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Celebrate Human Rights Day with Iziko Museums of South Africa!

15/03/2021

Join us for a virtual public discussion titled, What does Human Rights Day mean in the time of Covid-19 and post-apartheid South Africa?

Media images and interview requests, please contact: Zikhona Jafta at mediaofficer@iziko.org.za

Join Iziko Museums of South Africa on Saturday, 20 March 2021 for a virtual public discussion in commemoration of Human Rights Day. Titled What does Human Rights Day mean in the times of Covid-19 and post-apartheid South Africa?, this discussion features presentations by Rev. Chris Nissen, Kgotsi Chikane, and Mohau Pheko – and considers the meaning of human rights, as well as how they have been impacted by Covid-19 and the national lockdown in South Africa.  

The virtual public discussion will be hosted via Zoom, and runs from 11h00 until 12h30. Register here: https://bit.ly/HumanRightsDay_ZoomRegistration to participate!

On Human Rights Day – Sunday, 21 March 2020 – visit select Iziko Museums for *FREE! This includes the Iziko South African Museum, the Iziko South African National Gallery and the Iziko Maritime Centre located at Union Castle House at the V&A Waterfront. When visiting the Museums, your health and safety, and that of our staff, is of utmost importance. Please note that there are Covid-19 protocols in place to ensure the safety of both staff and visitors; we thank you for all your efforts in maintaining social distancing to keep both yourself and us safe. 

About Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 21 March, in commemoration of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, and reminds South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa. 

On 21 March 1960, the community of Sharpeville and Langa townships, like their fellow compatriots across the country, embarked on a protest march against pass laws, led by the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC). The apartheid police shot and killed 69 of the protesters at Sharpeville, many of them shot while fleeing; many people were also killed in other parts of the country. The tragedy came to be known as the Sharpeville Massacre and it exposed the apartheid government’s deliberate violation of human rights. The 1960s came to be characterised by systematic defiance and protest against apartheid and racism across the country.

When South Africa held its first democratic election in 1994, with Nelson Mandela elected as its first democratic President; 21 March, Human Rights Day, was officially proclaimed a public holiday. The Sharpeville Massacre was a defining moment in the fight against the apartheid system in South Africa and the country has come a long way since those days. It now has a democracy, and human rights are embedded in the Bill of Rights of the South African Constitution. 

The South African Constitution, one of the most progressive in the world, was signed into law by former President, Nelson Mandela, on International Human Rights Day, 10 December 1996 in Sharpeville. This significant moment in our history forms the foundation of our democracy, affirming the rights of all citizens. Today we celebrate 21 March as Human Rights Day – a day where we commemorate the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives advocating for dignity, equality and liberty and celebrate our rights enshrined in the Constitution.

For more information on the virtual public discussion, please contact: Dr Wandile Kasibe at wkasibe@iziko.org.za or on 021 481 3814. 

*FREE entry excludes the Iziko Bo Kaap Museum, the Iziko Slave Lodge, Groot Constantia, the Castle of Good Hope, the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, and Museums currently closed for repairs and renovations. 

Throughout this uncertain period, Iziko has been online and working to showcase our unique work and collections on the website. Visit www.iziko.org.za to explore all that we have on offer, and keep up-to-date on COVID19 safety protocols and opening hours. Make sure to also like, follow and share our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok!

ENDS

Issued by: Ellen Agnew
Communications Coordinator: Iziko Museums of South Africa
Telephone: 021 481 3830 Email: eagnew@iziko.org.za 
Website: www.iziko.org.za
Issued on behalf of the Office of the CEO, Iziko Museums of South Africa

About Iziko Museums of South Africa (Iziko)
Iziko operates 11 national museums, the Planetarium and Digital Dome, the Social History Centre and three collection‑specific libraries in Cape Town.  The museums that make up Iziko have their own history and character, presenting extensive art, social and natural history collections that reflect our diverse African heritage.  Iziko is a public entity and public benefit organisation that brings together these museums under a single governance and leadership structure.  The organisation allows *free access to all individuals on commemorative days, (*excluding the Castle of Good Hope, Groot Constantia and Planetarium and Digital Dome). Visit our webpage at www.iziko.org.za, join our online community on Facebook (www.facebook.com/IzikoMuseums), Instagram (@izikomuseumssa) or follow us on Twitter (@Iziko_Museums) for regular updates on events, news and new exhibitions.

Exhibitions & Events

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Inside Iziko

Iziko Museums

About

Dear Visitors,

Please note that the Iziko South African Museum will close to the public at 14:00 on Thursday, 13 March 2025, in preparation for the The bicentenary of the South African Museum – a reflection on 200 years of ISAM’s existence.

Thank you for your consideration.

Looking forward to your future visits.

Iziko Management

Dear Visitors,

Please be advised that all Iziko Museums of South Africa sites will close at 13:00 on Monday, 10 March 2025, for a staff activation for the The bicentenary of the South African Museum – a reflection on 200 years of ISAM’s existence.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Iziko Management

Iziko South African National Gallery

Dear Visitor

Please be advised that the Iziko South African National Gallery, will open at 12:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2025.

We look forward to welcoming you to experience the exhibition:
Sue Williamson: There’s something I must tell you, a retrospective.

Regards
Iziko Museums of South Africa

Dear Visitors,

 

Please note that all Iziko Museums will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, 25 December 2024 and

will reopen to the public on Thursday, 26 December 2024.

 

Additionally,  Iziko Bertram House and Iziko Koopmans De Wet will remain closed on Thursday,   

26 December 2024.

 

Wishing you peace and joy over the festive season.

 

Thank you

Iziko Management 

Dear Visitor

Please be advised that the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum will be closed on Thursday, 01 August 2024 due to a power maintenance affecting the entire area.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Iziko Management

Dear Visitor 

 

Iziko Museums’ Winter Operating Hours Update. 

 

Please be advised that the weekend(SAT and SUN) operating hours have been adjusted. 

The museums will open operate from 08h30 to 16h00 on weekends during winter.

 

Saturdays from 08h30 to 16h00

Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium, Iziko South African National Gallery, 

Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum and Iziko Slave Lodge. 

 

Sundays from 08h30 to 16h00

Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium and Iziko South African National Gallery. 

 

By order 

Iziko Management. 

 
Iziko South African National Gallery

Dear Visitor

Please be advised that the Iziko South African National Gallery, will open at 12:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2025.

We look forward to welcoming you to experience the exhibition:
Sue Williamson: There’s something I must tell you, a retrospective.

Regards
Iziko Museums of South Africa