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 Fri, Mar 21, making it a long weekend. Several events are set to take place across the city in honour of the public holiday. Here are some of the biggest ones.
Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival
Thu, Mar 20 – Sun, Mar 23
It's the seventh 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 23
End the Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival with the iconic We The People Walk. Explore the city with an 8km walk with family and friends celebrating human rights.
Event starts at 07:00. Entrance is free; register for tickets here.
Joy Jozi Human Rights Day Celebration
Fri, Mar 21Celebrate culture, unity, and freedom with the kids at Joy Jozi in Dunkeld this Human Rights Day with a full day of fun including a storytelling corner, hair braiding and beadwork, gumboot dancers and drummers, and a DIY flag-making station.
Doors open from 09:00. Entrance is R100 per person.
Kids Love Jazz: The Prelude
Fri, Mar 21The Forge and NarowBi host an intimate afternoon exploring jazz as a voice for freedom and human rights. Set in The Forge in Braamfontein, a space built on activism, expect soulful sounds and deep conversations. This intimate gathering is more than music – it’s a movement.
Doors open at 12:00. Entrance is free.
Human Rights Day and Zoo Snooze at the Johannesburg Zoo
Fri, Mar 21 – Sun, Mar 23Celebrate Human Rights Day with discounted entry to the Johannesburg Zoo for a day of fun, learning, and family-friendly activities.
Gates open at 08:30. Entrance is R21 per person.
Then on Sat, Mar 22 2025, grab your sleeping bags for Zoo Snooze: Earth Hour Edition. Spend a magical night under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Event starts at 17:00 and ends on Sun Mar 23 at 08:00. Entrance is R255 per person, booking is essential via lebo.moalusi@jhbcityparks.com. For more information, read here.
The Hip Hop Floor 1st Anniversary party
Fri, Mar 21
March madness hits The Playground in Braamfontein as The Hip Hop Floor celebrates its first anniversary on Human Rights Day, with big energy and even bigger beats from some of the best in local hip hop music.
Doors open from 14:00. Entrance is free.
Bolekaja Come Down, Let’s Fight
Sat, Mar 22It's a night of music, theatre, and history as Theo Pluto presents a silent immersive musical theatre experience celebrating 100 years of South African radio with Bolekaja Come Down, Let’s Fight at Victoria Yards. From the early airwaves to the liberation soundtracks, this production explores radio's role in shaping democracy.
Event starts at 19:00. Entrance is R150 per person and tickets can be booked here.
Earth Hour Outdoor Cinema at SANBI
Sat, Mar 22Join WWF South Africa for the ultimate Earth Hour celebration at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Johannesburg and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town. Enjoy a heartwarming screening of Happy Feet with tap-dancing penguins, and a powerful environmental message. Pack a picnic, bring your loved ones, and make the biggest hour for Earth special.
Event starts at 16:00 at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. Entrance is from R50 – R100 per person; book tickets here.
Catch A Fire Reggae Festival
Sat, Mar 22Get ready for an all-day celebration of reggae at the Catch A Fire Reggae Festival at the Soweto Theatre. Experience live performances, reggae-inspired art, food, workshops, and so much more – all in the heart of Soweto. Whether you’re a reggae die-hard or just here for the fun, there’s something for everyone.
Gates open at 12:00. Entrance starts from R100 and tickets can be booked here.
Legacy Series presents: Mama Africa Tribute
Sun, Mar 23Be swept away as you learn more about the voice that defined a generation at the Mama Africa Tribute, on at Untitled Basement in Braamfontein, dedicated to the legendary Miriam Makeba – the icon who brought the sound of Africa to the world stage. You can expect live music tributes, a documentary showcase, and a celebration of Makeba's powerful legacy.
Doors open at 18:00 with performances from 20:00. Entrance is R300 online and R350 at the door. Tickets can be booked here.
The Cry of Winnie Mandela at Market Theatre
Until Sun, May 5
An emotional rollercoaster and a tribute to the fierce resilience of South African women at the Market Theatre with The Cry of Winnie Mandela, an engaging theatrical production, based on Njabulo Ndebele’s novel, that unpacks into the lives of four women reflecting on the anguish of waiting for their loved ones. With a mix of powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and a touch of humour, it explores love, strength, and the undeniable power of the female spirit.
Performance from 19:00. Entrance is R50 – R200 and tickets can be booked here. (Performances take place on Human Rights Day on Fri, Mar 21 and over the long weekend)
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