South Africa will commemorate Human Rights Day on Friday, 21 March 2025, with a national event in Kariega, Eastern Cape.
DP Paul Mashatile to deliver this year’s Human Rights Day keynote address
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the proceedings, delivering the keynote address on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
This year’s theme, “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights,” emphasises the importance of reducing poverty, creating jobs, and strengthening social justice efforts.
It also calls for a renewed commitment to building an ethical and capable state that upholds democratic values.
Human Rights Day serves as a reminder of the events of 21 March 1960, when 69 anti-apartheid protesters were killed in Sharpeville. It also honours the 35 people who died in the Uitenhage Massacre of 1985, when police fired on community members after a funeral gathering.
The Eastern Cape was chosen as the host province to allow different regions to reflect on the country’s progress in human rights and democracy.
The event will also include a wreath-laying ceremony at the Langa Memorial Site.
Among those expected to attend are:
- Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie
- Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi
- Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane
- Senior government officials
How to watch DP Mashatile’s Human Rights Day address live
For those unable to attend in person, the commemoration will be broadcast live on multiple platforms:
- SABC News (DStv Channel 404)
- eNCA (DStv Channel 403)
- Newzroom Afrika (DStv Channel 405)
- Government of South Africa’s YouTube and Facebook pages
Event schedule:
- Date: Friday, 21 March 2025
- Location: Derrick Ferreira Stadium, Kariega, Eastern Cape
- Start Time: 09:00
Key Activities:
- 09:00 – Arrival of government leaders at Kariega Town Hall (photo opportunity)
- 10:00 – Wreath-laying ceremony at Langa Memorial Site (media access allowed)
- 11:00 – Official programme begins with DP Mashatile’s keynote address (live broadcast starts)