SED2601
ASSIGNMENT 3 , 2024
FEBRUARY 29, 2024
SED2601
, Question 1
1.1
Modern democracy refers to a political system in which the citizens have the power to
participate in decision-making processes through voting and other forms of participation.
It also involves the protection of individual rights and freedoms, as well as the existence
of checks and balances within the government.
Citizenship education is a form of education that aims to educate individuals about their
rights and responsibilities as citizens, as well as to empower them to participate in their
communities and in the political process. It also aims to promote democratic values and
principles.
1.2
The two types of citizenship education are active citizenship education and passive
citizenship education. Active citizenship education involves hands-on learning
experiences, such as community service projects, simulations, and debates, to develop
practical skills and knowledge about civic participation. Passive citizenship education, on
the other hand, focuses on traditional classroom learning, such as lectures and readings,
to develop an understanding of citizenship and democracy.
I believe that the active citizenship education approach is the best one for learners. This
is because it provides students with practical experience and real-world skills that they
can apply in their communities and in the political process. It also fosters a sense of
empowerment and agency, as students are actively engaged in addressing real issues
and making a positive impact. Passive citizenship education may provide a theoretical
understanding of citizenship, but without the practical experience, it may not fully prepare
students to be active and engaged citizens.
1.3
The two main features of the apartheid state in South Africa were racial segregation and
institutionalized discrimination. Racial segregation involved the physical separation of
different racial groups, resulting in the creation of separate living areas, schools, and
other public facilities for different racial groups. Institutionalized discrimination involved
the enforcement of legal, economic, and social policies that systematically
disadvantaged non-white South Africans, such as the denial of basic rights and
freedoms, restricted access to education and employment, and the imposition of pass
laws that restricted the movement of non-white individuals.
QUESTION 2
2.1 It is important for learners to understand the notion of democracy in the new South
Africa after apartheid because it provides them with an understanding of the principles
and values that underpin the country's political system. Democracy promotes equality,
freedom of speech, and the right to participate in decision-making processes. By
understanding democracy, learners can become active and responsible citizens who
contribute to the development of a fair and just society. Additionally, understanding
democracy helps learners appreciate the progress that has been made in South Africa
and encourages them to protect and uphold democratic values.
2.2 'Soft' notions of community participation in citizenship education involve passive
forms of engagement, such as volunteering or donating to charitable causes, while 'hard'
notions of community participation involve active involvement in decision-making
processes and advocating for social change. In citizenship education, both 'soft' and
'hard' notions of community participation are important, as they teach learners the value