LIFE ORIENTATION

TERM 2 NOTES

GRADE 9
ISSUES RELATING TO CITIZENS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What are Human Rights?
  • Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death.
      - They apply regardless of:**
        - Where you are from
        - What you believe
        - How you choose to live your life
      - Example: Every person in South Africa who is 60 years and older has a right to an old age grant.
What is a Bill of Rights?
  • A bill of rights is a declaration of rights, or a charter of rights.
      - It consists of a list of the most important rights of the citizens of a country.
      - In South Africa, it is found in Chapter 2 of the Constitution.
What is a Constitution?
  • The Constitution of South Africa is the supreme law of the Republic of South Africa.
      - It provides the legal foundation for the existence of the republic.
      - It sets out the rights and duties of its citizens.
      - It defines the structure of the government.
Respect for Other's Rights
How do we Respect Other's Rights?

  1. Responsibility and Accountability
       - Citizens of South Africa must be responsible to make the Constitution work.
       - Politicians are voted into office by citizens and have a responsibility to serve the people and remain committed to their electoral promises.
       - Individuals should be accountable for their actions and value the humanity of others, avoiding violations of rights.

  2. Protect the Rights of All
       - Human rights apply to everyone, regardless of age or disability.
       - Everyone's rights need to be protected, especially those who are physically or mentally disabled.

  3. Help Those Whose Rights are Being Abused
       - Act when someone's rights are abused by seeking professional intervention.
       - Example: Reporting physical abuse to the police and social workers.

  4. People Living With Different Disabilities
       - Definition: A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.
       - Types of disabilities include:
         - Physical Disability: E.g. people who cannot walk and use wheelchairs.
         - Intellectual Disability: E.g. learning disorders.
         - Sensory Impediments: E.g. deaf or blind individuals.
         - Speech Impediments: E.g. individuals unable to speak.
       - Individuals with disabilities should be treated with respect and motivated to achieve in life, especially in education.

  5. Sick People
       - Infected: Contaminated by a disease-causing agent.
       - Affected: Influenced or changed by something else.
       - In South Africa, there are approximately 5.6 million individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
       - Effects of HIV/AIDS:
         - Workplace: Sick individuals may need time off to care for themselves or family members.
         - Future Business People: Potential workforce is diminished due to illness or death.
         - Orphans: Children may be orphaned because of parents' death related to HIV/AIDS.
         - Medical Services: More patients stay longer in hospitals, reducing availability for others.

Rights and Responsibilities

  1. Rights:
       - The right to freedom and security.
       - The right to privacy.
       - The right to freedom of religion.
       - The right to freedom of expression.
       - The right to demonstrate and petition.
       - The right to support the political party of your choice.
       - The right to a healthy environment.
       - The right to access proper housing.
       - Children under 18 have special rights and need protection.
       - Right to a basic education.

  2. Responsibilities:
       - Responsibility to look after your own safety.
       - Responsibility not to engage in illegal or dangerous activities in private.
       - Responsibility to respect other people's religions.
       - Responsibility not to engage in hate speech or spread lies.
       - Responsibility to respect others' rights while demonstrating and to do so peacefully.
       - Responsibility to vote when you are over 18.
       - Responsibility to care for the environment and not pollute.
       - Responsibility to maintain your house and garden.
       - Responsibility to obey parents, teachers, and people in authority.
       - Responsibility to attend school and strive for academic excellence.

Other Rights
  • Human Rights include:
       - Respect Dignity
       - Equity
       - Freedom of association
       - Free choice of trade, occupation, or profession
       - Labour rights/Right to protest
       - Basic healthcare, food, water, and social assistance
       - Freedom of movement
       - Freedom to choose your own language
Celebrations of National and International Days
South African Public Holidays
  • 21 March: Human Rights Day
      - Commemorates those killed in Sharpeville in 1960 while protesting against pass laws.
  • 27 April: Freedom Day
      - Marks South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994.
  • 1 May: Worker’s Day
      - Honors contributions and struggles of workers worldwide.
  • 16 June: Youth Day
      - Commemorates student protests against inferior education in 1976.
  • 9 August: Women’s Day
      - Marks the protest by 20,000 women against pass laws in 1956.
  • 24 September: Heritage Day
      - Celebrates diverse cultures in South Africa.
  • 16 December: Day of Reconciliation
      - Devoted to reconciling divisions of the past.
International Days
  • 25 May: Africa Day
      - Celebrates successes of the Organization of African Unity.
  • 18 July: Nelson Mandela Day
      - Honors Mandela's life and legacy; encourages community action.
  • 20 June: World Refugees' Day
      - Recognizes courage and strength of refugees.
       - Informs about their plight and aims to raise awareness.
  • National Health Days: Celebrated from 4 January to 12 December.
Constitutional Values as Stated in the South African Constitution
  • The South African Constitution aims to create "a society based on democratic values, social justice, and fundamental human rights."
Three Main Values Outlined in the Constitution:

  1. Human Dignity:
       - All human beings are entitled to equal treatment without regard to race, gender, or age.
       - The principle of Ubuntu emphasizes group solidarity and the healthy survival of communities.
       - Key Words:
         - Dignity: Being worthy of honor and respect.

  2. Freedom:
       - Individuals have the right to pursue personal needs and express themselves without arbitrary deprivation of freedom.
       - Examples: Individuals cannot be detained without trial or subjected to torture.

  3. Equality:
       - Everyone is equal before the law and entitled to equal protection and benefits of the law.
       - Key Words:
         - Discrimination: Treating others with disrespect due to their differences.

What is a Role Model?
  • A role model is an individual who influences the behavior, thoughts, and values of others.
      - Role models can be either positive or negative:
        - Positive Role Models: Uphold values, do good deeds, inspire others.
        - Negative Role Models: Exhibit poor behaviors, tempting others towards negativity.
Qualities of Role Models:

  • Positive Role Models:
      - Are honest, trustworthy, reliable, principled, humble, and community-oriented.
      - Inspire and empower others, display confidence, and maintain good self-esteem.

  • Negative Role Models:
      - Are easily influenced, may lack principles, and set poor examples.

Role Models for Upholding Constitutional Values
  • South Africa needs positive role models to exemplify human dignity, equality, and freedom.
  • Role models can arise from any background and age.
      - Parents and teachers shape characters and instill values in their progeny.
      - Community leaders influence society and promote human rights.
Applying Constitutional Values in Daily Life

  1. Human Dignity:
       - Treat everyone with respect and use appropriate language.
       - Efforts should be made to eradicate bullying in communities.

  2. Equality:
       - Avoid discrimination against others.
       - Be responsible in education and work towards helping improve community conditions.
       - Volunteer for local community activities.

  3. Freedom:
       - Engage in democratic processes, such as student councils and elections once eligible.
       - Respect everyone's right to their beliefs and opinions.

Options Available After Completing Grade 9
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC): Grades 10-12.
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV): Skills training.
  • NQF Structure:
      - General Education and Training (NQF 1)
      - Further Education and Training (NQF 2, 3, 4)
      - Higher Education and Training (NQF 5-10).
  • Completion of Grade 9 results in NQF Level 1.
Qualifications
  • Higher Certificate: NQF Level 5
  • Diploma: NQF Level 6
  • Degree: NQF Level 7
  • Honours Degree: NQF Level 8
  • Masters Degree: NQF Level 9
  • Doctorate Degree: NQF Level 10
Your Rights and Responsibilities as an Employee
  • Rights as an employee include:
      - Right to not be unfairly dismissed.
      - Right to be treated with dignity and respect.
      - Right to agreed wages and safe working conditions.
Role of Laws and Acts in the Workplace
  • Laws: Protect citizens through various rules and regulations.
  • Acts: Deal with specific situations relating to workplaces.
      - Important Acts include:
        - Basic Conditions of Employment Act
            - Regulates hours, leave, and child employment.
        - Labour Relations Act
            - Recognizes rights to organize, strike, and promote employee participation.
        - Employment Equity Act
            - Promotes fair treatment and affirmative action.
        - Skills Development Act
            - Aims to enhance skills and training to address workforce challenges.
Knowledge of Opportunities in the Workplace
  • For information about scarce and critical skills, contact the Department of Higher Education or refer to SETA websites.
Equal Opportunities
  • Equality in South Africa is protected by the Constitution and various acts.
      - There are still disparities, for example, in gender gaps in technical fields.
  • Initiatives such as Techno Girl aim to improve opportunities for girls in STEM fields.
Key Terms
  • Slavery: Legal ownership of a person by another.
  • Servitude: Being subject to someone more powerful.
  • Picket: Stand outside a workplace during a strike to persuade others.
  • Petitions: Formal, written requests signed by many.
  • Lockouts: Preventing workers from entering their workplace until they accept the company’s conditions.
  • Collective Bargaining: Negotiating working conditions between employers and employees.
  • Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration:
      - Processes to resolve disputes involving negotiations and third-party intervention.