ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 16 APRIL 2025
, CPD1501
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 16 April 2025
Citizenship, Public Participation and Democracy
QUESTION 1
How do the values of Ubuntu and human rights intersect in the context of South
African citizenship? (15 marks)
Ubuntu is the spirit of humanity that defines the way South Africans interact with one
another. It is about kindness, respect, compassion, and the belief that "a person is a
person through other people" (umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu). This value system plays a
huge role in shaping how we see human rights in South Africa.
Human rights, as outlined in the South African Constitution, emphasize dignity, equality,
and freedom. These are the very principles that Ubuntu promotes. In a society built on
Ubuntu, people care for one another, which aligns with the idea that everyone deserves
basic rights, such as access to education, healthcare, and fair treatment.
Ubuntu also encourages a sense of community and responsibility. This means that
human rights are not just about what individuals are entitled to but also about how they
treat others. For example, if someone is in need, Ubuntu teaches that society should
support them rather than turn a blind eye. Similarly, human rights laws ensure that the
government and institutions create a fair environment where everyone is treated with
dignity.
In the context of South African citizenship, Ubuntu and human rights work hand in hand.
A citizen who embraces Ubuntu naturally respects human rights, ensuring that their