Answer to Question #215567 in English for RAVEEN

Question

2.1 Discuss what is meant by democracy in ancient (Greek) times. (4)

2.2 Discuss TWO of the main features of the apartheid state in South Africa. (4)

2.3 Explain why it is important that learners to understand the notion of democracy in the new South Africa (after apartheid). (6)

2.4 What are the most important features of citizenship education in South Africa? (6)

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Answer 1

2.1 Discuss what is meant by democracy in ancient (Greek) times. (4)

Ancient Greece had a highly direct democracy. This means that all laws were voted on by all citizens. Rather than electing legislators as we do, each citizen was required to vote on each law. They did, however, have individuals in charge of the government. The majority of these officials were chosen through a lottery system. As a result, regardless of their popularity or riches, every citizen had an opportunity to become an official. A few crucial jobs were up for election, including the treasury and the army's top ten generals (also called the strategoi).

2.2 Discuss TWO of the main features of the apartheid state in South Africa. (4)

1. Segregation of peope based on race: Apartheid was a political and social system in South Africa that existed during the time when the country was ruled by a White minority. Non-Whites were subjected to racial prejudice based on skin color and facial traits.
2. 1.Only the white South Africans were considered full citizens – The Bantu were considered foreigners living in South Africa.

2.3 Explain why it is important that learners to understand the notion of democracy in the new South Africa (after apartheid). (6)

Through civic education, the concept of democracy fosters a broader understanding of politics and a good attitude toward democracy. Learners can engage in conversations and arguments about how governance is managed and how it should be in the event of oppression and human rights violations by knowing the democratic modality (Nicolson, 2016). Democracy encourages active citizenship, which generates a platform for extra-curricular activities such as peaceful demonstrations, as well as a room for the recognition of free speech and public gatherings to air out opinions aimed at creating a society that can freely affiliate with the government.

Recognizing the concept of democracy may appear to be a simple task, but its importance to the smooth operation of a government and society as a whole cannot be overstated. While the new generation of South African learners may not be enthusiastic about the concept, its comprehension is critical. Understanding the concept of democracy creates a free environment in which to comprehend the role of the legislature while respecting human rights; this understanding creates freedom to express one's opinions, both positive and negative; and by creating this freedom, discussions can be made open not only in schools but throughout the country.

2.4 What are the most important features of citizenship education in South Africa? (6)

One of the most significant parts of citizenship education in South Africa is information transmission. It's crucial to educate parents and other stakeholders about the importance and nature of citizenship education. Information can be distributed in a variety of ways, including brochures, community bulletins, ads, option and parent's evenings, songs, plays, and posters. Information transmission is a critical component of citizenship education in South Africa. It's crucial to educate parents and other stakeholders on the importance of citizenship education. Brochures, community bulletins, ads, option and parent's evenings, songs, plays, and posters are just a few examples of how information can be disseminated. The most significant tool for teaching and mastering the democratic ideals that underpin South Africa's ordered liberty system, which balances majority rule with minority rights protection, is effective civic education.

Third, for the successful promotion of citizenship education in South African public schools, an infrastructure that serves to improve the quality of civic education and hence the quality of democracy is required. Citizenship education institutions, publishing companies who produce sufficient educational materials and specialized magazines for teachers and learners, a curriculum development unit, committees that evaluate and assess the citizenship educational process, and citizenship education institutions that produce services and activities and offer advice on citizenship issues are all examples of such infrastructure.

Finally, in public schools, citizenship education is given a great importance. Senior staff employees are tasked with civic education and given specific responsibilities. This does not suggest adding another job to one of the deputies' already-heavy workloads, but rather starting high-profile programs that include regular, frequent, and meaningful communication, goal-setting, and review. However, the effectiveness of citizenship education is ultimately determined by the teachers in the classroom. Not only will more effort be required to persuade teachers that citizenship education deserves a place in the curriculum, but ongoing support in the form of professional development and access to teaching tools will also be required.

Reference

Nicolson, A. (2016, April 14). Why democracy should be taught in South African schools. Retrieved June 14, 2021, from https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2016-04-14-why-democracy-should-be-taught-in-south-african-schools