INC3701 Assignment
4 (100% ANSWERS)
2025 - DUE 21 July
2025
NO PLAGIARISM
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,Exam (elaborations)
INC3701 Assignment 4 (100% ANSWERS)
2025 - DUE 21 July 2025
Course
Inclusive Education (INC3701)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
Strengthening Inclusive Education
INC3701 Assignment 4 (100% ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 21 July 2025 ......
Discuss how the following legislations and policies effectively accommodate
the diverse needs of learners who experience barriers to learning in the
school enviro 1.1 The Constitution of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) [5]
1.1 The Constitution of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996)
[5 Marks]
The Constitution of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) is the supreme law of the country and
provides a strong foundation for accommodating the diverse needs of learners who experience
barriers to learning. The following points explain how it effectively supports inclusive education:
1. Right to Equality (Section 9)
This section guarantees that everyone is equal before the law and prohibits unfair
discrimination on various grounds, including disability. It ensures that learners with
special educational needs are not excluded or treated unfairly in the school system.
2. Right to Education (Section 29)
The Constitution enshrines the right to basic education for everyone, including those who
experience barriers to learning. This compels the state to ensure that schools are
accessible and responsive to the needs of all learners.
3. Right to Human Dignity (Section 10)
By affirming the right to dignity, the Constitution supports the creation of an inclusive
school environment where all learners, regardless of their challenges, are respected and
valued.
4. Right to Non-Discrimination (Section 9(3))
This clause explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, disability, and
other statuses, which supports efforts to address systemic and structural barriers in
education.
5. Foundational Values of Human Rights and Freedom
The Constitution promotes a democratic and inclusive society that respects diversity.
, These values guide educational policies and practices to be inclusive, equitable, and
learner-centered.
In summary, the Constitution provides the legal and moral framework for schools and education
authorities to accommodate diverse learner needs and promote inclusive education.
The Constitution of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) forms the bedrock of the country's legal
framework and plays a crucial role in accommodating the diverse needs of learners who
experience barriers to learning. Its effectiveness lies in establishing fundamental rights and
principles that underpin subsequent education policies and legislation. Here's how it does so:
1. Right to Basic Education (Section 29(1)(a)):
o This is the cornerstone. The Constitution unequivocally states that "everyone has
the right to a basic education, including adult basic education." This is a positive
right, meaning the state has an obligation to provide it, not just to refrain from
hindering it.
o For learners with barriers to learning, this implies that they, too, have an equal
right to access and receive a basic education, irrespective of their challenges. This
section mandates that the education system must be structured to cater to all
learners, including those with disabilities.
2. Equality and Non-Discrimination (Section 9):
o Section 9 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law and prohibits
unfair discrimination on various grounds, including disability. This is vital for
learners with barriers to learning as it prevents them from being excluded or
treated differently based on their challenges.
o It underpins the move towards inclusive education, where learners with diverse
needs are educated alongside their peers in mainstream settings, rather than being
segregated. The Constitution demands that the education system be designed to
embrace diversity and eliminate discriminatory practices.
3. Human Dignity (Section 1):
o The Constitution is founded on the values of human dignity. This principle
dictates that every individual, including learners with barriers to learning, must be
treated with respect and their inherent worth acknowledged.
o In the educational context, this translates to creating a learning environment that
affirms the dignity of all learners, fosters a sense of belonging, and empowers
them to reach their full potential, regardless of their learning difficulties.
4. Best Interests of the Child (Section 28(2)):
, o Section 28(2) states that "a child's best interests are of paramount importance in
every matter concerning the child." This is a crucial guiding principle for all
decisions relating to education, particularly for vulnerable learners.
o When considering the needs of learners with barriers to learning, this section
mandates that decisions about their placement, support, and curriculum must
always prioritize what is in their best interest, ensuring they receive the most
appropriate and supportive education.
Impact on Policy and Legislation:
The constitutional provisions have directly informed subsequent legislation and policies aimed at
creating an inclusive education system in South Africa. For instance:
Education White Paper 6: Special Needs Education: Building an Inclusive
Education and Training System (2001): This policy is a direct response to the
constitutional mandate. It outlines a comprehensive framework for transforming the
education system to accommodate diverse learning needs, shifting from a segregated
"special education" model to an inclusive one.
South African Schools Act (SASA) 84 of 1996: This Act further legislates that public
schools must admit all learners and attend to their educational needs without unfair
discrimination. It supports the principle of inclusion by requiring schools to be responsive
to the diversity of learners.
Challenges and Limitations:
While the Constitution lays a strong foundation, its effective implementation in accommodating
learners with barriers to learning faces ongoing challenges:
Resource Allocation: Despite the constitutional mandate, adequate resources (financial,
human, and material) are often a barrier to fully implementing inclusive practices in all
schools, especially in under-resourced areas.
Teacher Training: Teachers may lack the necessary training and skills to effectively
support learners with diverse needs in mainstream classrooms.
Attitudinal Barriers: Preconceptions and negative attitudes towards learners with
disabilities can still persist, hindering their full inclusion and participation.
Systemic Barriers: The broader education system may still present barriers, such as
inflexible curricula or inadequate support structures, that prevent full accommodation.
In conclusion, the Constitution of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) provides a robust legal and
philosophical basis for accommodating the diverse needs of learners who experience barriers to
learning. Its emphasis on basic education for all, equality, human dignity, and the best interests
of the child serves as the driving force behind the country's commitment to inclusive education.
However, continuous effort is required to translate these constitutional ideals into fully effective
and equitable practices in every school environment