Media Advisory
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to host Student Dialogue in commemoration of Mandela Month at the Walter Sisulu University
16 July 2024
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, in partnership with the Walter Sisulu University (WSU), will host a student engagement dialogue at the WSU Main Campus in Mthatha (Eastern Cape Province), as part of the Mandela Month commemorative programme. This year, International Mandela Day (18 July) is commemorated under the theme: “It is still in your hands to combat Poverty and Inequality”. The dialogue takes place in the context of the country’s celebration of 30 years of democracy, which is being celebrated under the theme of “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth”.
This student dialogue series forms part of the ongoing Departmental programme for promoting constitutional rights awareness and its year-long programme to mark 30 years of democracy. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of the Constitution and promoting a culture of respect for human rights among tertiary education students. Mandela believed in the transformative power of education. The dialogue aims to inspire and promote educational achievements among students while upholding the values of human rights and equality that Mandela championed. It is also poignant that this year Walter Sisulu university was selected combining the legacy of two stalwarts and proponents of service to the nation and that education was a key to the pursuit of freedom especially mental freedom that would contribute to upholding the principles of Democracy and the Rule of Law.
The student dialogue aims to gather diverse stakeholders from across the province to discuss and reflect on the Constitution, 30 years on into Democracy, and on the role of various entities in advancing the rule of law, and the protection and promotion of human rights. The dialogue will serve as a platform for meaningful exchange of ideas between the Department and students at WSU, including student bodies and other structures within the higher education environment.
Students represent the next generation of leaders, public servants, professionals, and citizens who will shape the future of the country. By providing this platform for engagement and dialogue about the Constitution and human rights, the Department will endeavor to ensure that the students are empowered and inspired to take on roles and responsibilities as active citizens in the future.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date : 17 July 2024
Time : 14h00
Venue : Walter Sisulu University, Main Campus
Kindly contact Mandla Mathebula on 082 8679 824 or manmathebula@justice.gov.za for media confirmations.
Enquiries:
Ms Kgalalelo Masibi
Chief Director: Communication Management
Cell: +27 65 7470 323
Email: KMasibi@justice.gov.za
Issued by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
