Democracy and Human Rights

Term 2

Week 1–2: Responsible Citizenship

• Responsible citizenship means taking part in society in ways that improve the community for all.
• Examples:
  • Voting in national or local elections
  • Paying taxes honestly
  • Obeying the law and reporting crime
  • Recycling, volunteering, or mentoring youth

Week 3: Discrimination and Human Rights Violations

• Discrimination: Treating someone unfairly based on race, gender, religion, age, or disability.
• Human rights violations: Denying people their basic rights and freedoms, like refusing access to education or healthcare.
• Bill of Rights: Part of the South African Constitution that protects the rights of all people, including:
  • Equality and dignity
  • Freedom of religion and expression
  • Access to healthcare, food, water and education

Week 4: Campaigns and Projects

• Campaign: A coordinated effort to raise awareness or bring about change (e.g. social media drive, school initiative).
• Examples:
  • Demand Dignity Campaign
  • Youth Rights Project
  • Orange Farm Human Rights Advice Centre
  • Youth Family Congress
• To evaluate success, consider:
  • Were the goals achieved?
  • Did it reach its target audience?
  • Did it change behaviour or awareness?

Week 5: Role of the Media

• The media plays an important role in a democracy by:
  • Informing the public
  • Exposing corruption and injustice
  • Promoting nation-building and tolerance
• Types of media:
  • Print: newspapers, magazines
  • Electronic: radio, TV, online platforms
• Media must report accurately and fairly. Bias and misinformation damage trust.

Week 6: Freedom of Expression

• Freedom of expression is the right to share your views freely — but it has limits.
• You may not:
  • Spread hate speech
  • Endanger others or promote violence
  • Discriminate or harass people online
• Cyber wellness: Being safe, respectful and balanced in your use of the internet and social media.
• Social media footprint: The trail of data you leave behind online — it can affect future opportunities.

Week 7: Sports and Nation-Building

• Sport is a powerful tool for unity and nation-building in South Africa.
• It brings together people of all races, backgrounds, and communities.
• Examples:
  • 1995 Rugby World Cup (South Africa’s first after apartheid)
  • 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in SA
  • National school sports events
• Through sport, people learn teamwork, respect, and pride in national identity.
• However, sport can also detract from nation-building if:
  • It causes division between teams, races, or regions
  • Violence or hooliganism occurs at games or stadiums
  • Alcohol or drug abuse at events creates an unsafe environment
  • Unfair selection, corruption, or favouritism affects morale and unity
  • It overshadows education or becomes overly commercialised
• Sport is a powerful tool for unity and nation-building in South Africa.
• It brings together people of all races, backgrounds, and communities.
• Examples:
  • 1995 Rugby World Cup (South Africa’s first after apartheid)
  • 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in SA
  • National school sports events
• Through sport, people learn teamwork, respect, and pride in national identity.