Taking the Constitution to the People - Soshanguve South Secondary School, Soshanguve

The Inclusive Society Institute (ISI) is extending its constitutional literacy programme to schools in both Gauteng and the North West Province. These workshops, targeted at Grade 11 and 12 learners, aim to deepen young people’s understanding of the South African Constitution, with a particular focus on its imperatives and foundational principles.

On Monday, 28 July 2025, the Institute held one such workshop at Soshanguve South Secondary School. The session was facilitated by Patrick Motsepe, ISI’s Schools Project Coordinator for both provinces. His engaging and interactive approach ensured that learners were not merely passive recipients of information but were actively involved throughout the workshop.

The workshop content covered essential aspects of the Constitution, including:

• The Preamble, which encapsulates the vision and values underpinning South Africa’s democracy.

• The Founding Provisions, setting out the core principles on which the Republic is built.

• The Bill of Rights, which guarantees the fundamental rights and freedoms of all South Africans.

• Chapter 9 Institutions, established to safeguard democracy and ensure accountability.

Learners displayed a high level of interest and enthusiasm, asking a wide range of thoughtful and challenging questions. Their inquiries touched on topics such as the meaning of democracy in practice, the role and responsibilities of political parties in the governance of the country, and the duty of government to uphold constitutional values. Many learners also drew connections between the Constitution and their everyday lives, highlighting the relevance of such educational interventions.

Feedback from both learners and educators at Soshanguve South Secondary School was overwhelmingly positive. Teachers expressed appreciation for the Institute’s efforts, noting that the workshop not only enriched classroom learning but also encouraged learners to think critically about their role as future leaders and active citizens. For many of the participants, this was their first detailed engagement with the Constitution beyond their textbooks, and it left a lasting impression.

The Inclusive Society Institute views this initiative as part of its broader commitment to strengthening democracy through civic education. By equipping young people with knowledge about their constitutional rights and responsibilities, the Institute is helping to cultivate a new generation of South Africans who are empowered to participate meaningfully in the democratic process.

Looking ahead, ISI intends to continue expanding the reach of these workshops beyond Gauteng and the North West Province. Plans are already underway to roll out the programme to schools in other provinces, ensuring that more learners across the country benefit from this vital educational opportunity.

The Institute firmly believes that by investing in the constitutional literacy of today’s youth, it is investing in the democratic resilience of South Africa’s future.