North West Justice and Constitutional Development on High School
outreach programme during Human Rights month

27 March 2009

Department of Justice and Constitutional Development embarked on a massive
high school outreach programme from 25 to 26 March 2009 as part of Human Rights
Month celebration to educate learners about the Bill of Rights as enshrined in
the 1996 Constitution.

After the fall of Apartheid, South Africans drew up a new Constitution under
President Nelson Mandela, the cornerstone of which is the Bill of Rights,
guaranteeing freedom and equal rights to all. The South African Human Rights
Commission was launched on 21 March 1996, 35 years after the fateful events in
Sharpeville. The aim of the commission is to promote respect for human rights,
promote the protection, development and attainment of human rights, and to
monitor and assess the observance of human rights in the country. 21 March is
now a public holiday in South Africa called Human Rights Day.

“The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development in partnership
with Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) such as National Institute for Crime
Prevention and Rehabilitation of Offenders (NICRO) has noticed with concern
that there are still those learners who are abusing their rights, hence we
dedicated this month to concentrate on learners. Schools visited included
Setlopo High School, Setumo High School, Ramaboa High School and Bophirima High
School in Itsoseng.” Explains Regional Head Mr Tsietsi Malema

Ms Susan Mogajane, educator at Setlopo High School applauded the Department
of Justice and Constitutional Development for arranging such a visit. “I really
thank the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development for arranging
this visit. Most learners don’t understand that every right is accompanied with
responsibility and I believe this visit will assist them before they find
themselves in the wrong side of the law”, she said.

“As NICRO, we believe in crime free society targeting the youth. These are
the people, who in most cases commit crime due to factors such as peer
pressure, alcohol and drug abuse. They end up crowding in our correctional
centres hence we applaud the Department of Justice and Constitutional
Development to involve us to continue making a difference in the lives of our
youth”, said Kgakane Johannes from NICRO.

“Chapter two of the Constitution, the “Bill of Rights” clearly states that
every one has the right to a basic education and it is the responsibility of
learners not to abuse that right. Learners should know that school environment
is place of learning and nothing else. Our youth should note that every right
is accompanied with corresponding duty.” Concluded Regional Head Mr Tsietsi
Malema

Media enquiries can be directed to:
Mr Isaac Mokaila
Tel: 018 389 8355
Cell: 073 742 3906

Issued by: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, North West
Provincial Government
27 March 2009