As the country commemorates Human Rights Day, it also marks 30 years since the adoption of SA’s Constitution.  

This year, Human Rights Month is commemorated under the theme, ‘A Legacy of Courage: Protecting Rights, Preserving Humanity’. 
 
To mark this milestone, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address at the AR Abass Stadium in Kimberley today.  

He will also visit the Re Tlameleng Special School to unveil the 2026 Human Rights Day legacy project. 

In a statement, the Presidency said the day has been observed annually on March 21 since the advent of democracy. 

“Human Rights Day marks South Africa’s progressive trajectory toward an equal, free and open democratic society. This observance holds particular significance for historically marginalised and subjugated communities and pays solemn tribute to the activists and supporters who sacrificed their lives or made various contributions to the struggle for freedom,” the statement said. 

The national day reaffirms the moral urgency and importance of protecting human dignity and achieving equality in all aspects of life. 

“The theme for 2026 celebrates 30 years since the adoption of South Africa’s Constitution,” the Presidency added. 

The objectives of Human Rights Month are: 

• To honour and commemorate the courageous individuals and collective efforts who fought, and continue to fight, for human rights in South Africa 

• To reflect on the lasting impact of the liberation struggle, especially the Sharpeville Massacre 

• To create awareness of the human rights enshrined in the Constitution, encouraging their active protection, promotion and fulfilment 

• To reinforce the Constitution as a living document and mandate for ongoing collective responsibility and courageous action 

• To inspire continued commitment to overcoming persistent systemic inequalities from the apartheid past, towards a just and equitable society 

“Human Rights Month has been leveraged as a vehicle to foster social cohesion, nation-building, national identity and socio-economic development, and to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances,” the Presidency said. 

The address is scheduled for 12:00. 

Watch it live here:

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