COVER PAGE
SURNAME : MAKHUNZE
NAME : ZUKISANI
GRADE : 12B
TASK 2 : PROJECT
SUBJECT : LIFE ORIENTATION
EDUCATOR : MISS
TOPIC : 1.DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
2.SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
SECTION A : DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
source:google
QUESTION 1 :
Human Rights Issues and the Impact of the Media in South Africa
Introduction
Human rights are interconnected, interdependent, and inseparable. In South Africa, the South
African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) plays a vital role in monitoring and addressing
human rights violations. The country continues to face systemic challenges such as racism,
poverty, and inequality. Since 2012, equality violations have been the most frequently reported
to the SAHRC, with unfair discrimination based on race being the most common form. This
essay explores definitions, contributing societal beliefs, and how media impacts awareness of
human rights violations.
Definitions of Key Terms
-Human rights violations refer to actions or conditions that deny individuals their basic rights
and freedoms as outlined in the Constitution, such as the right to equality, education, and
healthcare.
-Unfair discrimination is the unjust treatment of individuals based on personal characteristics
such as race, gender, disability, or religion, often leading to exclusion or unequal opportunities.
-Poverty is the condition in which individuals lack sufficient income and resources to meet their
basic needs, such as food, shelter, education, and healthcare.
-Racism involves prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone based on
their race or ethnic group. It often results in systemic inequality and social exclusion.
Societal Beliefs Contributing to Sexual Assault in South Africa
In South Africa, several societal beliefs contribute to the high frequency of sexual assault:
1. Patriarchal attitudes that see men as dominant and women as submissive.
2. Victim-blaming culture, where survivors are often blamed for the assault.
3. Cultural silence, which discourages open discussions or reporting of sexual violence.
4. Normalization of gender-based violence, where violent behavior is accepted or justified in
relationships.
These harmful beliefs contribute to a society in which sexual violence is widespread and
underreported.
Electronic Media and Print Media: Definitions and Examples
-Electronic media uses digital and electronic technology to communicate information quickly
and widely.
Examples: Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter), television news channels.
-Print media consists of physically printed publications that inform the public.
Examples: Newspapers like the Sowetan or Sunday Times, and magazines such as Drum.
Poverty as a Violation of Human Rights
Poverty severely undermines the enjoyment of basic human rights. Two examples include:
1. Right to Education: Many children from impoverished families cannot afford school fees,
uniforms, or transport, preventing them from receiving an education.
2. Right to Healthcare:Poor individuals often lack access to clinics or money for treatment,
leading to poor health and suffering, which violates their right to health.
These examples show how poverty limits access to rights that are fundamental to human dignity
and development.
Disadvantages of Using Media for Human Rights Campaigns
Electronic Media Disadvantage: It can spread false information or fake news rapidly, causing
confusion or undermining legitimate human rights campaigns.
Print Media Disadvantage: Its reach is limited, especially in rural areas or among people who
cannot read, reducing the impact of printed awareness materials.
Advantages of Using Media to Create Awareness
Despite disadvantages, both media types play important roles:
Electronic Media:
1. Allows rapid, wide distribution of information, reaching large audiences in real-time.
2. Enables interactive discussions and feedback through platforms like Twitter or
Facebook.
Print Media:
1. Offers detailed, in-depth reporting on human rights issues.
2. Creates a permanent, physical record that can be revisited for reference or evidence.
Media thus serves as a powerful tool to educate, inform, and engage society in the protection of
human rights.
SECTION B : SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
RESPONSIBILITY
Source:google
QUESTION 3
3.1 Define the term POLICY.
-A policy is a set of ideas or plans used by a government or organization to guide decisions and
achieve specific goals. It outlines how particular issues will be addressed.
3.2 Indicate TWO main roles of each of the THREE levels of government.
a) National Government:Develops national laws and policies.
Allocates the national budget to provinces and departments.
b) Provincial Government:
Implements national policies within the province.
Manages provincial departments such as education and health.
c) Local Government:Provides basic services like water, sanitation, and waste removal.
Maintains local infrastructure such as roads and public parks.
(3.3)Waste Management: Collect and dispose of waste regularly to reduce pollution and prevent
disease.
Water and Sanitation Services: Provide clean water and proper sanitation to communities.
Public Health Awareness: Educate residents about hygiene, recycling, and environmental
conservation.
(3.4)challenges the South African government may face in implementing policies
effectively:
1. Lack of Funding and Resources
Many government departments struggle with limited budgets, which makes it difficult to carry out
programs, hire skilled staff, or provide necessary infrastructure and services.
2. Corruption and Mismanagement
Corruption at various levels of government can lead to the misuse of funds and resources. This
delays or completely blocks the implementation of policies meant to benefit the public.
3. Poor Coordination Between Departments
Different government departments often fail to work together efficiently. Lack of coordination can
lead to confusion, duplication of efforts, or gaps in service delivery.
4. Shortage of Skilled Personnel
There is often a lack of qualified professionals, especially in rural areas. Without skilled workers,
it becomes difficult to implement technical or specialized policies effectively.
5. Political Interference
Sometimes, political agendas and conflicts affect decision-making and policy execution, leading
to delays, changes, or even abandonment of important programs.
6. Bureaucracy and Red Tape
Complicated administrative procedures and long approval processes can slow down policy
implementation and discourage innovation and responsiveness.
7. Public Resistance or Lack of Awareness
If communities are not properly informed or involved, they may resist changes, making it hard to
enforce new laws or programs. Public education and engagement are often lacking.
8. Inequality and Service Delivery Backlogs
Due to South Africa’s history of inequality, some areas—especially rural and poor
communities—are still underserved. Policies meant to address these issues may take longer to
reach those in need.
9. Monitoring and Accountability Issues
There is often weak monitoring and evaluation of policy outcomes. Without proper tracking, it's
hard to know whether policies are working or need adjustments.
10. Unrealistic Goals or Poor Planning
Sometimes policies are designed without considering the practical realities on the ground. Lack
of proper planning and consultation leads to unrealistic timelines and poor results.
QUESTION 4
4:1 Discuss positive effects of changing sanitary systems in schools
Changing sanitary systems in schools can have several positive effects:
1. **Improved health and hygiene**: Proper sanitation facilities can help prevent the spread of
diseases.
2. **Increased dignity and privacy**: Adequate facilities provide students with dignity and
privacy.
3. **Enhanced learning environment**: Clean and safe facilities contribute to a positive learning
environment
4.1
● Improved Hygiene and Cleanliness
Having dedicated caretakers ensures that school toilets are cleaned regularly—sometimes
several times a day. This includes sweeping, mopping, scrubbing toilet bowls, refilling soap and
toilet paper, and disinfecting surfaces. Clean toilets help prevent the spread of bacteria and
viruses that cause illnesses like diarrhea, cholera, and urinary tract infections. This helps to
keep both learners and staff healthy, which in turn improves attendance and overall school
performance.
● Proper Maintenance of Facilities
Caretakers are often the first to notice when something is broken or not working properly in the
toilet facilities. This includes leaking taps, broken flushes, damaged doors, or blocked drains.
They can report these issues early to the school management or maintenance team. By
identifying and addressing problems quickly, caretakers help prevent small issues from
becoming major repairs and keep the toilets safe and functional for daily use.
● Promotes Good Hygiene Habits Among Learners
Caretakers can act as role models and educators, encouraging students to follow proper
hygiene practices. This includes flushing toilets after use, using toilet paper responsibly,
washing hands with soap, and keeping the area clean. When students see clean toilets being
maintained regularly, they are more likely to respect the space and take responsibility for their
personal hygiene. This can contribute to lifelong healthy habits.
● . Reduces Vandalism and Misuse
In many schools, toilets are often targeted for vandalism, such as graffiti, broken fixtures, or
clogged drains caused by improper disposal of waste. The presence of a caretaker helps deter
such behavior because students know that the toilets are being monitored. Additionally,
caretakers can guide learners on how to use the facilities correctly and report any misconduct,
creating a safer and more respectful school environment.
● Supports Health, Privacy, and Dignity—Especially for Girls
Clean and well-maintained toilets help preserve the dignity of all learners by giving them a
private, safe space to relieve themselves. This is especially important for girls who are
menstruating, as they may need access to water, soap, and disposal bins. Without proper
facilities, some girls may feel embarrassed or unsafe and choose to stay home during their
periods, which negatively affects their education. Having caretakers helps ensure that facilities
are always ready to meet these needs, promoting gender equality and regular school
attendance.
4.3
1. Monitor the Quality of Food Sold at Spaza Shops
Community members, especially parents and local leaders, should regularly check what is being
sold at spaza shops near schools. They should raise concerns if expired, unhealthy, or
unhygienic food is being sold. Working together with shop owners, the community can
encourage the sale of nutritious items like fruits, bottled water, and whole-grain snacks.
2. Educate Learners and Shop Owners About Healthy Choices
The community can organize awareness campaigns in schools and local areas to teach
learners about the dangers of eating too much junk food, sugary drinks, and snacks high in salt
and fat. At the same time, shop owners should be educated about the importance of selling
healthier alternatives to support children's development and learning.
3. Partner With Schools and Local Authorities
Communities can work with school governing bodies and local municipalities to create by-laws
or agreements that limit the sale of harmful items such as energy drinks, cigarettes, and sweets
in bulk near schools. They can also support inspections of spaza shops to make sure health and
safety standards are met.
4. Set a Good Example
Parents and guardians should model healthy eating habits at home. When children see their
role models choosing healthy food, they are more likely to do the same when buying snacks at
school or from spaza shops.
5. Support Local Farmers and Healthier Vendors
Communities can encourage spaza shop owners to buy fresh produce from local farmers or
vendors, promoting both good health and the local economy. This ensures that learners have
access to safe and healthy food choices close to school.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Republic of South Africa. (2019). National Development Plan 2030: Our future – make it work.
Pretoria: The Presidency.
2. South African Government. (2024). Policy Implementation and Service Delivery Challenges.
Retrieved from https://www.gov.za
3. Public Service Commission. (2022). Assessment of the Effectiveness of Government Policies
in South Africa. Pretoria: PSC.
4. Burger, R. & Jafta, R. (2020). The state of service delivery in South Africa: Issues and
challenges. Journal of Public Administration, 55(1), 34–49.
5. Transparency International. (2023). Corruption Perceptions Index 2023: South Africa Report.
Retrieved from https://www.transparency.org
6. Gumede, W. (2018). South Africa in BRICS: Salvation or Ruination? Johannesburg: Tafelberg
Publishers.
7. Department of Public Service and Administration. (2021). Annual Report 2020/2021. Pretoria:
DPSA.