Living Rights Festival returns to Cape Town

A campaign for social justice, peace, and human rights takes centre stage this Sunday, 15 November, marking the official launch of the annual Living Rights Festival which takes place across Cape Town.

Under the theme of Rooting Change: Rupture and Renewal in a World of Disorder, artists, activists, scholars, young people and communities will explore challenges and possibilities through music, theatre, film, storytelling, panel discussions and workshops.

The month-long festival, now in its third edition, is organised by the Institute for African Alternatives, an independent, progressive organisation committed to  alternative social and economic policies in and beyond South Africa.

“We gather at a time when our world seems increasingly fractured by war, inequality, violence and uncertainty,” says Institute for African Alternatives festival director Nazeema Mohamed.

“Yet even in these troubled times, we find extraordinary expressions of courage, compassion, creativity and solidarity. People continue to resist injustice, defend human dignity and imagine a world beyond divisions and cruelties.”

The festival opens with a conversation on violence, humanity and renewal at the Central Methodist Mission, Greenmarket Square, on Sunday 15 November at 17h00.

“The Insurrections Ensemble follows with Defiant Currents, a vibrant encounter between African and Indian musical traditions. Featuring soaring voices, violin, sarod, guitar, indigenous bows and percussion, this gathering of exceptional musicians from South Africa, Ethiopia, the DRC and India brings poetry alive through music that speaks to grief, defiance and hope,” says Mohamed.

Core activities take place at the Central Methodist Mission on Greenmarket Square, The Book Lounge on Roeland Street, and the Castle. Film screenings and youth workshops take place at Bertha House, Mowbray, alongside readings and showcases at Theatre Arts and the Magnet Theatre in Observatory.

Community-led dialogues, solidarity walks and specialised events are at the University of the Western Cape and other venues.

Book through Quicket.

View the programme:

https://ifaaza.org/living-rights-festival-2026-view-the-programme/