High school pupils visit the Northern Cape High Court
EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS
Grade 11 pupils visited Northern Cape Judge President Pule Tlaletsi in his chambers as part of a Take a Child to Work programme.
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo
THE Northern Cape High Court hosted a group of 15 pupils from Tshirelelo High School, Greenpoint High School, and Emang Mmogo Comprehensive to gain firsthand experience on how the justice system operates.
Lynnzay Wymers, Coordinator of the health and wellness programme at the Department of Justice, said that five pupils from previously disadvantaged backgrounds were selected from each of the schools to inform them about career paths within the justice cluster.
"This year, we wanted to empower both girls and boys in our 'Take a Child to Work' programme. We took the Grade 11 pupils to the motion court, the holding cells, and to visit Northern Cape High Court Judge President Pule Tlaletsi. Presentations were made on how the criminal justice system works as well as various areas where pupils can further their studies, including research, court interpreters, human resource management, court management, the register's office, state prosecutors and lawyers. Judge President Tlaletsi informed the pupils on the Constitution, laws governing children and why cases are postponed."
She added that they were planning school outreach programmes in the future so that they could inform more pupils on careers available in the legal fraternity.
"The programme also intends to encourage pupils to study hard and to take up subjects such as History."
Grade 11 pupil from Tshireleco High School Mtando Pilane said he was interested in becoming a judge or state prosecutor so that criminals including rapists and murder accused were placed behind bars and that victims of crime received justice.
He added that he would apply for a National Student Financial Aid Scheme bursary as his family did not have the financial means to further his tertiary studies.
Fellow Grade 11 pupil Thapelo Sitreli added that it was the first time that he had visited a courtroom.
"I want to become a lawyer to ensure that accused persons are entitled to their rights and to prevent innocent persons from being imprisoned," he added.