Things to do for Human Rights Day in Cape Town

The Mother City is abuzz with a host of activities to celebrate this South African public holiday

Officially declared a public holiday in 1994, Human Rights Day (21 March) serves as both a reminder of the happenings at the Sharpeville massacre and a celebration of Mzansi’s unique foundation, which gives all citizens equal rights.

This year, it falls on a Wednesday, and what better way to celebrate this coveted weekend interlude than with a range of activities in Cape Town.

Apart from the high-profile events in our weekend overview, the Mother City boasts a slew of niche things to do, and revelers looking to commemorate Mzansi’s diversity with something slightly offbeat can find a range of options below.

Thus, eat, drink, be merry and celebrate Human Rights Day in Cape Town and surrounds with a handful of off-the-hook and downright delicious events in the Mother City. There’s a heap of highlights on offer, from live music shows and FREE events to a thought-provoking exhibitionand a kiff tour around the city!

2018 THINGS TO DO FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DAY IN CAPE TOWN

WATCH ZAC EFRON AND JOHN TRAVOLTA IN HAIRSPRAY
The Galileo Open Air Cinema screening at Kenilworth Raceourse this Human Rights Day is Hairspray, a musical romantic comedy directed by Adam Shankman. Bring a blanket (or get one there) and cosy up to enjoy this feel-good movie from 2007. Beer, wine and fresh popcorn will be on sale.

COST: Presold tickets start from R89/pp

GET CAUGHT UP IN CULTURE AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY
Not only is entry to ALL Iziko Museums FREE on Human Rights Day (excluding the Planetarium and Castle of Good Hope), but the South African National Gallery will also be the site of an exciting cultural programme, hosted at the Iziko amphitheatre and the TH Barry Lecture Theatre from 10am until 6pm.

COST: Entry to Iziko Museums (except the Planetarium and Castle of Good Hope) is FREE on Human Rights Day.

TAKE A KIFF KOMBI TOUR
Use Human Rights Day as an excuse to hop on Cape Town’s hottest tour bus. You’ll be treated to a ‘historical’ tour of Cape Town in the kiffest kombi ever. Their one-day Urban Safari Tour will take you through the streets of District Six, into Devils’ Peak Brewery, the Bo Kaap neighbourhood, Signal Hill lookout, Chapman’s Peak Drive, cocktails at Dunes and then finally, sundowners at a secret location. Kiff Kombi fuses the old and the new by showing you the areas soaked in history, as well as the modern and socially relevant hotspots across the Mother City!

COST: Bookings can be made with Kiff Kombi directly by giving them a call on +27 (0)61 413 5891. The Urban Safari Tour is R800p/p and includes lunch (on all days except Saturday’s).

WATCH THE TOUGHEST CYCLISTS TACKLE THE CAPE’S TOUGHEST RACE
The ABSA Cape Epic is back again this year, and the challenge is only getting tougher. From Sunday, 18 March to Sunday, 25 March 2018, bikers will attempt to beat the course between Meerendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch and Val de Vie Estate in Franschhoek. This is no mean feat and what better way to celebrate Human Rights Day than to watch athletes of every colour compete for ultimate domination at the momentus Cape Epic.

COST: Applications have closed, but you are more than welcome to head over to Meerendal or Val de Vie and enjoy the lovely estate, knowing that somewhere between the two, these talented athletes are going to war!

SOUTH AFRICAN LIBRARY WEEK

With a focus on advancing the human right of freedom of access to information, South African Library Week – running from Monday, 19 March to Saturday, 24 March 2018 - is a City initiative that is offering amnesty to everyone who has overdue books in their possession in a bid to reclaim more than 20 000 overdue library items – valued at nearly R2 million.

COST:  Free! All of the events are aimed at inspiring and enlightening communities and school children.

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