Taking the Constitution to the People - Daspoort Secondary School, Pretoria

The Inclusive Society Institute is making strides in promoting constitutional literacy and democratic engagement across South Africa, with a strong presence in both the Gauteng and North West Provinces. Through its civic education initiative, “Taking the Constitution to the People”, the Institute has been delivering impactful workshops to Grade 11 and 12 learners, focusing on the imperatives and core principles of the South African Constitution. These workshops are part of a broader mission to empower young people with the knowledge and understanding necessary to become active, informed, and responsible citizens.

On Monday, 23 June 2025, the Institute conducted one of these workshops at Daspoort Secondary School in Pretoria. The session was facilitated by Patrick Motsepe, the Institute’s dedicated Schools Project Coordinator for both Gauteng and North West Provinces. His depth of experience and engaging presentation style created an environment that was both educational and inspiring for the learners.

The workshop content was carefully curated to align with the learners’ academic curriculum while also broadening their civic knowledge. Topics included the Preamble to the Constitution, which sets out the vision and values of the Republic; the Founding Provisions, which establish the democratic foundations of the state; the Bill of Rights, which articulates the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to all citizens; and the Chapter 9 Institutions, which serve to protect and strengthen constitutional democracy.

Learners responded with great enthusiasm, actively engaging in discussions and asking probing questions. Topics raised included the nature and functioning of democracy, the responsibilities of political parties in governance, and how ordinary citizens can hold public institutions accountable. The learners' curiosity and thoughtfulness were clear indicators of the effectiveness of the workshop in stimulating critical thinking and civic awareness.

In addition to delivering constitutional content, the workshop aimed to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among the youth regarding the democratic processes that shape their country. By emphasizing the role of each individual in sustaining democracy, whether through voting, community involvement, or civic activism, the session encouraged learners to view themselves as key contributors to the nation’s future.

This workshop at Daspoort Secondary School is one of many being conducted across districts in Gauteng and the North West, with plans to expand to additional provinces in the near future. The Inclusive Society Institute is firmly committed to building a generation of learners who are not only knowledgeable about their constitutional rights but are also empowered to defend and exercise them in their everyday lives.

Through this growing outreach programme, the Institute seeks to nurture a culture of constitutionalism, where democratic values are understood, respected, and lived out by all citizens—starting with the youth in our schools. The journey toward a more inclusive, equitable, and participatory democracy begins with education—and the Inclusive Society Institute is proud to be leading the way.