NEWSLETTER
MARCH-JULY 2016
#IAMCONSTITUTION – NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO CELEBRATE OUR MOST PRECIOUS ASSET, TO PROMOTE THE VALUES AND BENEFITS OF THE CONSTITUTION AND ENCOURAGE INTERACTION AND DIALOGUE AMONG ALL WHO LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA.
MARCH HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH 17 MARCH: LAUNCH OF THE #IAMCONSTITUTION CAMPAIGN AND IT’S A FINE LINE – A HISTORIC MULTI-MEDIA EXHIBITION. Old Fort Prison Complex, Constitution Hill
In celebration of 20 years of our
historic occasion and included the family
the daughter of Chief Albert Luthuli,
Constitution, over 400 guests attended
members of Chief Albert Luthuli, Chris
Dr Albertina Luthuli; Dr Mathews Phosa;
the launch of the exhibition IT’S A FINE
Hani, Bram Fischer, Enoch Sontonga,
and Mr Roelf Meyer.
LINE – a collection of 16 extraordinary
John Dube, Pixley Seme and Frederik Van
pencil drawings by renowned artist Dean
Zyl Slabbert. George Bizos and Pik Botha
Art Collection, the exhibition challenges
Simon alongside rare archive footage of
were feted by throngs of admirers, young
us to reconcile the past with dreams
those history makers that came together
and old.
of the future, and traverse the fine
to draw up one of the most progressive Constitutions in the world. Relatives of the history makers featured in the exhibition honoured this
Popular media personality,
The latest addition to our Heritage
lines between fact and fiction, justice
Ayanda-Allie Paine hosted esteemed
and power, and the permutations of
speakers including Former Justice of the
modernity and fundamentalism.
Constitutional Court, Zak Yacoob;
OUR MEDIA:
THE COVERAGE:
THE CONVERSATION:
CLICK TO VIEW:
CLICK TO VIEW COVERAGE:
CLICK ON SELECT TWEETS:
Highlights of #IAMCONSTITUTION Launch
IT’S A FINE LINE Promo
IT’S A FINE LINE Catalogue and more information
MARCH IT’S A FINE LINE LAUNCH VIDEO & GALLERY
CLICK TO VIEW LAUNCH VIDEO
APRIL DIALOGUE AND DEBATE 1 APRIL: LALELA AFTER-SCHOOL ARTS PROJECT. City of Joburg and Constitution Hill In partnership with CitySightseeing
about constitutionalism at the IT’S A
Red Bus Tour, we offered inner-city
FINE LINE exhibition. Lalela is at the
youth group, Lalela Art Project, the
forefront of Art Education in South
chance to experience some of Joburg’s
Africa providing children with an
renowned heritage while learning
alternative to the destructive behaviours
24 APRIL: WE, THE PEOPLE WALK. Constitution Hill Thousands of people walked through
better time to all learn and live the
the Joburg City centre in support of
values enshrined in our Constitution.
Constitution Hill’s We, the People Walk
We encourage all South Africans to join
and #IAMCONSTITUTION.
us at Constitution Hill in celebrating
Dawn Robertson, CEO of Constitution Hill noted in the media, “There isn’t a
the birthplace of our democracy and the protector of our human rights.”
26 APRIL: #IAMCONSTITUTION STUDENT DEBATE. Constitution Hill Over 300 Wits University leaders
Students for Law and Social Justice.
gathered to debate the many problems
SRC President, Nompendulo
facing students in the wake of
Mkhatshwa challenged the students to
#FeesMustFall. The event was opened
“properly understand the pros and cons
by Dr Mathews Phosa; and the panel
of the Constitution in order to advance
included students Tami Pooe, Social
the plight of the youth.”
and Community Development Officer
The dynamic discussion has sparked
at Wits SRC; Tshidiso Ramogale,
an enthusiasm for a series of similar
Human Rights Commission and a 2014
forums at universities across the
M&G 200 Young South African; and
country.
Cherise Walker, Gender Campaign at
26 APRIL: In Memoriam. Hamba Kahle Tata Nat Mokgosi (1946-2016) We pay homage to the role of artists’ contribution to democracy. The legendary South African artist is proudly featured in The Ichikowitz Heritage Art Collection.
Read more...
common to impoverished communities. Click to view highlights of Lalela Outing
APRIL DIALOGUE AND DEBATE (continued) OUR MEDIA:
THE COVERAGE:
CLICK TO VIEW:
CLICK TO VIEW COVERAGE:
Photo Gallery:
We, the People Walk Constitution Hill
THE CONVERSATION:
#IAMCONSTITUTION reached new heights in its social media campaign in April;
CLICK ON SELECT TWEETS:
it hit the number 2 top spot trending in South Africa on twitter during the student debate where it reached over 12 million users.
MAY HERITAGE AND TOURISM 5-20 MAY: NATIONAL ROAD TRIP WITH TRAVEL MASSIVE AND CONSTITUTION HILL. KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga #IAMCONSTITUTION created
could not miss a chance to debate
Along the 16 days that covered
a stir at the Tourism INDABA 2016
the Constitution. The campaign then
2,137 km through KwaZulu-Natal and
with our astounding sandcastle from
hit the road with the Travel Massive
Mpumalanga, education materials
sculptor Lucas Mahlangu who worked
adventurers who were out to give pride
including the Department of Justice’s
through the night to ensure that
of place to South Africa’s heritage and
“Constitution Made Easy for Learners”
those walking the Durban Beachfront
cultural tourism.
were distributed.
9 MAY: HIGH SCHOOL FORUM WITH DR ALBERTINA LUTHULI. Luthuli Museum – Groutville, KwaDukuza Dr Albertina Luthuli, daughter
community leaders and museum
Dr Luthuli observed: “There is an
of Africa’s first Nobel Laureate, Chief
visitors who rigorously debated what
opportunity to reflect deeply about an
Albert Luthuli, hosted aspiring law
the Constitution means in their lives.
era we dare not lament, but celebrate in
students together with KwaDukuza
Sharing memories of her father,
how we have become a free society.”
OUR MEDIA:
THE COVERAGE:
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CLICK TO VIEW COVERAGE:
SABC Izindaba Highlights of Road Trip Photo Gallery
THE CONVERSATION: CLICK ON SELECT TWEETS:
JUNE CELEBRATING YOUTH MONTH 15 JUNE: BEATBOXING THE CONSTITUTION. Old Fort Prison Complex, Constitution Hill The first of many
In recognition of 16th June 1976,
programme run by volunteer teacher,
#IAMCONSTITUTION workshops for
22 learners from the Chief Albert
Lungile Maboe, the group practices six
primary and high schools, Beatboxing
Luthuli Primary School in Daveyton
days of every week. Their vast repertoire
the Constitution combines education
hopped on a CitySightseeing Red Bus
of plays, dances and songs are all based
and entertainment. Jean Kitenge’s urban
to tour Johannesburg; their final stop
on the Constitution. Despite all the
sound of vocal gymnastics and
was Constitution Hill for a beatboxing
challenges they face on a daily basis,
machine-like precision has students
session. These girls, aged between 6
thanks to unsung hero Lungile Maboe,
engaging with the Constitution and
and 13, are seasoned performers in
their academic performances have
beatboxing their own Bill of Rights.
their own right. Part of a creative arts
improved remarkably.
25 JUNE: “SOUNDS OF FREEDOM” AT THE BASHA UHURU FESTIVAL. Constitution Hill This annual music concert
to celebrate youth’s artistic freedom.
Nonku Phiri, Moonchild and more!
marking the 40th anniversary of
The impressive line-up included
To everyone’s delight, Jean Kitenge
the 1976 Soweto Uprising featured
Thandiswa Mazwai, BLK JKS, Reason,
beatboxed the Constitution for the
contemporary South African musicians
Stogie T (Tumi Molekane), BCUC,
crowds to echo his chants of freedom.
OUR MEDIA:
THE COVERAGE:
THE CONVERSATION:
CLICK TO VIEW:
CLICK TO VIEW COVERAGE:
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Highlights of Beatboxing the Constitution Workshop
Jean Kitenge – Beat Boxer
Highlights of the Chief Albert Luthuli Learners’ Performance
JULY MANDELA MONTH AND OUR CITIZENS’ CALL TO ACTION OUR CITIZENS’ CALL TO ACTION HONOURS MADIBA’S LEGACY BY CELEBRATING THE VALUES HE LIVED BY THAT ARE ENSHRINED IN OUR CONSTITUTION.
2 JULY: YOUTH CITIZENSHIP WITH THE CHIEF ALBERT LUTHULI PRIMARY SCHOOL. Daveyton, Gauteng Lungile Maboe and her students
exchange between elders and youth
invited Dr Albertina Luthuli to visit
groups from the area. Teacher Lungile
their school for the first time to
Maboe appreciates, “In these times
celebrate the relationship between
when challenges of leadership are
Madiba and his mentor, Chief
self-evident, Dr Luthuli reminds us
Albert Luthuli. The learners once
that her father did not believe in
again inspired their audience with a
idle rhetoric. Chief Luthuli fervently
memorable play on the life and times
believed that each one of us can remove
of the Chief. The unique Gogo Mkhulu
the inequality between peoples.”
Storytelling included an intimate
18 JULY: MANDELA DAY: iJUMP WITH THE CHIEF ALBERT LUTHULI CREATIVE ARTS LEARNERS. Roodepoort, Gauteng It was a refreshing opportunity for
Taking every opportunity to spread
the youngsters to leave behind their
the message of the Constitution, the
burdens and bounce around at iJUMP
learners even performed their “Bill
Trampoline Park for a much-deserved
of Rights” play for iJUMP staff and
day of fun and games.
members of the public.
18 JULY: MANDELA DAY: THE ZOLEKA MANDELA FOUNDATION. Orlando West High School, Soweto Supporting the call to action for resources for the Orlando West High School, library books and classroom chairs were donated. Learners and special guests including Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Yusuf Abramjee were treated to Jean Kitenge’s Beatboxing the Constitution. In her opening speech, Zoleka Mandela: “Wherever my granddad is, I hope he is proud of our efforts. This year we’re empowering the kids of Orlando West High to remind them how important their education is to all of us.”
JULY OUR CITIZENS’ CALL TO ACTION (continued)
24 JULY: 702 WALK THE TALK. Constitution Hill Close to 60,000 people participated
where walkers had the opportunity
“thought-provoking conversations and
in Radio 702 Walk the Talk for a
to share their thoughts on our
constructive citizens”, the Constitution’s
variety of worthy causes. This year
#IAMCONSTITUTION graffiti wall.
footprint touched many more of us.
the route included Constitution Hill
Thanks to 702’s commitment to activate
OUR MEDIA:
THE COVERAGE:
CLICK TO VIEW:
CLICK TO VIEW COVERAGE:
Chief Albert Luthuli Primary School Creative Arts Programme Highlights from Orlando West High School
THE CONVERSATION: CLICK ON SELECT TWEETS:
JOIN THE CONVERSATION A beacon of democracy in the uncertain times we live. -Saturday Star
”I believe in the
right to access to
information…
we all deserve to be informed.”
20 Years of the Constitution:
A Fine (art) Line. -City Press
“We don’t
want to find
ourselves on
the wrong side of history.”
“#IamConstitution because I was born free and now I can stand on the streets with my friends.”
“Children
should have the right to
education.”
“I think I can
change the world just
like Nelson
Mandela.”
“We don’t know
“The Constitution
“The guardians of
“To popularise
but we are ready
the right of
are the honest,
the one thing we
the Constitution to learn.”
guarantees me freedom of assembly.”
the Constitution morally-upright citizens of this country.”
“We need to
“Imagine if one
pre-Constitution
on which rights
we handed over copies
#IamConstitution.”
had to have.”
learners.”
move away from thinking to
group decided
everyone else
the Constitution is can do to create a united SA.”
“An honour meeting
Dr Albertina Luthuli as
of the Constitution to
“#IamConstitution
“We want equal
“Why should fees
“I’d like to say
belongs to all
freedom for all.”
… Until we know
the President,
because SA
who live in it, my
economic
be free for all? our rights, we
can’t be making
family included.”
any demands.”
to the cops, to to myself, to my parents: Please actually read
the Constitution.
Some of us don’t “It was once a
place of pain but now it’s a place
of joy - it’s our Constitution.”
Beatboxing the
Constitution with
“Some of the most difficult
challenges were overcome
Jean Kitenge
through dialogue… one of the
great Thandiswa
that you can have people who
and Afro-jazz
Mazwai.
even know there is one.”
beauties of a democracy is don’t agree.”
“If we teach kids
“To be Young,
“One of our
Inspiration
and Bill of Rights,
oh what a lovely
need to ensure
Mandela.
the Constitution we set them up
for a remarkable future.”
“In the absence
of sanity, the Constitution
protects every
single one of us.”
Gifted and Black, precious dream.” -Nina Simone
challenges is the that our youth
know where we come from.”
“I’m still in
“Our Constitution
leadership.”
it is evolving
need of good
is in progress, endlessly.”
from Zoleka Watch Mandela Day highlights.
CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA-1996 We, the people of South Africa, Recognise
• Heal the divisions of the past and
• Build a united and democratic South
the injustices of our past; Honour those
establish a society based on democratic
Africa able to take its rightful place as a
who suffered for justice and freedom in
values, social justice and fundamental
sovereign state in the family of nations.
our land; Respect those who have worked
human rights;
to build and develop our country; and
• Lay the foundations for a democratic
May God protect our people.
Believe that South Africa belongs to all
and open society in which government is
who live in it, united in our diversity.
based on the will of the people and every
We therefore, through our freely elected
citizen is equally protected by law;
representatives, adopt this Constitution as
• Improve the quality of life of all citizens
the supreme law of the Republic so as to:
and free the potential of each person; and
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso. God seën Suid-Afrika.
God bless South Africa.
Mudzimu fhatutshedza Afurika. Hosi katekisa Afrika.
SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 2: THE BILL OF RIGHTS EQUALITY -
LABOUR RELATIONS -
You cannot be discriminated against. But affirmative action is allowed.
You may join trade unions and go on strike.
HUMAN DIGNITY -
ENVIRONMENT -
Your dignity must be respected and protected.
You have the right to a healthy environment.
LIFE -
PROPERTY -
You have the right to life.
Your property can only be taken away from you if the proper rules
FREEDOM AND SECURITY OF THE PERSON -
are followed.
You cannot be detained without trial, tortured or punished cruelly.
HOUSING -
SLAVERY, SERVITUDE AND FORCED LABOUR -
The government must make sure people get access to proper housing.
Slavery and forced labour are not allowed.
HEALTH CARE, FOOD, WATER AND SOCIAL SECURITY -
PRIVACY -
The government must make sure you have access to food and water;
You cannot be searched or have your home or possessions searched
health care and social security.
without a court order.
CHILDREN -
FREEDOM OF RELIGION, BELIEF AND OPINION -
Children under the age of 18 have special rights, for instance, the right
You can believe and think whatever you want and follow the religion
not to be abused.
of your choice.
EDUCATION -
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION -
You have the right to basic education, including adult basic education,
Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, provided it does not
and in your own language if this is possible.
cause any kind of hatred or incitement to cause harm.
LANGUAGE AND CULTURE -
ASSEMBLY, DEMONSTRATION, PICKET AND PETITION -
You can use the language you want and follow the culture you choose.
You can hold a demonstration, picket and present a petition.
CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS AND LINGUISTIC COMMUNITIES -
But you must do so peacefully.
Communities can enjoy their own culture, practice their own religion,
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION -
and use their own language.
You can associate with whomever you want.
ACCESS TO INFORMATION -
POLITICAL RIGHTS -
You have the right to any information held by the state.
You can support the political party of your choice. If you are a citizen,
JUST ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION -
and at least 18 years old, you can vote.
Actions by the state must be fair.
CITIZENSHIP -
ACCESS TO COURTS -
Your citizenship cannot be taken away from you.
You can have a legal problem decided by a court or similar structure.
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND RESIDENCE -
ARRESTED, DETAINED AND ACCUSED PERSONS -
You can go and live anywhere in South Africa.
This right protects people who have been arrested, imprisoned or accused.
FREEDOM OF TRADE, OCCUPATION AND PROFESSION You can do whatever work you choose.
A2 #IAM BILL OF RIGHTS.indd 1
ALL THESE RIGHTS CAN BE LIMITED IF IT WOULD BE FAIR TO DO SO.
2016/04/29 1:44 PM
READ IT. EMBRACE IT. LIVE IT.
iamconstitution.co.za
ichikowitzfoundation.com