On this day every year, South Africa remembers the fundamental human rights that scores of people fought and died for, such as the right to freedom of movement and freedom of education, which are now enshrined in the South African Constitution.
This year, Human Rights Day falls on Sat, Mar 21. Several events are set to take place across the city in honour of the public holiday. Here are some of the biggest ones.
Genesis – The Beginning and End of Time
Thu, Mar 19 – Sun, Mar 22Internationally acclaimed choreographer Gregory Maqoma brings his powerful dance opera Genesis – The Beginning and End of Time to the Joburg Theatre. Blending dance, live music, poetry, and striking visuals, the production explores creation, transformation, and the cyclical nature of history through a visceral and poetic performance.
Tickets can be booked here.
UJ Classical Music Weekend for Human Rights Day
Fri, Mar 20 – Sun, Mar 22Celebrate Human Rights Day with a weekend of opera, operetta, and choral music with UJ Classical Music Weekend for Human Rights Day at the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre. Presented by University of Johannesburg Arts & Culture, highlights include Some Enchanted Evening on Fri, Mar 20 at 19:00 with soprano Yolisa Ngwexana, and the South African premiere of Oratorio for Human Rights on Sun, Mar 22 at 15:00, performed by the UJ Choir and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tickets can be booked here.
Jazz in the Lights
Sat, Mar 21
It’s an evening of smooth jazz and open-air music as Malcolm Jiyane, Msaki, and more take the stage at Jazz in the Lights at the Johannesburg Zoo. Set among the trees and walkways of the zoo, this relaxed night of live performances pairs great music with a touch of nature.
Tickets can be booked here.
Victoria Yards Wine Walk Festival
Sat, Mar 21Enjoy wine, music, and good food at the inaugural Victoria Yards Wine Walk Festival at Victoria Yards. Sip your way through tastings from over 15 South African wine farms while enjoying live music and a laid-back atmosphere of discovery. Tickets can be booked here.
A Day at Thesis (ADT)
Sat, Mar 21It’s a celebration of fashion, music, art, and community as A Day at Thesis brings creatives and tastemakers together at the Soweto Equestrian Centre. Expect a culture-driven day of style and sound featuring acclaimed DJ Jullian Gomes and more.
Tickets can be booked here.
Style Is A Human Right Market
Sat, Mar 21Expect a day of style, sonic storytelling, fashion market and conversations around fair labour, conscious production, and the power of creative freedom at Style Is A Human Right Market in Westdene.
Tickets can be booked here.
Isithebe sabantu with Lady Day Food
Sat, Mar 21Mark Human Rights weekend, the end of a fasting period, or simply the joy of gathering at Isithebe sabantu communal brunch at A42 House, Parktown North. Hosted with Lady Day Food, this shared table invites guests to break bread together and experience isithebe sabantu (Humanity's table in isiZulu) — a spread inspired by the diverse culinary stories of South Africa.
Tickets can be booked here.
Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival
Thu, Mar 26 – Sun, Mar 29
It's the eighth edition of the Human Rights Festival at Constitution Hill, bringing awareness to issues around human rights with over 60 social justice organisations and movements, more than 50 workshops and seminars, and a children's programme with Play Africa.
Gates open from 10:00 daily. Entrance is free.
WE THE PEOPLE WALK
Sun, Mar 29
Take to the streets of Jozi for the annual We The People Walk, this year in partnership with Fit City. Choose an 8km walk or challenge yourself with a 5km or 10km run, and move for social justice. Finish at the Recovery Stations, explore the curated makers market, grab bites from food trucks, and unwind with a Sunday Chill Session with friends and family.
Event starts at 07:00. Entrance is free to R80 per person; register for tickets here.
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