SHiNE Initiative Promotes Human Rights and Social Cohesion at Northern Cape Rural TVET College

On 18 February 2025, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), in partnership with the Inclusive Society Institute, convened a dynamic engagement with students and educators at the Northern Cape Rural TVET College, Upington Campus. This event formed part of the broader Social Harmony through National Effort (SHiNE) Initiative, a flagship programme aimed at nurturing inclusive, respectful, and rights-based educational environments across South Africa.

The Inclusive Society Institute was represented by Ms Mari Harris, who joined officials from the SAHRC in facilitating the session. The engagement brought together a diverse group of participants - including students, lecturers, and college leadership - who actively contributed to open, thoughtful, and interactive dialogues centered on issues of human rights, social justice, and national unity.

The SHiNE Initiative seeks to cultivate a culture of social harmony by addressing the root causes of discrimination, prejudice, and systemic inequality. Through initiatives like this one, the programme encourages participants to critically reflect on their own social contexts while exploring practical strategies for fostering inclusivity and mutual respect.

During the session, participants engaged in discussions that highlighted the importance of constitutional values such as dignity, equality, and freedom. They also explored challenges and opportunities specific to educational institutions in the Northern Cape region, sharing insights and experiences that underscored the urgent need for a proactive approach to combating exclusion and marginalisation.

Ms Harris emphasised the vital role that educational institutions play in shaping inclusive societies. “Colleges and schools are not only centres of learning but also spaces where future leaders are formed. It is here that we must instil values that reinforce our shared humanity,” she noted.

By equipping students and educators with the tools and understanding necessary to challenge inequality and promote diversity, the SHiNE Initiative contributes meaningfully to the broader national goal of building a socially cohesive and just society.

The Inclusive Society Institute extend their appreciation to the management and staff of the Northern Cape Rural TVET College for their enthusiastic support and commitment to advancing human rights in education. The success of the engagement reaffirms the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping a South Africa that upholds the dignity and rights of all.