{"id":34776,"date":"2026-03-11T19:49:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T17:49:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=34776"},"modified":"2026-03-12T11:02:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T09:02:01","slug":"constitution-hill-human-rights-festival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/constitution-hill-human-rights-festival\/","title":{"rendered":"Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival 2026: Markets, Book Fair and Activism Calls Open"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Human Rights Month in Gauteng will include a series of public events, festivals, and community programmes in March 2026, with Constitution Hill\u2019s annual Human Rights Festival returning from 26 to 29 March in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Several participation opportunities are also open to the public, including market vendors, activists, and writers who want to be part of the festival programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-9.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34787\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-9.png 750w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-9-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-9-150x100.png 150w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-9-450x300.png 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/doja-cat-pretoria-concert-confirmed\/\">Doja Cat Pretoria Concert Confirmed for March 2026 at SunBet Arena<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival Returns for Human Rights Month 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival has become one of Gauteng\u2019s major annual Human Rights Month gatherings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to organisers, the 2026 programme will include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Public dialogues and workshops<br>\u2022 A human rights film festival<br>\u2022 Theatre and poetry performances<br>\u2022 A music concert and cultural programme<br>\u2022 Exhibitions and storytelling projects<br>\u2022 A children\u2019s festival hosted with Play Africa<br>\u2022 A book fair featuring writers and publishers<br>\u2022 A makers market for local creative entrepreneurs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The festival will take place across multiple venues at the Constitutional Court precinct, including the Old Fort and Women\u2019s Jail, which historically served as prisons during the apartheid era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organisers say the aim is to create spaces where people can engage with contemporary human rights issues through culture, debate, and creative expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The festival also places a strong focus on community participation, with several open calls inviting individuals and organisations to become part of the programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4280452136\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Applications Open for Makers Market, Book Fair, and Activism Row<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Applications are currently open for three participation spaces at the festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These include the <a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.proofpoint.com\/v2\/url?u=https-3A__forms.gle_XKLbEHBnAtHCuQVc7&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=7HddTuviL1CXmJyxm6SFxXd2i_4zWvomJqcMaDFIzWg&amp;m=jRUJM7T6xLfPoKJDGRI-mq_bBmKk7OJlOUhCxlPaQRNCZy9nIr_CtGKOm3LgFY83&amp;s=7lapxrufWoWIb-JveKqLMxynioJB-ROSCxtqmsg7KHc&amp;e=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Makers Market<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.proofpoint.com\/v2\/url?u=https-3A__forms.gle_UT6X8J42CWZTRm1WA&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=7HddTuviL1CXmJyxm6SFxXd2i_4zWvomJqcMaDFIzWg&amp;m=jRUJM7T6xLfPoKJDGRI-mq_bBmKk7OJlOUhCxlPaQRNCZy9nIr_CtGKOm3LgFY83&amp;s=xKE5AN4T_ozHyspsrcH3g2FlVhz_U0IYtUv1RWKsVJk&amp;e=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book Fair,<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.proofpoint.com\/v2\/url?u=https-3A__forms.gle_xU8n7QeWbv5jit3XA&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=7HddTuviL1CXmJyxm6SFxXd2i_4zWvomJqcMaDFIzWg&amp;m=jRUJM7T6xLfPoKJDGRI-mq_bBmKk7OJlOUhCxlPaQRNCZy9nIr_CtGKOm3LgFY83&amp;s=-6Sufja9wYvRYtQnh40NvxneHg-22n9FQxWficwG6Bk&amp;e=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Activism Row,<\/a> each designed to highlight different voices within the human rights ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Makers Market at Constitution Hill Invites Local Vendors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/The Makers&#039; Market  constitutionhill https:\/\/www.constitutionhill.org.za \u203a the-makers-market\">The Makers Market <\/a>will feature local food, craft, and design producers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The market aims to showcase locally produced goods, with organisers prioritising handmade and original products rather than mass-produced items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the organisers, the market is intended to highlight ethical production and creative entrepreneurship within Gauteng\u2019s creative economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key details include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Trading dates: 27 to 29 March 2026<br>\u2022 Trading hours: 10:00 to 18:00 daily<br>\u2022 Location: Constitution Hill precinct<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stand options include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 3\u00d73 food stalls \u2013 R750 (table and two chairs included)<br>\u2022 Food trucks \u2013 R750<br>\u2022 Craft, fashion and design stalls \u2013 R450 (table and two chairs included)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vendors are expected to bring their own gazebos and lighting equipment due to possible load shedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Applicants must also submit product images and, where applicable, food menus as part of the application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"657\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-19.30.55-1024x657.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34779\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-19.30.55-1024x657.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-19.30.55-300x192.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-19.30.55-768x493.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-19.30.55-150x96.png 150w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-19.30.55-450x289.png 450w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-19.30.55.png 1052w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DTiFXj-jN4u\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1220071735\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Human Rights Festival Book Fair to Host Writers and Publishers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Human Rights Festival Book Fair will host writers, publishers, and independent authors who explore themes such as democracy, justice, migration, equality, and identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organisers say the book fair will create a space for public engagement with authors and thinkers addressing contemporary social issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The programme is expected to include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Book discussions and readings<br>\u2022 Public debates and conversations<br>\u2022 Opportunities for independent publishers and bookstores<br>\u2022 Engagement between authors and readers<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The book fair forms part of the broader festival\u2019s goal to promote public dialogue and critical reflection during Human Rights Month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-3-1024x1012.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34780\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/humanrightsfestival.co.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">humanrightsfestival.co.za<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Activism Row to Showcase Social Justice Organisations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Activism Row will feature organisations and social movements working on issues such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Gender justice<br>\u2022 Migration<br>\u2022 Climate justice<br>\u2022 Racial equality<br>\u2022 Youth empowerment<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The space will allow non-profit organisations, activists, and advocacy groups to host exhibitions, workshops, and interactive displays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to organisers, Activism Row aims to connect the public with organisations working on social justice initiatives while encouraging dialogue and participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-4-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34781\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/humanrightsfestival.co.za\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Human Rights Festival<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3197141217\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Highlights of the Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the open calls, the festival will feature several major public events across the four-day programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These include performances, interactive exhibitions, and community activities aimed at exploring the theme of human rights through culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key highlights include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Sounds of Freedom Concert<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A live music event featuring DJs and local performers celebrating artistic freedom and expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1000 Drums for Solidarity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A large-scale drumming activation intended to honour activists and freedom fighters while symbolically amplifying voices calling for equality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>We The People Walk<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A community walks through Johannesburg, encouraging participants to highlight rights contained in the South African Bill of Rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Participants will be encouraged to create posters and artworks reflecting themes of justice and equality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Human Rights Film Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Screenings of local and international films exploring social justice issues and activism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Children\u2019s Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An interactive programme hosted by Play Africa, featuring storytelling, theatre, music, and learning experiences designed for young audiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organisers say the children\u2019s programme is intended to introduce young people to the principles of human rights in accessible and creative ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Human Rights Month events in Gauteng provide residents with opportunities to participate in public discussions, cultural programmes, and community initiatives centred on constitutional rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Gauteng residents, the programmes offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Public spaces for dialogue about democracy and rights<br>\u2022 Opportunities for small businesses and creators to showcase their work<br>\u2022 Cultural programmes reflecting social justice themes<br>\u2022 Educational activities for young people<br>\u2022 Community-based commemorations connected to historic sites<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The events also highlight the role of places such as Constitution Hill and Sharpeville in South Africa\u2019s constitutional history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-441778368\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ: Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When will the festival take place?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival will run from 26 to 29 March 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where is the event happening?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The festival will take place at the Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is there an entrance fee?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Entry to the festival is free, according to organisers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can small businesses participate?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Applications are open for vendors in the Makers Market as well as for participation in the book fair and Activism Row.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Are there activities for children?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. The festival will include a dedicated Children\u2019s Festival programme led by Play Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens Next for Human Rights Month Events in Gauteng<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Applications for festival participation remain open as organisers finalise the programme for the four-day event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional programme details, including performer line-ups and dialogue speakers, are expected to be announced closer to the festival dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival has become one of Gauteng\u2019s major annual Human Rights Month gatherings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":34788,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"constitution","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"The Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival has become one of Gauteng\u2019s major annual Human Rights Month gatherings.","footnotes":""},"categories":[54],"tags":[104,5799,11293],"class_list":{"0":"post-34776","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-events","8":"tag-events-in-gauteng","9":"tag-human-rights","10":"tag-upcoming-events"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34776","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34776"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34776\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34953,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34776\/revisions\/34953"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34788"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34776"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34776"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34776"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}