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Media Statements
Minister Masutha encourages learners to use their rights to their advantage
18 April 2016
Enthusiastic learners from schools in Western Cape converged at the Old Assembly Building, Parliament to have a dialogue with Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Advocate Michael Masutha about constitutional rights on 18 April 2016.
The Learner Dialogue on constitutional education was organized by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to heighten constitutional awareness amongst the learners.
Minister Masutha emphasized the importance of the Bill of Rights stipulated in the constitution saying it protects everyone against any form of discrimination and everyone enjoy these rights equally.
“You must never allow anyone to discriminate against you because of your race, gender and sexuality. It is wrong, we are all equal before the law and we are protected by the Constitution”, he emphasized.
Minister Masutha said that government has established institutions such as the Public Protector, South African Human Rights Commission and Gender Commission to protect the rights of the members of the public should they feel that their rights have been violated in any way.
The Minister identified teachers as key role players in ensuring constitutional awareness in schools to make learners aware of their rights.
“Teachers also have a responsibility to teach learners from a young age the values of constitution so that they grow up knowing they are worthy human beings and they are not inferior to anyone”, Minister Masutha said.
Female learners took an opportunity to raise concerns about the increasing number of teachers who court them in exchange for making them to pass.
In response, Minister Masutha said it was concerning that some teachers are taking advantage of their positions for their selfish purposes.
“Such teachers have to be dealt with accordingly and face the might of the law. We need you to report such cases and please be smart about it. Use the technology to have evidence in your hands because it will be your word against his if you do not have any form of evidence to prove such,” he added.
Minister Masutha cautioned them to stay away from drugs and criminal activities.
“Crime doesn’t pay. You will carry what you have done for the rest of your life. Crime will mess up your life in future. Good behavior of a young person is a license to a better life for you”, he stressed.
A 19 year-old Siphosethu Mkhize from ID Mkhize High School in Gugulethu appreciated the opportunity to interact with Minister Masutha and said it was a worthy and fruitful exercise for them. He added that at school, they don’t learn much about their rights and encouraged others to use these rights constructively and grab opportunities that come their way.
“When I came here I did not know much about the constitution and rights but Minister mad it easy for us. He got in to detail and made us aware of the importance of knowing our rights and using them to our advantage,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zoe Hanslo from Settlers High School said the dialogue was informative and it shows that government is willing to listen to their voices as young people and give us answers.
“I learnt a lot today about how the laws are being developed as well as my rights as a young person which were designed to make me equal to others. Minister was patient with us and he answered all our questions without shooting us down”, she said.
The constitutional awareness dialogue forms part of the department’s planned activities to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the constitution and heighten constitutional education and human rights.
Issued by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
Enquiries: Adv Mthunzi Mhaga
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services
Cell: 083 641 8141
Email: mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za