Human Rights Month in Gauteng will include a series of public events, festivals, and community programmes in March 2026, with Constitution Hill’s annual Human Rights Festival returning from 26 to 29 March in Johannesburg.
Organisers say the four-day programme will combine public dialogue, arts, film screenings, markets, and activism spaces at the historic Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct. Entry to the festival is free, and the programme will run daily from 10:00.
The event coincides with South Africa marking 30 years of the Constitution, and will bring together activists, artists, civil society groups, and members of the public for discussions on democracy, equality, and human rights.
Several participation opportunities are also open to the public, including market vendors, activists, and writers who want to be part of the festival programme.
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Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival Returns for Human Rights Month 2026
The Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival has become one of Gauteng’s major annual Human Rights Month gatherings.
According to organisers, the 2026 programme will include:
• Public dialogues and workshops
• A human rights film festival
• Theatre and poetry performances
• A music concert and cultural programme
• Exhibitions and storytelling projects
• A children’s festival hosted with Play Africa
• A book fair featuring writers and publishers
• A makers market for local creative entrepreneurs
The festival will take place across multiple venues at the Constitutional Court precinct, including the Old Fort and Women’s Jail, which historically served as prisons during the apartheid era.
Organisers say the aim is to create spaces where people can engage with contemporary human rights issues through culture, debate, and creative expression.
The festival also places a strong focus on community participation, with several open calls inviting individuals and organisations to become part of the programme.
Applications Open for Makers Market, Book Fair, and Activism Row
Applications are currently open for three participation spaces at the festival.
These include the Makers Market, Book Fair, and Activism Row, each designed to highlight different voices within the human rights ecosystem.
Organisers say these spaces allow small businesses, social justice organisations, and independent creators to engage directly with thousands of visitors expected to attend the event.
Makers Market at Constitution Hill Invites Local Vendors
The Makers Market will feature local food, craft, and design producers.
The market aims to showcase locally produced goods, with organisers prioritising handmade and original products rather than mass-produced items.
According to the organisers, the market is intended to highlight ethical production and creative entrepreneurship within Gauteng’s creative economy.
Key details include:
• Trading dates: 27 to 29 March 2026
• Trading hours: 10:00 to 18:00 daily
• Location: Constitution Hill precinct
Stand options include:
• 3×3 food stalls – R750 (table and two chairs included)
• Food trucks – R750
• Craft, fashion and design stalls – R450 (table and two chairs included)
Vendors are expected to bring their own gazebos and lighting equipment due to possible load shedding.
Applicants must also submit product images and, where applicable, food menus as part of the application process.
Human Rights Festival Book Fair to Host Writers and Publishers
The Human Rights Festival Book Fair will host writers, publishers, and independent authors who explore themes such as democracy, justice, migration, equality, and identity.
Organisers say the book fair will create a space for public engagement with authors and thinkers addressing contemporary social issues.
The programme is expected to include:
• Book discussions and readings
• Public debates and conversations
• Opportunities for independent publishers and bookstores
• Engagement between authors and readers
The book fair forms part of the broader festival’s goal to promote public dialogue and critical reflection during Human Rights Month.
Activism Row to Showcase Social Justice Organisations
Activism Row will feature organisations and social movements working on issues such as:
• Gender justice
• Migration
• Climate justice
• Racial equality
• Youth empowerment
The space will allow non-profit organisations, activists, and advocacy groups to host exhibitions, workshops, and interactive displays.
According to organisers, Activism Row aims to connect the public with organisations working on social justice initiatives while encouraging dialogue and participation.
Key Highlights of the Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival
Beyond the open calls, the festival will feature several major public events across the four-day programme.
These include performances, interactive exhibitions, and community activities aimed at exploring the theme of human rights through culture.
Key highlights include:
The Sounds of Freedom Concert
A live music event featuring DJs and local performers celebrating artistic freedom and expression.
1000 Drums for Solidarity
A large-scale drumming activation intended to honour activists and freedom fighters while symbolically amplifying voices calling for equality.
We The People Walk
A community walks through Johannesburg, encouraging participants to highlight rights contained in the South African Bill of Rights.
Participants will be encouraged to create posters and artworks reflecting themes of justice and equality.
Human Rights Film Festival
Screenings of local and international films exploring social justice issues and activism.
Children’s Festival
An interactive programme hosted by Play Africa, featuring storytelling, theatre, music, and learning experiences designed for young audiences.
Organisers say the children’s programme is intended to introduce young people to the principles of human rights in accessible and creative ways.
Sharpeville Human Rights Month Programme Expands Gauteng Events
Human Rights Month activities in Gauteng will also extend beyond Johannesburg.
In Sharpeville, the SINAM 1960 NPC Human Rights Month Programme will run from 19 to 21 March, offering a community-based commemorative experience.
The programme is built around the theme “Sharpeville is NOT a Massacre”, which organisers say aims to reframe remembrance as a living community narrative rather than a single historic event.
The three-day programme includes:
• A community development golf day at Emfuleni Golf Estate
• A youth-focused Human Rights Dialogue exploring economic participation
• A Heroes Fun Run and Walk on Human Rights Day
• A community block party featuring live music performances
According to organisers, the initiative seeks to connect historical reflection with contemporary social issues and community development.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Human Rights Month events in Gauteng provide residents with opportunities to participate in public discussions, cultural programmes, and community initiatives centred on constitutional rights.
For Gauteng residents, the programmes offer:
• Public spaces for dialogue about democracy and rights
• Opportunities for small businesses and creators to showcase their work
• Cultural programmes reflecting social justice themes
• Educational activities for young people
• Community-based commemorations connected to historic sites
The events also highlight the role of places such as Constitution Hill and Sharpeville in South Africa’s constitutional history.
FAQ: Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival 2026
When will the festival take place?
The Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival will run from 26 to 29 March 2026.
Where is the event happening?
The festival will take place at the Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct in Johannesburg.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entry to the festival is free, according to organisers.
Can small businesses participate?
Yes. Applications are open for vendors in the Makers Market as well as for participation in the book fair and Activism Row.
Are there activities for children?
Yes. The festival will include a dedicated Children’s Festival programme led by Play Africa.
What Happens Next for Human Rights Month Events in Gauteng
Applications for festival participation remain open as organisers finalise the programme for the four-day event.
Additional programme details, including performer line-ups and dialogue speakers, are expected to be announced closer to the festival dates.
Human Rights Month events across Gauteng will begin from mid-March, leading up to Human Rights Day on 21 March, before culminating in the Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival at the end of the month.
