Under the theme 30 Years of Courage: Defending Human Rights, Dignity, Justice and Democracy for All, the symposium will bring together members of the public, chapter 9s, academia, government, civil society and NGOs to critically reflect on how the Commission has fared in discharging its mandate to promote, protect and monitor human rights in South Africa. In addition, this gathering will interrogate the state of human rights in the country, evaluate the progress made over the past 30 years and propose strategies to confront the myriad of challenges that continue to hinder the realisation and full enjoyment of human rights.

The specific objectives of the symposium are:

• To reflect on the SAHRC’s achievements and growth over the past 30 years.
• To critically assess the SAHRC’s shortcomings and areas of improvement.
• To promote greater public knowledge and understanding of the Constitution, particularly the Bill of Rights, as the foundation for protecting human dignity, equality, and justice.
• To provide opportunity for multi-sectoral engagement on key human rights issues.
• To reaffirm and strengthen the Commission’s role and relevance.

The symposium will be held as follows:

• Date: 29 October 2025
• Venue: NH Hotel Sandton, 138 Rivonia Road, Sandton, 2196
• Time: 09:00 – 16:30

Members of the media are invited to cover the event.

Ends

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission