On Human Rights Day, March 21, 2026, the African National Congress (ANC), its alliance partners, and various civic organizations marched to Constitution Hill in Johannesburg to defend South Africa’s sovereignty and democratic gains.
The march, which began at Mary Fitzgerald Square and proceeded to Constitution Hill, emphasized respect for South Africa’s independence and the principle that the country belongs to all who live in it, regardless of race. Participants included members of the ANC’s tripartite alliance partners—such as COSATU, the SACP, and SANCO—as well as civic groups from sectors including security, local traders, and gender organizations.
ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member Supra Mahumapelo addressed the crowd and media during the event. He stated that while the sovereignty of other nations must be respected, South Africa’s sovereignty and democracy should equally be upheld. He criticized the use of the country’s weaknesses by powerful states to exert pressure against it.
Mahumapelo highlighted efforts to build unity within South Africa, referencing a meeting last year involving the ANC, PAC, and AfriForum aimed at engaging constructively to develop the nation. He affirmed the ANC’s longstanding position that South Africa belongs to all its people, black and white.
When questioned about differing views and the right to express them internationally, Mahumapelo said anyone is free to march within the country. However, he described it as wrong for “white Afrikaners who become the new foreigners” to travel to the United States and “badmouth” their own country.
He added: “And in parliament, we have said we must look at the possibility of introducing a law that will make it treasonous for anyone to go to another country and trample on the rights of the other people in the constitution.”
Mahumapelo also discussed the ANC’s foreign policy engagements, noting a summit convened last year in Johannesburg with former national liberation movements from Southern African countries. Attendees reportedly agreed on the need for greater unity in the region and a program to reverse the gradual loss of power by liberation movements, including in South Africa.
He rejected suggestions that the march was linked to upcoming local government elections or provincial conferences, insisting it was tied solely to Human Rights Day commemorations. He said the ANC’s structures were prepared for forthcoming conferences following the local elections.
The event featured a mix of messages. Alliance and organized structures strongly supported the government’s positions, including its stance on international conflicts and neutrality. Some ordinary participants, however, focused on domestic issues such as job opportunities, access to basic services, and economic empowerment for small businesses in townships and other areas, connecting these to broader human rights concerns.
The march coincided with South Africa’s commemoration of Human Rights Day, marking 30 years since the adoption of key democratic principles, while underscoring themes of national patriotism and resistance to external interference. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula was expected to address the gathered crowd at Constitution Hill.
