Media Statement

Minister Kubayi to lead the National Launch of the 30-Year Anniversary of the Constitution and Human Rights Month

27 February 2026

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, will on Monday, 02 March 2026, lead the national launch of the 30-year anniversary of the Constitution, which will also mark the commencement of Human Rights Month.

The event will take place at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.

The programme will place primary emphasis on the year-long commemoration of three decades of constitutional democracy under the theme: “30 Years of Constitutional Democracy: One Constitution, One Nation – Reflect, Renew, Recommit.”

The anniversary marks thirty years since former President Nelson Mandela signed the Constitution into law on 10 December 1996, following its adoption by the Constitutional Assembly on 08 May 1996 and certification by the Constitutional Court in October 1996.

The Constitution came into effect on 04 February 1997.

As part of the same programme, the Minister will also launch Human Rights Month 2026, to be commemorated under the theme: “The Bill of Rights at 30: Making Human Dignity Real.”

Observed annually in March, Human Rights Month honours the 69 people who lost their lives during the Sharpeville Massacre and provides a national platform to reflect on the advancement of human dignity, equality and freedom as enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

The joint launch underscores the central place of the Constitution as the foundation of South Africa’s democratic order and the Bill of Rights as the instrument through which its values are realised in the daily lives of all who live in the country.

The Minister will be joined by members of the Executive, Chapter 9 institutions, as well as other key stakeholders.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event as follows:
Date : Monday, 02 March 2026
Time : 09h00
Venue : Apartheid Museum, corner Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road, Ormonde, Johannesburg (the event will be held in a hybrid format and a link for virtual participation will be shared).

Media enquiries: Terrence Manase, Spokesperson for the Ministry – 082 338 6707

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