*Free Entry on 21 March 2018
Human Rights Day, a tribute to those who fought for the rights and equality of all South Africans, is commemorated annually on 21 March. On this day in 1960 (previously known as Sharpeville Day), police fired on unarmed protesters, killing 69 people, many of whom school children, who were shot in the back as they fled.
Iziko Museums of South Africa will offer *FREE entry to selected museums (*excluding Groot Constantia, Castle of Good Hope and Planetarium and Digital Dome) to commemorate the Sharpeville massacre,and celebrate our rights on this day. Families, communities and individuals are invited to visit museums to reflect, remember and reconnect with our roots.
The national Human Rights commemoration theme, “The year of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: promoting and deepening a human rights culture across society”, echoe’s the contemporary role museums play. Through its exhibitions, educational programmes, events and outreach activities, Iziko creates spaces of engagement and platforms for dialogue, promoting tolerance and understanding.
The Iziko Slave Lodge, evolving from a place of human wrongs to a place of human rights, is today a space of remembrance. Its permanent and temporary exhibitions confront the injustices of the past and present. The exhibition, My Naam is Februarie brings into memory the previously untold stories of the legacy of slavery. The exhibitions: Enough is Enough! and Still figuring out what it is to be a man showcaseconversations related to human rights violations.
The Iziko South African National Gallery (ISANG) explores issues of human rights through art. El Anantsui’s – Meyina is a showcase of large-scale sculptural installations, which read like intricate tapestries. It draws onthe narratives of African colonial and post -colonial histories, and the effects of consumerism on the environment. The artistic collaboration between photographer Robert Hamblin and sex work activist, Leigh Davids, manifested as a multimedia installation entitled, interseXions, brings to light the struggles and rights of [in particular] feminine transgender sex workers.
Visitors can delve into the various human rights issues explored through the exhibitions and programmes at Iziko.
Human Rights Day *Free Entrance to Iziko Museums of South Africa *excludes Groot Constantia, Castle of Good Hope and Planetarium and Digital Dome, as well as museums closed for renovation and repair.
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Issued by: Kim Lindeboom
Communications Coordinator: Department of Advancement, Iziko Museums of South Africa
Landline: 021 481 3874 Cell: 083 356 6043
klindeboom@iziko.org.za
On behalf of: 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 non-profit 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 and Planetarium). Visit our webpage at www.iziko.org.za, join our online community on Facebook (www.facebook.com/IzikoMuseums) or follow us on Twitter (@Iziko_Museums) for regular updates on events, news and new exhibitions.