PLS1502
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 23 MARCH 2026
, PLS1502 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
SEMESTER 1 2026
Using Menkiti’s argument that personhood is a 'becoming' defined by
communalexcellence and Gyekye’s argument that the individual possesses
'innate' dignityindependent of the community, write an essay in which you
provide a criticalevaluation of the South African government’s focus on 'Social
Cohesion'policies.
Balancing Rights and Community: A Critical Look at South Africa's Social
Cohesion Policies
Introduction
South Africa's National Development Plan (NDP) talks about citizens being "active in
development" and working together to solve problems (National Planning Commission,
2012: 1). The government often promotes social cohesion and community values. But
this raises an important question: how do we balance individual rights which are
protected in our Constitution with our duties to the community? My discussion look at
the issue through the perspectives of two African philosophers: Ifeanyi Menkiti, who
argues that the community takes priority, and Kwame Gyekye, who believes that
individuals possess inherent dignity while still belonging to a community. It will be
argued that Gyekye’s position is more suitable for contemporary South Africa,
particularly when considering real-life situations such as the Stilfontein mining crisis.
1
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 23 MARCH 2026
, PLS1502 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
SEMESTER 1 2026
Using Menkiti’s argument that personhood is a 'becoming' defined by
communalexcellence and Gyekye’s argument that the individual possesses
'innate' dignityindependent of the community, write an essay in which you
provide a criticalevaluation of the South African government’s focus on 'Social
Cohesion'policies.
Balancing Rights and Community: A Critical Look at South Africa's Social
Cohesion Policies
Introduction
South Africa's National Development Plan (NDP) talks about citizens being "active in
development" and working together to solve problems (National Planning Commission,
2012: 1). The government often promotes social cohesion and community values. But
this raises an important question: how do we balance individual rights which are
protected in our Constitution with our duties to the community? My discussion look at
the issue through the perspectives of two African philosophers: Ifeanyi Menkiti, who
argues that the community takes priority, and Kwame Gyekye, who believes that
individuals possess inherent dignity while still belonging to a community. It will be
argued that Gyekye’s position is more suitable for contemporary South Africa,
particularly when considering real-life situations such as the Stilfontein mining crisis.
1
