17 June 2016 | Carina van Wyk
Loving their trip on Joburg's red bus. Image: City Sightseeing South Africa
Not even the chilly weather could put a damper on the excitement when a group of about 30 children from Benoni hopped on Joburg's red bus at Constitution Hill in celebration of Youth Month and South Africa's constitution.
Their visit on 15 June formed part of the #IAMCONSTITUTION campaign, a national initiative organised by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation to encourage citizens to read, embrace and live the Constitution, to celebrate South Africa's achievements and to confront challenges to reach the country’s fullest potential.
For the first time, the learners from the Chief Albert Luthuli Primary and High Schools in Daveyton visited some of Joburg’s renowned heritage sites, taking in their city and history while learning about the significance of Youth Month and the Constitution.
The wide-eyed kids held their collective breath as the bus crossed the Nelson Mandela Bridge.
City Sightseeing general manager Christine Tworeck share Joburg's fascinating history with the kids as the bus crosses the Nelson Mandela Bridge. Image: City Sightseeing South Africa
All of them received their own sets of earphones to listen to the on-board commentary.
Sibahle Madisa (12) loved the trip. "I got earphones and it told me many things about this place [Johannesburg]," she said.
"I enjoyed seeing the companies, buildings and Mandela Bridge," said Thabang Sello (12), as the children hopped off the bus at Constitution Hill at the end.
Ichikowitz Family Foundation chairman Ivor Ichikowitz and City Sightseeing general manager Christine Tworeck with their special guests. Image: Ichikowitz Family Foundation
Said Citysightseeing Johannesburg general manager Christine Tworeck: "I love the excitement when children get on the bus to explore their city and learn about their history. And these children are our future – it's important for us to make their heritage come alive."
Learners showing the hashtag sign. Image: City Sightseeing South Africa
The Youth Month event ended with a beatbox performance in the Old Fort prison cells at Constitution Hill, where the primary school learners showcased a short extract of their energetic theatre piece about the constitution and South African history. This spectacular interactive performance with 25-year-old musician and beatboxer Jean Kitenge highlighted issues such as freedom of expression and the right to education.
Luthuli Primary School learners doing a short extract of their energetic theatre piece about the Constitution and South African history. Image: Ichikowitz Family Foundation
The Ichikowitz Family Foundation has organised a variety of activities around the #IAMCONSTITUTION campaign, including forums with student leaders, fine art workshops and community performances with primary and high school leaners. Also part of the campaign is It's a Fine Line, now a permanent multimedia exhibition open for viewing at no cost at Constitution Hill.
- Click here to find out more about City Sightseeing's tours in Johannesburg. We're also running a 3-for-1 Kids' Special, which means two kids can ride for free for every one-day adult ticket you buy
