On March 21, 2025, the Apartheid Museum opened its doors for free entry in commemoration of Human Rights Day
Locals of all ages, from young children to elderly citizens, gathered to engage with South Africa’s painful yet crucial past. The museum, known for its striking exhibitions, provided visitors with an immersive experience, offering a deeper understanding of the injustices of apartheid and the resilience of those who fought against it.
The journey began at the entrance, where visitors encountered turnstiles labeled “White” and “Non-White,” a stark reminder of the segregation that once dictated every aspect of daily life. Displayed near these turnstiles were identity documents of different racial groups.
These passes, which Black South Africans were forced to carry at all times, symbolised the state’s control over their movements. The stark contrast between the well-kept, structured passes of white citizens and the worn, often tattered documents of non-white individuals illustrated the systemic inequalities built into apartheid’s very foundation.
As visitors moved through the museum, they encountered striking photographs, interactive installations, and personal testimonies.
Videos played historical footage of the Sharpeville Massacre, an event that led to the establishment of Human Rights Day. The walls carried the stories of activists who risked their lives to dismantle an oppressive system. While audio recordings of protest songs filled the air, transporting visitors back to a time when music served as both an act of defiance and a source of hope.
A section dedicated to Nelson Mandela’s journey to freedom reminded visitors of the long and arduous struggle for democracy.
On a day meant to honour human rights, the museum experience was a poignant reminder of why remembering apartheid is essential. Understanding history ensures that such injustices are never repeated. The museum did not only educate but also inspired reflection on the progress South Africa has made—and the challenges that still remain.
As visitors exited, they carried with them more than just memories of exhibits and photographs; they left with a renewed sense of responsibility—to uphold human dignity, to fight against discrimination, and to ensure that the lessons of the past shape a more just future.
FEATURE IMAGE: Photo exhibited in museum from Mayibuye Archives. The SANNC (later the ANC) members who went to London to protest against the Land Act of 1913. It consisted of (left to right) Thomas Mapikela, Rev Walter Rubusana, Rev John Dube, Saul Msane and Solomon T. Plaatjie. Photo by. Katlego Mtshali.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Wits Vuvuzela: Gauteng celebrated as UNESCO names new World Heritage Sites, Aug 2024
Wits Vuvuzela: Citizens unite in ‘We The People Walk’, March 2024
Wits Vuvuzela: Con Hill human rights festival goes online, April 2021
