Learn about South Africa’s turbulent past and extraordinary transition to democracy at Constitution Hill. This National Heritage site has witnessed over a century of South Africa’s history - Brits V Boers, the Soweto Uprising, the dawn of democracy and the building of South Africa’s Constitutional Court.
Exhibitions and museums at Constitution Hill include:
The Number Four – Prisoners such as Mahatma Ghandi, Robert Sobukwe, and the Students of the 1976 uprising were held at thyis prison.
The Old Fort – Built in 1893, this is one of Johannesburg’s oldest buildings. This was a prison for white males, with Nelson Mandela being the only black prisoner to be held here.
The Women’s Gaol – Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Albertina Sisulu, Fatima Meer and many other political activists were held in this gracious-looking building.
Constitutional Court – South Africa’s highest court, and guardian of the basic human rights and freedom that so many imprisoned here had fought for and won, also houses a collection of South African artworks.
Need to Know
- Hours: Open 9am–5pm (Mon-Fri); 10am-3pm (Sat); Closed (Sun)
- Tel: 011 381 3100
- Email: info@constitutionhill.org.za
- Website: www.constitutionhill.org.za