Taking the Constitution to the People - Rock of Springs College, Brits

The Inclusive Society Institute (ISI) is intensifying its civic education efforts across the Gauteng and North West provinces through its initiative, “Taking the Constitution to the People: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities.” This outreach programme, aimed primarily at Grade 11 and 12 learners in schools and tertiary institutions, is designed to deepen young South Africans’ understanding of constitutional democracy and active citizenship.

On 29 May 2025, Patrick Motsepe, ISI Schools Project Coordinator, facilitated one such workshop at Rock of Springs College in Brits. The session was attended by 30 Grade 12 learners, many of whom are approaching or have reached voting age.

The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, including its historical development, structure, and significance in everyday life. Special emphasis was placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens under the Constitution, and how these underpin a democratic and socially cohesive society.

The session was designed to be highly interactive. Learners were encouraged to engage with the material through open dialogue, asking questions and responding to real-life scenarios presented by the facilitator. This participatory format helped to reinforce key concepts and promote critical thinking.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants completed a survey to assess their understanding of the content, with particular focus on constitutional principles, democratic governance, and social cohesion.

This initiative forms part of the ISI’s broader mandate to foster informed, responsible citizenship. Additional workshops are scheduled to be rolled out in various educational institutions across Gauteng and North West in the coming months.