Today, 21 March, the nation of South Africa celebrates Human Rights Day. Officially declared a public holiday in 1994, after Nelson Mandela became the president of South Africa, the public holiday is a both a bleak reminder of the horrific events that occurred 53 years ago at the Sharpeville massacre and a celebration of our unique Constitution that promotes equality for all. Here are a few events and attractions that you can enjoy to commemorate this historic day.
Cape Town: Free entry to Iziko Museums
Iziko Museums of South Africa is commemorating Human Rights Day by offering free entry for all (excluding the Castle of Good Hope and Planetarium). The museums are spaces for cultural interaction where knowledge is shared, stories are told, and experiences are enjoyed. Each museum has its own history and character, reflective of our diverse African heritage. Visit the Iziko South African Museum, Iziko Slave Lodge Museum, Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum, the Iziko South African National Gallery, or the Iziko Old Town House.
Cape Town: The Cape Town Festival
Iziko Museums will also be joining with the Cape Town Festival for performances by Rebirth, Alen the Singing Car Guard, Gugulethu Tenors, Chad Saaiman, and many more. Established in 1999, the Cape Town Festival has a track record of empowering communities, discovering talent, and creating a platform for community artists. Today the Cape Town Festival will feature a variety of artistic disciplines from music and performing arts, to dance and visual arts – all in celebration of Human Rights Day. Children’s play areas will be provided.
The Cape Town Festival is taking place at the Company Gardens (in the Amphitheatre at the Iziko South African Museum) between 9am and 7pm. Entrance is free.
Johannesburg: Apartheid Museum
If you haven’t yet done so, make today the day you visit the Apartheid Museum. The museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid; a fundamental visit for anyone wanting to know about South Africa’s turbulent past. A series of 22 individual exhibition areas have been assembled and organised by a multi-disciplinary team of curators, film-makers, historians, and designers. They include provocative film footage, photographs, text panels, and artefacts illustrating the events and human stories of the epic apartheid saga. Plan for at least a 2-hour visit if you want to engage briefly with the exhibitions.
The Apartheid Museum is at the corner of Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Roads, Ormonde. Admission fees are R60 for adults and R45 for pensioners, students, and children. Guided tours must be booked in advance and are an additional R5 per person.
Durban: Sophiatown
The Catalina Theatre in Durban presents the classic South African drama, Sophiatown. Set within the historical context of South Africa 1955, this tragi-comedy with strong musical elements tells the story of the final days of this vibrant and mixed community.
The Catalina Theatre is at 18 Boatman’s Road, Wilson’s Wharf. The show runs until 27 March 2013. Monday – Friday at 11am, Saturday at 7pm, and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets cost R50 for students and teachers, and R80 for general public.
How are you spending Human Rights Day?
Image 1 by Chris Preen (flickr)
Image 2 by fabulousfabs (flickr)
Image 3 by Erik Cleves Kristensen (flickr)
