Taking the Constitution to the People - Excellers SA College, Brits

As part of its commitment to promoting democratic values and active citizenship, the Inclusive Society Institute continues to deliver on its initiative of “Taking the Constitution to the People.” Through a series of targeted educational workshops, the Institute is actively working to foster a culture of constitutional literacy, civic responsibility, and social cohesion among young South Africans.

The initiative has gained considerable momentum in both the Gauteng and North West provinces, where the Institute has been engaging directly with learners in secondary schools and students at tertiary institutions. These engagements are tailored to promote a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, particularly among youth who are approaching or have reached voting age.

Central to this initiative is Patrick Motsepe, the Provincial Schools Project Coordinator for the Inclusive Society Institute. With diligence and a deep sense of purpose, Motsepe has been instrumental in coordinating and delivering these sessions to ensure they are impactful, accessible, and aligned with educational objectives.

On Tuesday, 27 May, the Institute conducted a workshop at Excellers SA College for a cohort of Grade 12 learners. The session provided students with an interactive and insightful exploration of South Africa’s foundational legal framework. Designed with the developmental needs of young people in mind, the workshop covered key constitutional principles, the Bill of Rights, democratic governance, and the responsibilities of citizens in a constitutional democracy.

Importantly, the content of these workshops is directly aligned with the Life Orientation and History syllabi prescribed by the national curriculum. These subjects already address themes of values, human rights, and social cohesion - making the workshop a powerful complementary tool in reinforcing classroom learning through a practical, real-world lens. By bridging academic content with lived civic realities, the workshops aim to not only educate but also inspire a generation of young people to take ownership of their role in a democratic society.

The reception from learners and educators has been overwhelmingly positive, with many participants noting the relevance and timeliness of the sessions, especially in a year where the country continues to reflect on three decades of constitutional democracy.

Looking ahead, the Inclusive Society Institute plans to expand the reach of this programme, with more workshops scheduled at various educational institutions across both provinces in the coming months. This expansion reflects the Institute’s strategic objective of embedding constitutional values at the grassroots level, particularly among youth who are key to sustaining and advancing South Africa’s democratic project.

Through initiatives such as these, the Inclusive Society Institute reaffirms its role as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue, civic empowerment, and inclusive nation-building — ensuring that the Constitution remains not just a document, but a living, guiding force in the lives of all South Africans.