Constitution Hill Project

About this grant

South Africa’s constitution is known worldwide as one of the most progressive in advancing human rights and promoting reconciliation. Based on values of equality, justice and dignity, the constitution is the highest law in the land. The Constitutional Court, currently in a temporary location, is being moved to a permanent site that was once a prison for political detainees, with the unique distinction of having had Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela as prisoners. Other institutions established to protect democracy, such as the Human Rights Commission and the Commission on Gender Equality, will also move to the site, which has been named Constitution Hill. Symbolically, a place of injustice and indignity will be transformed into a place celebrating democracy and freedom.Funding will promote efforts to ensure public involvement in the construction of the new site. A public outreach and education campaign will include publicizing Constitution Hill; encouraging people to visit the site; presenting oral histories and video productions; locating former prisoners and inviting them to visit the site; organizing school projects; and commissioning artists to produce mural representing the site’s values and aspirations.The Central Johannesburg Partnership is a nonprofit inner city development agency whose mission is to promote a safe and vibrant city center.