The 7th edition of the Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival is set to make a return from March 20 to 22, 2025, reinforcing South Africa's commitment to social justice and human rights awareness.
Janine Muthusamy, Marketing Manager of Constitution Hill, says the festival aims to embody the spirit of unity and solidarity, especially within a world that continues to grapple with profound injustices and swift technological and economic shifts.
Muthusamy details that this year’s festival promises to provide an engaging platform for citizens to voice their concerns while connecting with various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) actively working for change in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Leading the way is the opening event, 1000 Drums for Solidarity, which returns for its second edition, set to immerse attendees in a shared rhythm that echoes South Africa's spirit of Ubuntu.
“The opening event this year sees the second edition of 1000 Drums for Solidarity and hopes to host members of the public to band together to sound the drums in South Africa’s spirit of Ubuntu. This activity places focus on global human rights atrocities that are affecting us all. The festival aims to highlight multiple themes as they are relevant in a world grappling with injustices and rapid technological and economic changes, bringing an open platform for citizens to engage with NGOs and voice their thoughts in a safe space. The dialogues, panel discussions, and workshops will call attention to the intersectionality of human rights, emphasising how different forms of oppression are interconnected and how the nation can work together in forging out a better world together,’’ she said.
This year's festival will once again see a prominent focus on gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, with the GBVF Response Fund playing a pivotal role in driving transformative conversations around these pressing societal issues.
She says the key highlight will be a critical dialogue centering on national funding mechanisms that support GBVF interventions.
This important discussion will feature a diverse array of experts, funders, and civil society representatives coming together to explore sustainable funding solutions necessary for long-term impact.
Zanele Ngwepe, interim CEO of the GBVF Response Fund, expressed her organisation’s commitment to the festival, stating, “The GBVF Response Fund is honoured to partner with Constitution Hill for the upcoming Human Rights Festival. This collaboration is vital, especially in light of the South African Medical Research Council's 2024 report revealing that three women are killed daily by intimate partners in our country. Gender-based violence and femicide are profound human rights violations that demand immediate and collective action.”
Additionally, the festival will dedicate an entire day to the exploration of children's rights through the medium of cinema, featuring a two-day workshop focused on social justice filmmaking.
“The 2025 Human Rights Film Festival promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring event, and we look forward to sharing it with audiences,” said Mmabatho Montsho, film festival curator.
Muthusamy reveals that previous editions of the festival have addressed significant themes, including voter rights, constitutionalism, and education in human rights, highlighting both the achievements and ongoing challenges within the nation.
“These celebrations serve as an important reminder of our power when we act collectively and the need to remain vigilant in our fight for justice,” Muthusamy continued.
As the festival culminates on March 22 with The Sounds of Freedom Music Festival, it promises to deliver powerful messages of inclusion and community-driven civic activism.
This open-air concert will feature renowned jazz artist Mandisi Dyantyis alongside local DJs, including KEDINEO, Buhle Mbongwa, and Simmy, amplifying the spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility to champion human rights.
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