Taking the Constitution to the People - Curro Academy, Soshanguve

The Inclusive Society Institute continues to make significant inroads into secondary schools across the Gauteng Province, actively engaging learners in meaningful discussions and promoting the democratic values that underpin South Africa’s governance. As part of its flagship “Taking the Constitution to the People” initiative, the Institute recently conducted a workshop that left a lasting impression on both learners and educators.

On Wednesday, 23 July 2025, seventy-six learners from Curro Academy in Soshanguve participated in this dynamic civic education programme, facilitated by the Institute’s Gauteng Schools Coordinator, Mr. Patrick Motsepe. With his characteristic passion and deep knowledge, Mr. Motsepe guided the learners through a thought-provoking exploration of South Africa’s democratic Constitution — its origins, structure, and the vital rights and responsibilities enshrined in Chapter 2, the Bill of Rights.

Far from being a purely theoretical exercise, the workshop offered a rich, interactive learning experience. Learners were taken on a comprehensive journey tracing the Constitution’s creation — from the negotiations that shaped its drafting to the principles that underpinned its final form. Discussions highlighted the Founding Provisions, which define South Africa’s core values, and examined how these translate into the freedoms and protections that citizens enjoy today.

A central theme running through the session was the notion of responsible citizenship. Learners were encouraged to see themselves not only as beneficiaries of constitutional rights, but also as active custodians of those rights. The workshop challenged them to think critically about their role in building an inclusive, equitable, and just society — one that lives up to the spirit and letter of the Constitution.

The impact of the session was evident in the lively engagement of the learners, who participated enthusiastically in discussions and posed thoughtful questions. For many, the workshop provided clarity on how constitutional principles connect directly to everyday life and community issues.

The Inclusive Society Institute’s dedication to this initiative is ongoing. This event in Soshanguve forms part of a broader strategy to bring constitutional literacy to every corner of Gauteng. Similar workshops will continue to be rolled out across the province’s districts, ensuring that more young people are equipped with the knowledge and values necessary to be informed, engaged, and civically minded citizens.

By embedding constitutional education into the school environment, the Institute is investing in a generation that will not only safeguard South Africa’s democratic achievements but will also drive the nation forward in the spirit of inclusivity, justice, and active participation.