STAFF REPORTER
THE Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) are making inroads in increasing voter registration figures amongst learners through the Schools Democracy Education Programme.
Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga and IEC Commissioner Judge Dhaya Pillay have launched the 2023 Schools Democracy Month to promote Civic and Democracy Education within the school environment across all nine provinces.
The launch took place at Platinum Village Secondary School in the North West Province on Thursday, 13 April 2023. North West MEC for Education, Ms Viola Motsumi and representatives from various spheres of Government joined Minister Motshegka during the launch.
In her address, Judge Pillay paid attention to the fundamentals of Schools Democracy and Civic Education in the context of the schooling system. According to the IEC, Civic Education is meant to empower young people with critical information to transform communities for the better.
“There has to be a collaborative effort between Government and civil society to maximise the participation of young people in electoral processes, which is one of the most critical mechanisms used to sustain democracy. Young people are future leaders, and their voices should be considered in various spheres of Government. Schools Democracy remains a critical tool to strengthen democracy in communities,” remarked Judge Pillay.
Speaking during the launch, Motshekga said that the celebration of Democracy Month allowed the nation to acknowledge the sacrifices made by various struggle icons in the fight against the apartheid system.
“Their tireless efforts and determination have laid the groundwork for us to continue building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous society,” she said.
The Minister also indicated that Government would need to work hard to ensure equality and justice by fostering the rule of law.
“Maintaining the rule of law and fighting corruption cannot be overstated. Corruption robs the poor of basic services and resources they desperately need to improve their lives. We must recommit to the prudent use of public resources, which will go a long way in deepening the rebuilding of our justice institutions.”
The Minister added that the launch of Schools Democracy Month initiatives should offer school communities an opportunity to reflect on the progress made thus far in transforming society.
During Freedom Month, the DBE has chosen to host a series of sector-specific community engagements to commemorate and dub this month as Schools Democracy Month.
The IEC, the Department and PEDs will collaborate to promote electoral democracy literacy to young South Africans in public schools nationwide. Schools Democracy Week, which began yesterday (24 April), runs until 30 April to empower South African youth with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for active citizenship.
INSIDE EDUCATION
