ConHill to roll out patriotism campaign
JOBURG - A campaign focused on patriotism is to be rolled out in schools.
The My South Africa: Thand ‘Umzanzi campaign, a partnership between Constitution Hill and the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation will aim to raise awareness of the etiquette involved in handling national symbols, instil civic pride, and promote social cohesion.
Petal Thring, Constitution Hill CEO said the campaign was launched last year at the Women’s Gaol.
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane endorsed the endeavour and said, “South Africa needs to inculcate the same patriotism that was shown during the 2010 World Cup.”
The launch, to take place on 10 February will see Constitution Hill representatives engage with the education sector in realising the next phase of the campaign.
Thring said 50 schools that participated in the Constitution Hill debating tournament would participate in the campaign by reading the constitution preamble, singing the national anthem and hoisting the South African flag.
Prominent Soweto school Fons Luminis will host Constitution Hill representatives for the launch of the campaign, and the programme will be led by the school’s campaign ambassadors, trained by Constitution Hill on etiquette and good practice essential to the campaign.
“The rest of the schools will engage in the same activity in their respective spaces and capacities,” she said.
“We aim to create awareness about the importance of our constitution, which is often referred to as the best in the world. We hope that you will make Constitution Mondays a standard celebration as you recite the preamble and hoist your proudly South African flag in the lead up to the 20th anniversary of our democracy.”
Details: 011 381 3100; www.constitutionhill.org.za
