20 - 23 MARCH 2025
FREE FOR ALL
IT’S BIGGER. IT’S LOUDER. IT’S MORE POWERFUL THAN EVER.
DIALOGUES | FILM FESTIVAL | THEATRE | POETRY | MUSIC FESTIVAL | EXHIBITIONS | MARKET | BOOK FAIR | CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
DON’T MISS THE 7th EDITION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS FESTIVAL!
FOUR DAYS OF ACTIVISM, TOPICAL DEBATES & REFLECTION.
FOUR DAYS OF ACTIVISM, TOPICAL DEBATES & REFLECTION.
Daily Programme
WE THE PEOPLE, WALK
#HumanRightsFestival
#StandUp4HumanRights
#InclusiveSA
THIS YEAR’S THEME: A JUST AND INCLUSIVE SOUTH AFRICA
Our 2025 theme asks the hard questions: How do we move from ideals to action? How do we dismantle the barriers to true equality?
For four days, we’ll dive into issues of social justice, human rights, gender-based violence, climate action, democracy, and inclusion—not just through discussion, but through music, film, art, and collective activism.
20 March 2025
The public is invited to join a day of sessions focused NGO Capacity Building; Learners Programs & Public dialogue sessions, the day ends with an NGO and Film Makers networking session.
21 March 2025
Official Opening Ceremony – 1000 Drums for Solidarity + full festival lineup (workshops, book fair, art exhibitions, kids’ village, film screenings & live entertainment).
22 March 2025
More interactive workshops, book readings, film screenings, poetry, theatre, and music. Sounds of Freedom Live Show (5 PM – 9 PM) headlined by none other than Mandisi Dyantyis.
23 March 2025
The WeThePeople Walk – an 8KM walk through the city calling for human rights and justice.
All
116
Featured
6
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
59
Activism Row
4
Film
39
Exhibitions
4
Book Fair
9
Theatre
1
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
A Decade After #FeesMustFall: The Struggle for Justice in Higher Education
Join Right2Protest for a critical discussion on the legacy of #FeesMustFall, the right to protest on campuses, and strategies to revive student activism and decolonize higher education in South Africa.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Stilfontein Crisis- Unpacking the struggle for human rights realisation in communities
Join the Foundation for Human Rights for a discussion on the Stilfontein crisis. Explore the struggles of informal miners, human rights violations, and the fight for justice in mining-affected communities.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Defending Democracy: Navigating Online Spaces Responsibly in the Age of Disinformation.
Join the Campaign on Digital Ethics (CODE) for a vital workshop on March 22, 2025, at Venue Dignity. Learn to navigate online spaces responsibly amid widespread disinformation. Gain skills to build resilience against digital misinformation with exper...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Regenerative Gardening workshop
Join Plenty Green Africa for a Regenerative Gardening workshop on 20 March at Freedom. Learn how to apply regenerative farming practices to your garden, enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and mitigating climate change, with expert Nkuli Motloung.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Building a Just Society: Uniting Generations for Stronger Governance and Inclusive Development
Join YMCA South Africa for an engaging panel on uniting generations for stronger governance. Explore intergenerational dialogue, civic engagement, and inclusive development in alignment with SDG 16.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Breaking Down Barriers: Promoting Equality and Inclusion for All
Join the Youth in Action Organisation for 'Breaking Down Barriers: Promoting Equality and Inclusion for All' on 20 March at the Education Room. Engage in discussions on racial, gender, disability, and LGBTQIA+ rights, exploring strategies for a more ...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
In Conversation with the Unfinished Business of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
Join the Foundation for Human Rights for a thought-provoking discussion on the impact of 30 years of democracy, lessons from the TRC, and the future of transitional justice in South Africa.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Strengthening Funding Mechanisms for GBVF Response in South Africa
Join the GBVF Response Fund for a high-level dialogue on creating a nationally coordinated funding system to combat GBVF and intersecting crises like HIV, ensuring long-term impact and social transformation.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Ideas for thinking creatively about generating income in South Africa.
Join ALT Advisory's workshop on 20 March at Women’s Jail, Conference 1, for insights into creative fundraising strategies. Wendy Trott and Murray Hunter will share practical tips from their experiences on both sides of the funding equation to enhance...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Conversations on Journeys into our Future: What kind of South Africa do you want to see in 2035?
Join Indlulamithi South Africa Scenarios Trust for a multi-sectoral dialogue on democracy, justice, and the future of South Africa. Engage with thought leaders on building a cohesive and equitable society.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
The Intersection of Human Rights and Digital Education
The Intersection of Human Rights & Digital Education explores how tech, policy & advocacy can bridge educational gaps & make digital learning a fundamental right. Join thought leaders for a powerful dialogue on equity, access & innovation.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Constitutional Literacy: We The People Curriculum Launch with the Elements season 2
Join WeThePeopleSA for the launch of 'We The People' curriculum and The Elements Season 2 on 20 March at Town Hall. This CAPS-aligned initiative aims to enrich SA youth with constitutional literacy, promoting informed citizenship through engaging edu...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Dialogues for Democracy- What are the objectives for democracy and has it worked around the world?
Join No Name Initiative for a discussion on the effectiveness of democracy in South Africa over the past 31 years. Explore its successes, shortcomings, and future possibilities.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Organising through voting to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality in South Africa to grow our economy
Join Be The Future Foundation for a discussion on how voting can be used to reduce unemployment, poverty, and inequality, driving economic growth in South Africa.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Human Rights Defenders: Human Rights and Activism in the fight for a Just Transition
Join Groundwork for a discussion on the Just Energy Transition and its impact on communities. Learn from activists and experts about environmental justice, human rights, and social movements.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Gender, Power, and Justice: Confronting Systemic Failures in Protecting Women’s Rights
Join the Legal Resources Centre for a critical discussion on sextortion, gender-based violence, and barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) in schools. Explore legal and policy solutions to protect women's rights.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Breaking the Silence: Mental Wellness as a Human Right in the Entertainment Industry
Join Masakhane Ndawonye for a discussion on mental wellness as a fundamental human right in the entertainment industry. Explore challenges, stigma, and strategies for fostering a culture of care.
Featured, Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
COMMEMORATING THE LEGACY OF MAM’ WINNIE MADIKIZELA-MANDELA
Join us at Constitution Hill for a powerful public lecture by MEC Lebogang Maile, honouring Mama Winnie Mandela’s legacy. Experience the launch of Qhakaza: Pain Undefined, an exhibition curated by Gift Kgosierileng, exploring her iconic style as a fo...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Assessing South Africa’s role in the global arms trade in light of the ICJ case it launched against Israel.
Join Open Secrets on March 22, 2025, at Venue Dignity for a panel discussion on South Africa's role in the global arms trade and its legal actions against Israel at the ICJ. Delve into the nation's commitment to Palestine and the implications for its...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops, Activism Row
Revolution through Creative Expression: Harnessing the Power of Art and Activism.
Participate in iWrote's workshop 'Revolution through Creative Expression' on 20 March at Conference 1. Discover how art and activism intersect to promote social change. Learn from experts like Gugu Khumalo and Felicia Snegugu Mpofu how to use creativ...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
The Government will NOT educate our children. We must.
Join Resolute Education for an interactive workshop on empowering communities to take charge of education. Learn practical strategies to instill entrepreneurial thinking and create sustainable change in underserved schools.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Voices of Displacement: Protecting the Rights and Well-Being of LGBTQIA+ Refugees
A crucial dialogue on the struggles of LGBTQIA+ refugees seeking safety, dignity, and support. The discussion will highlight legal aid, mental health services, and safe spaces to ensure their rights are protected.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
A creative approach to pre-bunking xenophobic narratives in South African schools.
Join ALT Advisory for an interactive session on countering xenophobic narratives in schools. Play a board game designed to teach critical thinking and detect misinformation. Help refine this innovative approach!
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Caring for the carer: how to implement self-care tools as activists and NGOs
Cosmic Haven's workshop, focuses on essential self-care for activists and NGO workers. Learn practical tools to manage stress, burnout, and emotional toll from seasoned facilitators, enhancing mental wellbeing in social justice work.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Resilience in the Face of Discrimination: How the Trump Administration Affects Trans and Intersex People
Join Iranti for a critical discussion on the impact of U.S. policies on trans and intersex communities in the Global South. Explore legal, social, and advocacy responses to discrimination.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Why the Khoikhoi language, a First language of South Africa is not an official!
Join Munanai Collective for a critical dialogue on the erasure of the Khoikhoi language. Explore why it remains unofficial and the call for linguistic reparations and institutional recognition.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Urban Integration, Inclusiveness and Diversity in Social Cohesion
Attend the Dialogue Forum on Urban Integration by DMRNO on 20 March at the Human Rights Conference Room. Discuss the crucial role of inclusivity for migrants with disabilities and the support for the National Action Plan against discrimination and xe...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Overcoming misconceptions and expanding access
Join IBIS Reproductive Health for an interactive workshop on March 22, 2025, at Venue Dignity. This session will explore the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, addressing misconceptions, sharing research findings, and discussing strategies to en...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Echoes of Liberation: Advancing Human Rights Through Heritage and Nelson Mandela’s Legacy Sites
Join the National Heritage Council for a dialogue on Nelson Mandela’s legacy and South Africa’s liberation heritage. Explore how historical sites continue to shape human rights advocacy today.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Rest and wellness as acts of a revolution
Join the 'Self Reimagined' workshop on 20 March at Women’s Jail - Lekgotla. Explore how intentional wellness programs can revolutionize mental health support in organizations. Learn to view rest and healing as acts of rebellion with Nicole Ditsie, a ...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Rising awareness about ADHD.
Join The Citizens Commission on Human Rights for a discussion on ADHD, mental health rights, and informed consent in psychiatric treatments. Explore the impact on children’s rights and alternatives to conventional care.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
The Role of Traditional Leadership in Modern Democracy
Join Afrikan Young Indigenous Leaders for a discussion on traditional leadership, social justice, and gender equality in governance. Explore the role of women in traditional leadership and constitutional protections.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Intergenerational Dialogue on Human Rights Defenders
Join Amnesty International on March 21, 2025, at Town Hall for an engaging dialogue among human rights defenders of different generations. Share experiences, strategies, and visions to strengthen our collective fight for justice at the Human Rights F...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Building Information Integrity in a time of right wing facism
Join Media Monitoring Africa for a panel discussion on media integrity in the digital age. Explore strategies to combat misinformation, strengthen fact-checking, and protect democratic values from rising right-wing fascism.
Featured, Activism Row
Official Festival Opening Event: Drumming for solidarity.
Join the 1000 Drums event on March 21, 2025, at Constitution Hill. This drumming session promotes solidarity, raises awareness of human rights issues in Africa, and fosters dialogue on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Celebrate unity and justice thr...
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Next
Featured, Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
COMMEMORATING THE LEGACY OF MAM’ WINNIE MADIKIZELA-MANDELA
Join us at Constitution Hill for a powerful public lecture by MEC Lebogang Maile, honouring Mama Winnie Mandela’s legacy. Experience the launch of Qhakaza: Pain Undefined, an exhibition curated by Gift Kgosierileng, exploring her iconic style as a fo...
Featured, Activism Row
Official Festival Opening Event: Drumming for solidarity.
Join the 1000 Drums event on March 21, 2025, at Constitution Hill. This drumming session promotes solidarity, raises awareness of human rights issues in Africa, and fosters dialogue on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Celebrate unity and justice thr...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
A Decade After #FeesMustFall: The Struggle for Justice in Higher Education
Join Right2Protest for a critical discussion on the legacy of #FeesMustFall, the right to protest on campuses, and strategies to revive student activism and decolonize higher education in South Africa.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
The Role of Traditional Leadership in Modern Democracy
Join Afrikan Young Indigenous Leaders for a discussion on traditional leadership, social justice, and gender equality in governance. Explore the role of women in traditional leadership and constitutional protections.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Breaking the Silence: Mental Wellness as a Human Right in the Entertainment Industry
Join Masakhane Ndawonye for a discussion on mental wellness as a fundamental human right in the entertainment industry. Explore challenges, stigma, and strategies for fostering a culture of care.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Building Information Integrity in a time of right wing facism
Join Media Monitoring Africa for a panel discussion on media integrity in the digital age. Explore strategies to combat misinformation, strengthen fact-checking, and protect democratic values from rising right-wing fascism.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Assessing South Africa’s role in the global arms trade in light of the ICJ case it launched against Israel.
Join Open Secrets on March 22, 2025, at Venue Dignity for a panel discussion on South Africa's role in the global arms trade and its legal actions against Israel at the ICJ. Delve into the nation's commitment to Palestine and the implications for its...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Intergenerational Dialogue on Human Rights Defenders
Join Amnesty International on March 21, 2025, at Town Hall for an engaging dialogue among human rights defenders of different generations. Share experiences, strategies, and visions to strengthen our collective fight for justice at the Human Rights F...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Defending Democracy: Navigating Online Spaces Responsibly in the Age of Disinformation.
Join the Campaign on Digital Ethics (CODE) for a vital workshop on March 22, 2025, at Venue Dignity. Learn to navigate online spaces responsibly amid widespread disinformation. Gain skills to build resilience against digital misinformation with exper...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Organising through voting to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality in South Africa to grow our economy
Join Be The Future Foundation for a discussion on how voting can be used to reduce unemployment, poverty, and inequality, driving economic growth in South Africa.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Breaking Down Barriers: Promoting Equality and Inclusion for All
Join the Youth in Action Organisation for 'Breaking Down Barriers: Promoting Equality and Inclusion for All' on 20 March at the Education Room. Engage in discussions on racial, gender, disability, and LGBTQIA+ rights, exploring strategies for a more ...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Overcoming misconceptions and expanding access
Join IBIS Reproductive Health for an interactive workshop on March 22, 2025, at Venue Dignity. This session will explore the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, addressing misconceptions, sharing research findings, and discussing strategies to en...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Human Rights Defenders: Human Rights and Activism in the fight for a Just Transition
Join Groundwork for a discussion on the Just Energy Transition and its impact on communities. Learn from activists and experts about environmental justice, human rights, and social movements.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Constitutional Literacy: We The People Curriculum Launch with the Elements season 2
Join WeThePeopleSA for the launch of 'We The People' curriculum and The Elements Season 2 on 20 March at Town Hall. This CAPS-aligned initiative aims to enrich SA youth with constitutional literacy, promoting informed citizenship through engaging edu...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Conversations on Journeys into our Future: What kind of South Africa do you want to see in 2035?
Join Indlulamithi South Africa Scenarios Trust for a multi-sectoral dialogue on democracy, justice, and the future of South Africa. Engage with thought leaders on building a cohesive and equitable society.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
The Government will NOT educate our children. We must.
Join Resolute Education for an interactive workshop on empowering communities to take charge of education. Learn practical strategies to instill entrepreneurial thinking and create sustainable change in underserved schools.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Building a Just Society: Uniting Generations for Stronger Governance and Inclusive Development
Join YMCA South Africa for an engaging panel on uniting generations for stronger governance. Explore intergenerational dialogue, civic engagement, and inclusive development in alignment with SDG 16.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
The Intersection of Human Rights and Digital Education
The Intersection of Human Rights & Digital Education explores how tech, policy & advocacy can bridge educational gaps & make digital learning a fundamental right. Join thought leaders for a powerful dialogue on equity, access & innovation.
Featured, Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
COMMEMORATING THE LEGACY OF MAM’ WINNIE MADIKIZELA-MANDELA
Join us at Constitution Hill for a powerful public lecture by MEC Lebogang Maile, honouring Mama Winnie Mandela’s legacy. Experience the launch of Qhakaza: Pain Undefined, an exhibition curated by Gift Kgosierileng, exploring her iconic style as a fo...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Why the Khoikhoi language, a First language of South Africa is not an official!
Join Munanai Collective for a critical dialogue on the erasure of the Khoikhoi language. Explore why it remains unofficial and the call for linguistic reparations and institutional recognition.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Rising awareness about ADHD.
Join The Citizens Commission on Human Rights for a discussion on ADHD, mental health rights, and informed consent in psychiatric treatments. Explore the impact on children’s rights and alternatives to conventional care.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Echoes of Liberation: Advancing Human Rights Through Heritage and Nelson Mandela’s Legacy Sites
Join the National Heritage Council for a dialogue on Nelson Mandela’s legacy and South Africa’s liberation heritage. Explore how historical sites continue to shape human rights advocacy today.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Caring for the carer: how to implement self-care tools as activists and NGOs
Cosmic Haven's workshop, focuses on essential self-care for activists and NGO workers. Learn practical tools to manage stress, burnout, and emotional toll from seasoned facilitators, enhancing mental wellbeing in social justice work.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Strengthening Funding Mechanisms for GBVF Response in South Africa
Join the GBVF Response Fund for a high-level dialogue on creating a nationally coordinated funding system to combat GBVF and intersecting crises like HIV, ensuring long-term impact and social transformation.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Urban Integration, Inclusiveness and Diversity in Social Cohesion
Attend the Dialogue Forum on Urban Integration by DMRNO on 20 March at the Human Rights Conference Room. Discuss the crucial role of inclusivity for migrants with disabilities and the support for the National Action Plan against discrimination and xe...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Ideas for thinking creatively about generating income in South Africa.
Join ALT Advisory's workshop on 20 March at Women’s Jail, Conference 1, for insights into creative fundraising strategies. Wendy Trott and Murray Hunter will share practical tips from their experiences on both sides of the funding equation to enhance...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Regenerative Gardening workshop
Join Plenty Green Africa for a Regenerative Gardening workshop on 20 March at Freedom. Learn how to apply regenerative farming practices to your garden, enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and mitigating climate change, with expert Nkuli Motloung.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Resilience in the Face of Discrimination: How the Trump Administration Affects Trans and Intersex People
Join Iranti for a critical discussion on the impact of U.S. policies on trans and intersex communities in the Global South. Explore legal, social, and advocacy responses to discrimination.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Gender, Power, and Justice: Confronting Systemic Failures in Protecting Women’s Rights
Join the Legal Resources Centre for a critical discussion on sextortion, gender-based violence, and barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) in schools. Explore legal and policy solutions to protect women's rights.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Voices of Displacement: Protecting the Rights and Well-Being of LGBTQIA+ Refugees
A crucial dialogue on the struggles of LGBTQIA+ refugees seeking safety, dignity, and support. The discussion will highlight legal aid, mental health services, and safe spaces to ensure their rights are protected.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Dialogues for Democracy- What are the objectives for democracy and has it worked around the world?
Join No Name Initiative for a discussion on the effectiveness of democracy in South Africa over the past 31 years. Explore its successes, shortcomings, and future possibilities.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
A creative approach to pre-bunking xenophobic narratives in South African schools.
Join ALT Advisory for an interactive session on countering xenophobic narratives in schools. Play a board game designed to teach critical thinking and detect misinformation. Help refine this innovative approach!
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Stilfontein Crisis- Unpacking the struggle for human rights realisation in communities
Join the Foundation for Human Rights for a discussion on the Stilfontein crisis. Explore the struggles of informal miners, human rights violations, and the fight for justice in mining-affected communities.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
In Conversation with the Unfinished Business of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
Join the Foundation for Human Rights for a thought-provoking discussion on the impact of 30 years of democracy, lessons from the TRC, and the future of transitional justice in South Africa.
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops, Activism Row
Revolution through Creative Expression: Harnessing the Power of Art and Activism.
Participate in iWrote's workshop 'Revolution through Creative Expression' on 20 March at Conference 1. Discover how art and activism intersect to promote social change. Learn from experts like Gugu Khumalo and Felicia Snegugu Mpofu how to use creativ...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops
Rest and wellness as acts of a revolution
Join the 'Self Reimagined' workshop on 20 March at Women’s Jail - Lekgotla. Explore how intentional wellness programs can revolutionize mental health support in organizations. Learn to view rest and healing as acts of rebellion with Nicole Ditsie, a ...
Prev
1
2
3
4
Next
Featured, Activism Row
Official Festival Opening Event: Drumming for solidarity.
Join the 1000 Drums event on March 21, 2025, at Constitution Hill. This drumming session promotes solidarity, raises awareness of human rights issues in Africa, and fosters dialogue on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Celebrate unity and justice thr...
Debates, Dialogues & Workshops, Activism Row
Revolution through Creative Expression: Harnessing the Power of Art and Activism.
Participate in iWrote's workshop 'Revolution through Creative Expression' on 20 March at Conference 1. Discover how art and activism intersect to promote social change. Learn from experts like Gugu Khumalo and Felicia Snegugu Mpofu how to use creativ...
Prev
1
2
3
Next
Festival Programme Schedule
Film Festival Programme
Book Fair Programme
Activism Row
Join These Social Justice Organizations and NGOs
Get inspired and take action at the 2025 Human Rights Festival! Meet groundbreaking organizations fighting for justice, equality, and human rights. Explore their work, engage with their services, and find ways to support or get involved.
