By: Zimasa Magudu

In a bid to celebrate and understand Human Rights, an art exhibition of pieces that represent different clauses of the Bill of Rights was held at the DUT art gallery Tuesday evening.

The exhibition falls part of the five day Celebrating Human Rights and Sustainable Democracy program leading up to Human Rights Day. The art pieces on displayed represented 27 clauses of the Bill of Rights and were works done by different South African artists.

Speaking at the exhibition on some of the constitutional issues that needed to be focused on 20 years into democracy was Constitutional and Administrative Law Professor and Chairperson of the South African Film and Publication Board, Prof Karthy Govender.

In his speech he emphasized the importance if the constitution that was signed in in 1997 which he describes as “the core fundamental of our society”. Prof Govender further touched on three aspects of the Bill of Rights- freedom of expression, gay and lesbian Marriage as well as the use of social economic rights to change the lives of all South Africans.

“Young people are our most valued assets, but they are of no value to us if they do not acquire skills and independence,” said Prof Karthy on the importance of young people to acknowledge their human rights. “The best gift that government can give you is the gift of independence and if you are independent you will not depend on the government,” added the professor.

Prof. Karthy Govender speaking anout the constitution and the bill of rights within it. Picture by: Zimasa Magudu

In his parting words, Prof Govender urged South Africans to understand and make use of the constitution and understand that the Bill of Rights is just one chapter of the Constitution.   The exhibition ended with poet Khanyi Susha reciting a poetry piece titled Africa which looked at the beauty, warmth and rich resources that our continent is home to.