Semester 1 2025 ;DUE 15 April 2025 100% correct solutions
and explanations.
Temporary State Intervention for the Community of
Thabatshweu in an Emergency Situation
Introduction
Thabatshweu, a town located in the Eastern Free State, is
currently experiencing a humanitarian crisis following severe
thunderstorms that have caused widespread destruction of
homes and belongings. The already economically vulnerable
community — marked by high unemployment and reliance on
social security — now faces additional hardships including lack
of shelter, food, and basic resources. In the face of such a crisis,
it is essential to consider the extent to which the South African
state is legally and constitutionally obliged to provide
temporary emergency intervention to the affected community.
This essay discusses the constitutional rights relevant to disaster
relief, the legislative framework supporting emergency
interventions, and the mechanisms through which different state
departments may respond in such situations.
1. Constitutional Obligations of the State
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, is the
supreme law of the country and sets out the fundamental rights
and responsibilities that bind the state in protecting its citizens.