Dyantyis

Saturday, 22 March – Kids activities, poetry and live music by Mandisi Dyantyis

On Saturday, the Human Rights Festival programme will feature a fresh lineup of insightful workshops and talks covering topics such as the oncoming effects of the USAID funding on the youth, tackling xenophobia in the country, looking at Khoikhoi cultural rights, and more.

The Children’s Village will be open to teach the little ones how to vote, a brief overview of our Constitution, and other educational encounters. Live theatre and storytelling are on the cards as well. And when it’s time for snacks or a quick coffee, head to the Curated Maker’s Market. Mandisi Dyantyis will headline the live concert that runs from 5pm to 9pm, performing some of his biggest hits. See the full schedule here.

Cost: Free, but tickets are required. Get yours here

When: Saturday, 22 March from 9am to 10pm
Where: Starting at Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Sunday, 23 March – The annual WeThePeople march

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. This walk drives awareness for Human Rights and their own supported causes in South Africa. The initiative was founded in 2014 and gathers thousands of attendees each year.

Cost: Free, but tickets are required. Get yours here

When: Sunday, 23 March from 7am to 3pm
Where: Starting at Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg