March Festivals
Human Rights Day: on 21 March 1996, the South African Human Rights Commission was set up to promote respect for the rights of all individuals, and since that time this date has been observed as a public holiday. Days such as this continue to be of great significance to the local residents, as the memories still linger about the time under apartheid when human rights were not universal. You can expect pockets of joyful celebration throughout the area to celebrate this important day. June Festivals
Youth Day: is also a public holiday, and is observed on 16 June, in memory of the students and other local residents who were killed during a protest march on this date in 1976. Students were holding a peaceful protest in Soweto against the government’s apartheid policies, when police fired on the crowd of 20,000 students, killing 700 people. This day brings back painful memories for many, but as with Human Rights Day and Freedom Day, there is significant cause for celebration in the progress made regarding newfound freedom. August Festivals
National Women’s Day: is a public holiday celebrated in August to recognise the national march held by women against earlier ‘pass’ laws. When these laws were in force, African men and women were required to carry documentation proving that they qualified as white, in order to enter ‘white areas’. Many such holidays are observed throughout the year, as the enjoyment of human rights and freedom is still relatively new to the majority of South Africans, and they take every possible opportunity to celebrate. Arts Alive: in September, you can experience Jo’burg’s largest performing arts festival – typically featuring an impressive line up of performers from around the world. Jazz always features prominently, and the Jazz on the Lake Concert is the premier event, held at Zoo Lake. September/October Festivals
Soweto Festival: towards the end of September or beginning of October the Soweto Festival is held for several days, featuring hundreds of exhibitions and a wide variety of entertainment offerings. This is a great opportunity for the family to enjoy a celebration together, taking in the choirs, gospel singers, fashion shows, musical performances and appearances by local sports stars. During the apartheid era, this day was known as the ‘Day of the Vow’, as the Voortrekkers had taken a vow that they would build a church in thanks to God for victory in the battle. Post-apartheid, the day was made a public holiday, and changed to focus on promoting reconciliation and unity. As with most public holidays, parties are the order of the day, often accompanied by street entertainment. | 
