South Africa has the world's most exciting and innovative Bill of Rights, and a complex State Institutional structure with differing procedures and forums to enforce or protect these rights. But these can only be effective if people are aware of their content, existence and potential.
SAMGI is committed to ensuring that entrenched privilege is challenged, and that marginalized voices are able to enter into public discourse because, unless they do, assumptions will be made with regard to what they want and need.
Mambo, meaning issues or news in Swahili, will break down the constitution into sections starting with the Bill of Rights.
Taking into account the literacy levels that exist in our communities and the lack of understanding of our Constitution, we aim to take the Constitution to the People.
For the majority of South Africans - the Lumpen proletariat, democracy has brought no change to their lives and they have found themselves in a worse position than prior to the first democratic election. This is a direct result of their not knowing the rights enshrined in the constitution thus further immobilizing them in the pursuit of the basic human rights and advocacy work. SAMGI will redress this firstly by producing a series of booklets which breaks down into easily digestible chapters, the contents of the Constitution.
This campaign will include the production of several media items, including drama, poetry, music and a series of booklets depicting the Constitution. Also planned are several workshops with various stakeholders. We aim to start this campaign in the Western Cape and eventually have a road show around the Country in 2005 on National Human Rights Daywith a National launch on International Human Rights Day 2005.