Celebrate 20 years of democracy with Con Hill
BRAAMFONTEIN - Constitution Hill will be a site of celebration over the coming months, focusing on the nation's 20th anniversary of democracy and the its own 10th anniversary.
To mark these milestones, Constitution Hill has planned various events with themes such as democracy, human rights and constitutionalism.
A collection of photographs, artefacts and election material from the past 20 years will comprise the exhibition Refle’X’ions: 20 Years of Electoral Democracy.
The exhibition, which is a collaboration between Con Hill and the Electoral Commission of South Africa, will be displayed at the Women’s Gaol temporary exhibition space until 18 April.
Another highlight is the Time Travel Tour, which will see guides dressed in warder uniforms. Visitors will be given the opportunity to “walk through” the lives and struggles of prisoners, the likes of whom include Nelson Mandela, Albertina Sisulu, Fatima Meer, Mahatma Gandhi, General Christiaan de Wet, Joe Slovo and Helen Joseph.
The setting will be dated back to the dark days of hardship and humiliation behind prison walls.
On 26 April, Con Hill will host a Human Rights Walk.
This family fun day will include a walk around the precinct, and will be followed by live performances, poetry, food stalls, children’s activities, and educational activities on human rights.
Con Hill has also reduced tour prices to R20 for the month of April.
“This is a year to reflect on the major strides taken by this young democracy from a state of brutality, ill-treatment and injustice to a beacon of equality, freedom and a rainbow nation,” said Con Hill CEO Petal Thring.
Thring said that the site bore witness to the “miracle of reconciliation” through one of the world’s most progressive constitutions.
“This milestone will be marked by a celebration of everything this landmark site stands for. The vast variety of programmes hosted [here] enable us to embrace current issues, celebrate days of national significance, address matters of public interest, and create a forum for debate,” she said.
In addition to guided tours and temporary exhibitions, the site offers interactive experiences through its calendar of public and educational programmes.
Details: 011 381 3128; www.constitutionhill.org.za
