In South Africa, Human Rights Day is celebrated on 21 March, in remembrance of the Sharpeville massacre which took place on the same day in 1960. This massacre occurred as a result of protests against the Apartheid regime in South Africa. Human Rights Day seemed like the perfect day to visit Constitution Hill and learn more about South Africa's history.
Constitution Hill Precinct in Braamfontein Johannesburg has a very complex history going back to 1892 when the Old Fort was built under the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek. Functioning as a prison, except for the brief period of the South African War (1899-1902) when it was a military defence post, new buildings were added to the site in the late 1900s and early 20th Century: the so-called Natives’ section and isolation cells known as Sections Four and Five where black male prisoners were held, a Women’s Prison (1907), and an Awaiting Trial building (1920s).
All these buildings together were known as the Fort, a place that was notorious for its harsh treatment of prisoners: who ranged from common criminals to hundreds of thousands of ordinary men and women who contravened colonial and apartheid legislation such as hut tax laws, beer brewing laws, pass laws and the Group Areas act. Many political prisoners were also incarcerated at the Fort. Boer military leaders were imprisoned during the South African war 1899-1902. In 1906 and 1913 Indian passive resisters (including Mahatma Gandhi) were incarcerated. Read more here.
All these buildings together were known as the Fort, a place that was notorious for its harsh treatment of prisoners: who ranged from common criminals to hundreds of thousands of ordinary men and women who contravened colonial and apartheid legislation such as hut tax laws, beer brewing laws, pass laws and the Group Areas act. Many political prisoners were also incarcerated at the Fort. Boer military leaders were imprisoned during the South African war 1899-1902. In 1906 and 1913 Indian passive resisters (including Mahatma Gandhi) were incarcerated. Read more here.
'The Accused': One of the sculptures displayed outside the Constitutional Court
Constitution Hill is now the seat of the Constitutional Court of South Africa. The first court session in the new building at this location was held in February 2004. Outside the court building is an enormous sign in 11 official languages. You enter through the impressive 9m wooden doors that feature plaques carved with words and sign-language symbols conveying the 27 rights enshrined in the Constitution. Upon entering you find yourself in a spacious hall with decorated pillars designed like trees (memories of Sagrada Familia!), honoring the age old African tradition of seeking justice under the trees.
We loved the simple design of the court which was so different from the more common ornate styles. The bricks you see towards the back are part of the old fort building and were used in the building to show history, solidarity, and the strength of old and damaged bricks when put together. The
walls have glass sections to show that transparency is greatly valued. The beautiful beaded South African flag in the court was another highlight of the tour.
