Residents graduate in constitutional law
ALEXANDRA - Development practitioners, leaders and activists in Alexandra recently graduated in a human rights and constitutional law course.
Thirty of them graduated, joining 60 others who attended the same course in the past two years. The six-month course is a partnership of ENSafrica legal firm with the Constitutional Court Clerks Alumni Association and was also conducted in Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha in the Western Cape.
The graduates were trained on the Constitution and how to demystify misconceptions on rights and responsibilities. They are expected to use the knowledge to assist fellow residents in applying their rights in the community, work place, home and among friends and colleagues.
The course modules included the Constitution, access to information and administrative justice, access to courts and socio-economic rights, and took the participants to the Constitutional Court for an experiential court session. This was in addition to completing assignments on legislation, case law and attending local magistrates’ and Small Claims Court sessions.
Lindie Sanderson of the firm, said the course had produced human rights activists who can help to strengthen people’s power in advocating for real social change. “They engaged in robust debates, exchanged ideas and strategies for practical application of the constitution at community level in addressing issues of inequality, power disparities and homelessness,” she said.
Ngoako Raboshagka also of the firm said the course was a tool to promote development which is a constitutional right. He urged them to apply the knowledge gained to promote the constitution’s values on dignity, social justice, freedom and unity, and to lobby for government’s responsiveness to citizens’ problems.
Peacemore Mogodi of the South African Human Rights Commission, said the course had developed resources which can help correct structural imbalances in society by promoting access to justice. He urged the graduates to work in partnership with entities like the commission and equality courts.
Phindie Louw of the National Prosecuting Authority encouraged graduates to act as advocates for the rule of law, and to be the eyes and ears of the justice system in delivering justice to victims of crime. She urged them to partner with the authority in making a difference in the lives of community members.
The graduates’ representative, Joe Hlomula, said their 100 percent attendance and participation signified the course’s importance.
Details: ENSafrica 011 555 0980.
