Learners of OR Tambo Secondary School reading the Constitution.

By Kgomotso Ramotsho

In March the Department of Justice visited the OR Tambo Secondary School, in Katlehong Gauteng, to promote constitutional education. The visit was part of the Human Rights month activities, which was coordinated under the theme ‘Celebrating our Constitutional Democracy.’

The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, John Jeffery, delivered the keynote address. He said the school was privileged to carry the name of one of the country’s greatest leaders, Oliver Tambo. He added that this year was important as the country commemorates the centenary of the birth of Oliver Tambo and that is why 2017 is themed ‘The year of Oliver Reginald Tambo: Unity in action together moving South Africa forward.’

Chief Director: Social Justice and Participatory Democracy of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Danaline Franzman, handed over a preamble of the Constitution to the OR Tambo Secondary School Principal, Lingani Godwana.

Mr Jeffery said the Constitutional Learners’ Programme aims to educate learners about human rights and about the spirit and values of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution. He added that it aims to uphold the culture of human rights in the learning environment and encourage learners ‘engagement on Human Rights topics at schools’. He noted that the department was launching the programme in the memory of the late struggle icon, Ahmed Kathrada.

Mr Jeffery told learners that South Africa was a free society because of the sacrifices people, such as Mr Kathrada made. He said that Mr Kathrada dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom, human rights and non-racialism. He added that Mr Kathrada inspired other South Africans to do the same and to uphold the human rights of others.

Mr Jeffery encouraged learners to study the Constitution and share it with their families and friends.

Kgomotso Ramotsho Cert Journ (Boston) Cert Photography (Vega) is the news reporter at De Rebus.

This article was first published in De Rebus in 2017 (May) DR 15.