Don’t miss out on this year’s Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival
THE CONSTITUTION HILL HUMAN RIGHTS FESTIVAL IS BACK 21 – 24 MARCH 2024
By CityLife Arts Writer
This year, just like the previous years, there is a jam packed programme at Constitution Hill to mark Human Rights Day, which is on March 21, 2024, but the programmes of events however will take place over two days, including the popular annual Human Rights Festival. The festival is free and unites NGOs, social justice organizations, think tanks media partners, and more around human rights issues. The event presents two jam-packed days of conversations, exhibitions; art, film, and live performances. Thami Dish, Albie Sachs, Valli Moosa, Tessa Dooms, Tshepo Madlingozi and Mmabatho Montsho are some of the people involved in panels, dialogues and the film fest. The Sounds of Freedom Music Festival on March 23, 2024, includes MamThug and Iphupho L’ka Biko.
This 6th edition of the Constitution Hill Human Rights festival takes place at a time when our country is in crisis and our Constitutional vision of social justice and human rights is being stretched to breaking point. For this reason, the theme of the festival is Seize the Power!
The festival is FREE for all and gates open at 10am on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd and 6am for the iconic We, The People Walk on Sunday the 24th.
Each year the festival unites NGOs, social justice organizations, think tanks media partners, and more around human rights issues. The event presents two jam-packed days of conversations, exhibitions; art, film, and live performances.
The festival aims to build greater awareness and knowledge around human rights and to promote the importance of an active citizenry. It aims to build social cohesion, and tolerance of difference and heal divisions in our communities. The festival was conceptualised to commemorate those heroes who took a stand for their rights in the Sharpeville 1960 massacre, those who taught us stand up for the power and relevance of human rights for all.
“In this safe and special space, people will be able to discuss challenges facing our country and the world, and how best we, the people, can coordinate our efforts to bring about lasting and consequential change based on social justice and human rights,” said Acting CEO Siyabonga Hlongwane.
This year’s human rights festival coincides with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Democracy. This milestone is an opportunity for everyone to recommit to the values of our constitution and uphold them to foster equality, dignity, freedom and justice for all.
“The debates, workshops and seminars at the festival are all pointing us to look towards human rights as a catalyst for workable and sustainable solutions for the challenges we face,” said Abigail Noko, Regional Representative of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Civil society organisations have worked with Constitution Hill to shape a unique programme.
On the apron of the Constitutional Court and using venues in the Old Fort and Women’s Jail. “The GBVF Response Fund is honoured to collaborate with Constitution Hill for the upcoming Human Rights Festival. This partnership is crucial given the urgent need to address Gender-Based Violence (GBVF) and its impact on human rights. Violence undermines the principles of human dignity and equality, making it imperative to shed light on ongoing efforts and pressing needs in combating this scourge. As a catalytic partner in the fight against GBVF and other human rights violations, we recognise the festival as a vital platform for fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and mobilising collective action towards a society free from violence. Our participation underscores our dedication to promoting a culture of respect and upholding human rights principles.” Festival sponsor and GVBF Fund CEO, Sazini Mojapelo.
The Festival will bring together community-based organisations, social movements, non-governmental organisations, and international non-governmental organisations.
“Queer persons are asked to solve for X in the next democratic election. We make our mark on the ballot hoping that our confidence in a party will not be taken for granted. For far too long we’ve been co-opted without service delivery that translates to our everyday lives. This dialogue asks political parties to make valid their seduction of the queer vote, and it is about time too!” Says Thami Dish of The Thami Dish Foundation.
This year’s film festival is set to be iconic! Curated by Mmabatho Montsho, attendees can look forward to a variety international and home-grown productions in the realm of human rights activism and social justice. “It’s an honour to be invited by ConHill to be at the helm of the 2024 Human Rights Film Festival. My role has included sourcing and curating films, panel discussions, workshops, fundraising and initiating long term relationships with relevant partners. Together with ConHill, I look forward to growing the festival and establishing it as one of the defining festivals for filmmakers in Africa in the coming years” said Montsho.
HIGHLIGHTS:
1000 Drums For Palestine
Date: 21 March 2024
Time: 10h00 – 12h00
Venue: Constitutional Square
“We have 1000 drums! We need 1000 people! Let us show that We stand for Human Rights! Join our partners as we use the sound of drums to express our outrage at the genocide taking place in Palestine and stand in solidarity with Palestinians.” Register now! https://forms.microsoft.com/r/zqnff59uDN
Milestones to 30 Years of Democracy
Promoting linkages and collaboration in promoting our Constitution and protecting our democracy.
Date: 21 March 2024
Time: 12h00 – 13h30
Venue: Town Hall
Join this interactive dialogue to reflect on and commemorate 3 decades of democracy in the Republic of South Africa. WeThePeopleSA will unpack how we can unite in finding sustainable solutions to upholding our democracy.
Former Constitutional Court Judge Albie Sachs; Valli Moosa – Chairperson, Mbali Baduza
Understanding the present state in Palestine and sustaining solidarity.
Date: 21 March 2024
Time: 13h30 – 14h30
Venue: Women’s Jail – Conference Room 2
What are the implications of SA taking Israel to the ICJ? What action can we take as civil society and a nation.
How much do we really know about Palestine? Let’s open a Dialogue … what are the implications of SA taking Israel to the ICJ? What action can we take as civil society.
A call to and show our solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Noor Nieftagodien, Speaker : Roshan Dadoo. Facilitated By: Gushwell Brooks
Hosted by: BDS Coalition
Identifying proactive roles in both preventing and addressing the perpetuation of GBVF
Date: 21 March 2024
Time: 14h00-15h30
Venue: Town Hall
Examining our societal apathy and individual responsibilities in Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
This dialogue will spark a thoughtful conversation about our collective responsibility, societal values, and individual actions in the ongoing battle against Gender-Based Violence. As active citizens, we need to move beyond being ‘topical’ about addressing the pressing issue of Gender-Based Violence and reflect on our collective role.
Hosted By: GBVF-Response Fund
The Power of the Queer Vote
Date: 21 March 2024
Time: 16h00 – 17h30
Venue: Town Hall
A discussion that will solidify the importance of the queer voter in South African.
Join this panel discussion bringing to light questions around the political will of political parties to identify and close the gaps to ascertain measures of equity do exist for queer people. More-so,this discussion will solidify the importance of the queer voter and how as South African citizens informed choices around voting.
Thami Dish; Faeeza Lok, Nazley Sharif
Presented by The Thami Dish Foundation
What is the current state of Indigenous People in South Africa, and how do we advance as a multifaceted nation?
Date: 21 March 2024
Time: 14h00 – 15h30
Venue: Education Room
Join |Kx’am as they explore the recognition of human rights of indigenous people in South Africa Unpacking the racial term “coloured” and how it perpetuates the genocide that has stripped indigenous people of their identity, history, and heritage – Knowledge is Power!
Hosted by: |Kx’am
Indigene Corefio ,/Xam Sam Fortuin, Chief /Xam Keith Duarte
22 March 2024:
Creating safer learning environments by combating bullying & gangsterism at schools
Date: 22 March 2024
Time: 10h00
Venue: Town Hall
Dialogue:
In recent months we’ve seen an increase in bullying at schools all over South Africa, and also a rise in young people joining gangs. As specialists in the field, Brightspark will look at what has been done to date to raise awareness and stop this scourge.
Welcome Witbooi
Voter Conversations Workshop
To encourage voter education and participation by young and first-time voters.
Date: 22 March 2024
Time: 12h00
Venue: Town Hall
This workshop combines voter education on registration, through technology with a toolkit for community-based conversations on the value of voting, and participation by young voters who need to recognize the importance of voting in the upcoming 2024 General Elections and beyond.
Hosted By: Rivonia Circle
Tessa Dooms, Khanya Burns-Ncamashe,
23 March 2024:
30 Years of Democracy: Contemporary Social Youth Issues
Date: 23 March 24
Time: 10h00 – 11h30
Venue: Main Stage
The National Youth Coalition is a progressive youth-led coalition that promotes the development of ethical and transformative young leaders who strive to ensure that all youth living in South Africa are empowered and supported in the attainment of their constitutional and human rights.
Hosted By: The National Youth Coalition
Moeketsi Koahela, Omhle Ntshingila, Kanya Cekeshe, Motheo Brodie
#YVote4U
Date: 23 March 24
Time: 10h00
Venue: Town Hall
Holding political parties accountable for definitive action and delivery against GBV in South Africa.
It is not only government who is responsible for responding to the scourge of GBV but all prospective leaders need to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the safety of all, especially those who are marginalized.
Hosted By: Soul City
The way forward in dismantling racism in South Africa, post 30 years of its Democracy
Date: 23 March
Time: 12h00
Venue: Town Hall
Dismantling racism in South Africa’s post 30 years Democracy
South Africa is often held up as a beacon for the triumph of democracy over a brutal racist regime. Yet racism is still present and still active in the “rainbow nation.” The legacy of racial discrimination continues to breed economic disparity, inequality, limited access to education and employment opportunities.
Tessa Dooms, Samkelo Mkhomi, Commissioner Tshepo Madlingozi Moderator – Bonolo Makgale
Hosted By: The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
The Sounds of Freedom Music Festival:
Special music performances on Saturday 23rd of March from 2pm – 11pm by The Jamaican Embassy Band; Solace Can; Wandile Mbambeni; MamThug and Iphupho L’ka Biko who through music aims to conscientize and spiritually awaken Abahlali globally. Live sets by Jozi’s talented DJs – Ranger; Top Notch; Castro; Da2mi and Amaza
Madlozi Contemporary Art
Artist George Masarira (b 1990) invested in an experiential approach to reflect on the narratives and lived experiences of his subjects in his paintings. He reflects on how this body of work took him back to his own experiences as a child growing up and facing harsh economic struggles. His family was forced to move from place to place often in search of work or an income, exchanging their labour for very little in order to survive. Masarira in his portraits the faces of the undocumented, displaced, and homeless appear, but also the urban hustlers and traders on the street holding on to their dreams of a better life.
About Constitution Hill
The festival takes place at Constitution Hill. Formerly a site of prisons, where many of our great leaders were incarcerated, today Constitution Hill has been transformed into a beacon of light for democracy and social justice. Home of our Constitutional Court, the guardian of our Constitution. Home to a resident artist community, a world-class recording studio and Truth to power lounge, the site is not only a museum but a living and breathing site for social justice, dialogue, debate and contestation.