More youths get to know democracy
ALEXANDRA - The future of democracy in Alexandra may be getting into the right heads/hands as more youths take part in the Constitutional and Human Rights course offered for free by the ENSAfrica law firm.
The future of democracy in Alexandra may now be getting into the right hands, and heads.
This as more youths take part in the Constitutional and Human Rights course offered for free by law firm ENSAfrica.
The Sandton-based firm which specialises in commercial law, operates a satellite office at Sankopano Community Centre and handles various case matters including labour, housing and matrimony, and offers a six-month flagship course on the Bill of Rights. The course is targeted at social, political and development activists and strengthens their capacity to assist the youth to assume their rights.
This year’s intakes, who on average are 25-year-old graduates, will have an opportunity on 27 August to tour and witness the Constitutional Court in session. Previous participants have been dominated by the older age group ranging up to 60 and included councillors, teachers, non-profit organisation practitioners, police officers, city council officials, Community Police Forum members and media officials. The course is also offered in Mitchell’s Plain, Western Cape where, like in Alex, residents struggle with socio-economic rights challenges which impede their access to a better life.
ENSAfrica’s Alex satellite manager, Ngoako Raboshakga, said the domination of the youth meant there was a greater chance for democracy in Alex to consolidate.
“We can only achieve a rights culture at grassroots level when communities are made aware and strengthened to understand their rights and obligations as enshrined in the Constitution.” He said with more youths taking part, a foundation was being laid to sustain this awareness, as many of them are destined for future leadership positions. “When that time comes, they will be well equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills to promote proper and accountable governance in the interests of the broader public.”
He added that the course will also equip the future leaders with knowledge of how to help the community deal with issues relating to global relational challenges such as xenophobic attacks which flared up occasionally and tainted the image of Alex and the country.
Raboshakga urged entrepreneurs to also seek the firm’s services for advice on legal aspects to help improve their businesses.
Details: ENSAfrica 011 555 0980.
