Constitution Hill to host 2026 Human Rights Festival in Jorburg

The festival aims to encourage public engagement with human rights issues while honouring the legacy of those who fought against injustice, including victims of the Sharpeville massacre, which is commemorated annually on Human Rights Day on 21 March.

Organisers say the 2026 programme will be guided by the theme Remembering the Past. Engaging the Present. Shaping a Just Future. The four-day event will include public dialogues, workshops, debates and cultural activities designed to raise awareness of constitutional rights and civic participation.

“This year’s Human Rights Festival is more than just an annual event – it is a crucial year in the heritage legacy of South Africa and we should proudly contribute to immortalising our legacy and champion human rights,” Constitution Hill head of public programmes Reuben Phasha said. “This is an opportunity to be part of creating a future we can be proud of as a nation. We look forward to welcoming the public to join us over these four days of reflection and togetherness.”

The 2026 festival coincides with several milestones in South African history, including 30 years since the adoption of the country’s Constitution, 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, and 70 years since the signing of the Freedom Charter and the 1956 Women's March.

Programme highlights

The first three days of the festival will be free to the public, with gates opening at 10:00 daily. Activities will include workshops, panel discussions and debates, as well as Activism Row, where visitors can engage with national and international non-governmental organisations and support advocacy campaigns.

A key component of the programme is the Visions of Freedom Film Festival, curated by Monday Pictures. The two-day event will present a selection of South African and international films examining constitutional democracy and the challenges facing human rights globally.

Film festival co-producers Mmabatho Montsho and Refilwe Montsho said the partnership highlights the role of film in social activism. “We are really excited to collaborate with Constitution Hill once again in this unique festival that brings activist filmmakers under one roof with the larger advocacy sector,” they said.

The programme will also include the third edition of 1000 Drums for Solidarity, scheduled for 28 March, which invites the public to gather in support of social justice movements.

Music will form part of the festival through the Friends of Blanco – Daytime Freshers Festival, a fundraising event aimed at assisting tertiary students with tuition fees. South African producer and DJ Kelvin Momo is expected to headline the event.

Closing events

The festival will conclude on 29 March with the WeThePeople Walk and Fit City Run, offering participants 5km and 10km running and walking routes through central Johannesburg. The final day will also feature wellness activities, entertainment and a curated makers’ market.

Additional festival attractions will include theatre and poetry performances, a book fair featuring local authors, children’s educational activities and film screenings focused on human rights themes.

Organisers say the festival is intended to provide a platform for reflection, education and cultural engagement during Human Rights Month while encouraging public participation in discussions about democracy and social justice in South Africa.

View more information about the festival here.

Nomfundo Radebe, Portia Dipuo Haraba, Shaked Khuzwayo, Sibongile Kobo, Mbongeni Yaka, Quing Torch and Mdeni Mahlangu contributed to this article.​​​​​