South Africa will be commemorating Human Rights Month during the month of March under the theme: “Bill of Rights at 30: Making Human Dignity Real.” The DBE will continue to ensure the right to education, safe learning and teaching environments and inclusion for all children, our national asset.

The Bill of Rights (Chapter 2 of the 1996 Constitution), is the cornerstone of South African democracy, protecting fundamental rights such as dignity, equality and freedom for all people.

Key rights include life, privacy, expression, education and health. A Rights Based, Socially Cohesive and Inclusive School pillar of the DBE operational framework on Care and Support for Teaching and Learning (CSTL) emphasises creating learning environments where all learners experience dignity, equality and belonging. It focuses on eliminating discrimination, promoting social cohesion across diverse communities, ensuring inclusive practices for vulnerable learners and embedding human rights principles throughout school operations and culture.

In South Africa, Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) was classified a national disaster in 2025. This will enable Government to better coordinate response and direct efforts towards impactful interventions. Building on the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, all sectors of society will be empowered through social mobilisation to challenge harmful attitudes and practices.

South Africa’s Human Rights Month is rooted in the tragic events of the Sharpeville massacre on 21 March 1960. The collective struggle, courageous actions and sacrifices of leaders like former President Nelson Mandela and Robert Sobukwe, alongside other countless activists, paved the way for a constitutional democracy built on justice, equality and human dignity. During this month, we honour the struggle stalwarts whose courage and sacrifices secured our freedom. This year’s Human Right Month coincides with the commemoration of 30 years of the adoption of the Constitution.  The celebration of the Constitution’s 30^th anniversary happens at the same time as the seventh democratic local government elections, which will be held later this year, a testament to the resilience and maturity of our democracy.