Jozi Journeys

Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre: Learn from History in Joburg

Published

3 months ago

May 22, 2025

Chiraag

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The Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre is one of the most thought-provoking places to visit in Johannesburg. Located in Forest Town, this unique centre serves as a memorial, an educational hub, and a powerful reminder of what can happen when prejudice, hate, and discrimination are left unchecked.

Opened to the public in 2019, the centre explores the history of two major genocides of the 20th century – the Holocaust and the 1994 genocide in Rwanda – while connecting them to current human rights issues in South Africa and beyond.

Also read: “Sarajevo” on Stage in Johannesburg: A Gripping Tale of War, Memory, and Friendship

A Space of Memory and Education

The Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre (JHGC) is part of the South African Holocaust & Genocide Foundation, along with sister centres in Cape Town and Durban. Its mission is to honour the memory of genocide victims while promoting understanding and action in the present.

The centre was developed as a public-private partnership with the City of Johannesburg and continues to serve schools, universities, communities and individuals through its exhibitions and programmes.

What to Expect When You Visit

Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions

The JHGC’s exhibitions explore the rise of Nazi Germany, the Holocaust, and the Rwandan genocide. These are presented through survivor testimonies, photographs, documents, and multimedia displays that help visitors understand the complex history of mass atrocities.

Temporary exhibitions often highlight other examples of genocide, current human rights concerns, or commemorate significant events in world history.

Educational Programmes

The centre plays a vital role in South Africa’s education system. It supports:

Grade 9 Social Sciences and Grade 11 History modules on the Holocaust and Nazi Germany
Teacher training workshops to strengthen classroom delivery of sensitive topics
Learner programmes that use history as a springboard for conversations about empathy, human rights, and civic responsibility

Workshops are designed to be interactive, inclusive, and aligned with the national curriculum.

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Image 1: Markus Winkler (Pexels)

Public Events and Community Dialogue

Beyond the classroom, the JHGC is an active space for community engagement. Public events include:

Guest lectures and panel discussions
Film screenings and survivor testimonies
Commemorations and remembrance events
Temporary exhibitions that explore broader human rights issues

These events encourage ongoing conversation about prejudice, ‘othering’, xenophobia and racism – issues still deeply relevant in today’s South Africa.

Why This Centre Matters Today

The Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre goes beyond the facts of history. It challenges visitors to reflect on their own values and role in building a more just society.

By highlighting the dangers of apathy, silence, and hate speech, the centre aims to equip people – especially young South Africans – with the tools to speak up and take action against injustice. It’s a timely reminder that history can repeat itself if its lessons are ignored.

In a country that has faced its own painful past, this centre plays an important role in helping us remember, learn, and act.

Visitor Information

Location: 1 Duncombe Road, Forest Town, Johannesburg
Website: www.jhbholocaust.co.za
Entry: Free of charge (donations are welcomed)
Who should visit: Learners, educators, students, families, and anyone interested in human rights, history or social justice
Accessibility: Fully accessible for all visitors

The Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre is not just a museum. It’s a space of truth, learning, and healing. In a world still marked by discrimination and division, this centre invites all of us to become active citizens who remember the past and take responsibility for the future.

Whether you’re a Joburg local or a visitor, this is a deeply meaningful place to experience. It stands as a reminder that the fight for human rights begins with knowledge – and with each of us.