By Minister Michael Masutha
A cursory look into our history tells us about the power of young people to drive change and become instrumental in the shaping of a nation’s destiny.
One of the most prominent acts of youth activism was the 1976 student uprising against the imposition of Afrikaans as a language of instruction at schools. The memory of young people confronting armed police with stones to challenge the injustice of the apartheid system will remain vivid in many people’s mind.
Through this conviction, young people established a solid foundation in building a South Africa that values and respect human rights. In many ways, this year’s celebration of the 40th anniversary of the June 16, 1976 student uprisings and the 20th anniversary of the Constitution should not be seen in isolation of one another. Both tell us about our proud history of struggle and freedom and both affirm that together, we can move South Africa forward. In this spirit, it is time for a renewed energy from our youth in the promotion of our Constitutional rights.
In celebrating 20 years of the Constitution young people need to remain conscious of the responsibility that accompanies our Constitutional rights. The destruction of property and disruption of essential services during times of protest undermines the very same Constitutional rights that are being celebrated during this anniversary of the Constitution. It is for this reason that all sectors must intensify awareness of the Constitution.
As the custodian of the Constitution, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is actively promoting constitutional awareness among young people. For instance, a number of learner dialogues have been organised across the country, during which pupils will engage the leadership on constitutional rights, aimed at making young people aware of the power of the Constitutional rights in further building our democracy.
In the past financial year, the department created a ‘slimline’ version of the Constitution which was distributed to over 500 000 Grade 12 pupils in schools countrywide. The booklet contains the preamble and founding provisions of the Constitution as well as the Bill of Rights.
To ensure that all South Africans, including persons with disabilities, are able to access the Constitution and learn about their rights, the department also embarked on translating the Constitution into various South African languages. Once translated, the Constitutions were made available at public libraries and Thusong service centres across the country.
The Constitution has also been created in Braille to ensure that visually impaired persons are able to access, read and understand the supreme law of the country and their basic human rights.
To make learning about the law and the Constitution fun, pupils also have the opportunity to take part in the annual South African National School Moot Court Competition. This competition was established in 2011 to create a greater understanding of the Constitution and human rights in South African schools. As part of the competition, pupils debate mock cases in a real life court setting and are able to see and experience first-hand a legal battle.
Having mastered the art of the Moot Court, Claire Rankin and Clara-Marie Macheke from Springfield Convent School in the Western Cape, who won the National Moot Court Competition 2015, went on to represent South Africa at the Hague in the Netherlands earlier this year, and scooped the first prize, a gold win for South Africa. Both pupils have confirmed that they will definitely be studying law to contribute in the promotion of human rights once they matriculate.
It is these young people who will lead meaningful dialogues on Constitutional rights and craft legislation and policy that are consistent with the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
A deeper understanding of the Constitution among young people will secure the country’s democracy.
Michael Masutha is the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
