,CPD1501 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 (540749) - DUE 16 April 2025; 100%
correct solutions and explanations.
QUESTION 1 How do the values of Ubuntu and human rights
intersect in the context of South African citizenship? (15 marks)
The Intersection of Ubuntu and Human Rights in South
African Citizenship
1. Introduction
Ubuntu is a foundational African philosophy emphasizing
communal relationships, interconnectedness, and the inherent
dignity of individuals. It is often encapsulated in the phrase
“Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” (A person is a person through
other people). In the South African context, Ubuntu intersects
with human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of the
Republic of South Africa, 1996, particularly in promoting
equality, dignity, and justice.
This essay explores the ways in which Ubuntu and human rights
intersect in South African citizenship by analyzing key
principles, constitutional provisions, and their practical
implications in governance and society.
2. Ubuntu as a Foundation for Human Rights
Ubuntu aligns closely with the Bill of Rights (Chapter 2) of the
South African Constitution, which guarantees fundamental
rights such as dignity, equality, and freedom. The philosophy
reinforces:
, Human Dignity (Section 10) – Ubuntu teaches that every
individual has inherent worth, which aligns with the
constitutional protection of dignity.
Equality (Section 9) – Ubuntu discourages discrimination
and promotes fairness, mirroring the right to equality.
Community and Solidarity – Ubuntu emphasizes social
cohesion, encouraging respect, cooperation, and mutual
responsibility, which align with human rights principles.
3. Ubuntu in Legal and Political Contexts
The South African Constitutional Court has invoked Ubuntu
in various judgments, reinforcing its relevance in shaping human
rights. Examples include:
S v Makwanyane (1995) – The Constitutional Court
abolished the death penalty, citing Ubuntu as a principle
promoting restorative rather than retributive justice.
Port Elizabeth Municipality v Various Occupiers (2004)
– Ubuntu was used to advocate for fair and humane
eviction processes.
Ubuntu also informs transitional justice mechanisms, such as
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which
emphasized forgiveness and national healing over punitive
justice.
4. Ubuntu and Social Justice in South African Citizenship
Ubuntu fosters a sense of active citizenship, emphasizing:
Social Responsibility – Citizens are encouraged to
contribute positively to their communities.
Semester 1 2025 (540749) - DUE 16 April 2025; 100%
correct solutions and explanations.
QUESTION 1 How do the values of Ubuntu and human rights
intersect in the context of South African citizenship? (15 marks)
The Intersection of Ubuntu and Human Rights in South
African Citizenship
1. Introduction
Ubuntu is a foundational African philosophy emphasizing
communal relationships, interconnectedness, and the inherent
dignity of individuals. It is often encapsulated in the phrase
“Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” (A person is a person through
other people). In the South African context, Ubuntu intersects
with human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of the
Republic of South Africa, 1996, particularly in promoting
equality, dignity, and justice.
This essay explores the ways in which Ubuntu and human rights
intersect in South African citizenship by analyzing key
principles, constitutional provisions, and their practical
implications in governance and society.
2. Ubuntu as a Foundation for Human Rights
Ubuntu aligns closely with the Bill of Rights (Chapter 2) of the
South African Constitution, which guarantees fundamental
rights such as dignity, equality, and freedom. The philosophy
reinforces:
, Human Dignity (Section 10) – Ubuntu teaches that every
individual has inherent worth, which aligns with the
constitutional protection of dignity.
Equality (Section 9) – Ubuntu discourages discrimination
and promotes fairness, mirroring the right to equality.
Community and Solidarity – Ubuntu emphasizes social
cohesion, encouraging respect, cooperation, and mutual
responsibility, which align with human rights principles.
3. Ubuntu in Legal and Political Contexts
The South African Constitutional Court has invoked Ubuntu
in various judgments, reinforcing its relevance in shaping human
rights. Examples include:
S v Makwanyane (1995) – The Constitutional Court
abolished the death penalty, citing Ubuntu as a principle
promoting restorative rather than retributive justice.
Port Elizabeth Municipality v Various Occupiers (2004)
– Ubuntu was used to advocate for fair and humane
eviction processes.
Ubuntu also informs transitional justice mechanisms, such as
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which
emphasized forgiveness and national healing over punitive
justice.
4. Ubuntu and Social Justice in South African Citizenship
Ubuntu fosters a sense of active citizenship, emphasizing:
Social Responsibility – Citizens are encouraged to
contribute positively to their communities.
