Media Statement

70th Commemoration of the Freedom Charter: Youth and the Constitution Dialogue

25 Jun 2025

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD), in partnership with the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, will host a high-level national dialogue to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter. The event themed: “From Charter to Constitution – Bridging Generations,” will take place on 26 June 2025 at Freedom Park, Salvokop in Pretoria.

This intergenerational event will provide a platform for robust engagement between young South Africans and key democratic institutions, with the aim of reaffirming the relevance of the Freedom Charter and the Constitution in shaping an inclusive, just and democratic society.

The dialogue will feature youth-led panel discussions, historical reflections, live artistic performances, a symbolic Constitutional Pledge, breakout sessions with Chapter 9 and 10 institutions, legal bodies, education and cultural departments and civil society organisations.

The Freedom Charter, adopted on 26 June 1955 at the historic Congress of the People in Kliptown, Soweto, remains one of the most important documents in South Africa’s democratic journey crafted through one of the most extensive public consultation processes in the country’s history. The Charter captured the collective vision and aspirations of South Africans from all walks of life during one of the darkest and most repressive periods of apartheid.

Convened under the banner of the Congress Alliance, the Congress of the People brought together more than 3,000 delegates from various political formations, representing South Africa’s diverse population groups. It was a moment marked by unity, courage, and a bold commitment to the ideals of justice, equality, dignity, and inclusion.

The Charter’s core declaration that “South Africa belongs to all who live in it” laid the foundation for South Africa’s future constitutional democracy. Many of its principles are now entrenched in the 1996 Constitution and Bill of Rights, guiding the country’s progress toward a free and fair society.

The 70th anniversary commemoration will reflect on the Charter’s enduring relevance, celebrate its legacy, and galvanise national commitment to the work that remains in realising its vision. The event will bring together representatives from government, civil society, academia, and youth formations, to engage in dialogue and reflection on the progress made and the road ahead.

Media Details:
Date: 26 June 2025
Time: 09h00
Venue: Freedom Park, Salvokop (Pretoria), Gauteng Province

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event. For accreditation and media enquiries, kindly contact: Ms Dudu Diraditsile on 072 512 4023.

Media enquiries:
Ms Kgalalelo Masibi
Chief Director: Communication Management
065 747 0323

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA