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2025 - DUE 21 July
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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]
The Constitution of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) forms the bedrock of an inclusive education
system, effectively accommodating the diverse needs of learners who experience barriers to
learning in several key ways:
1. Right to Basic Education (Section 29(1)):
o Universal Access: This section unequivocally states that "everyone has the right
to a basic education." This is a fundamental and immediately realisable right, not
subject to progressive availability or resources. This is crucial for learners with
barriers to learning as it ensures that no child can be denied access to basic
education due to their disability or any other barrier.
o Equality: By granting this right to "everyone," the Constitution implicitly
prohibits discrimination in education on any grounds, including disability. This
lays the foundation for an education system that values and includes all learners,
irrespective of their differences.
2. Equality Clause and Non-Discrimination (Section 9):
o Prohibition of Unfair Discrimination: Section 9 of the Constitution explicitly
prohibits unfair discrimination on various grounds, including disability, race,
gender, social origin, and language. This is vital for learners with barriers to
learning who may have historically faced segregation and exclusion. It legally
mandates that schools and the education system must not discriminate against
these learners, ensuring they have the same opportunities as their peers.
o Promotion of Equality: Beyond prohibiting discrimination, the equality clause
also mandates the promotion of equality. This implies that the state must take
proactive measures to address historical disadvantages and create an equitable
, environment for all learners, including those with barriers to learning. This has led
to policies aimed at providing support and resources to overcome these barriers.
3. Human Dignity (Section 10):
o Respect and Protection: The Constitution enshrines the right to human dignity
for everyone. This principle underpins the approach to inclusive education,
emphasizing that every learner, regardless of their abilities or challenges, has
inherent worth and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity within the
school environment. This directly combats stigmatization and fosters a sense of
belonging for learners who might otherwise be marginalized.
4. Language Rights (Section 6, 29(2)):
o Education in Language of Choice: Section 29(2) grants everyone the right to
receive education in the official language of their choice in public institutions
where that education is reasonably practicable. This is significant for learners who
may experience language barriers to learning, ensuring that their linguistic needs
are considered in the provision of education. The state is obliged to take
reasonable educational alternatives to ensure effective access to this right.
How these provisions collectively accommodate diverse needs:
Shifting from Segregation to Inclusion: The Constitution's emphasis on universal rights
and non-discrimination directly challenges the historical legacy of segregated education
for learners with disabilities. It mandates a move towards inclusive education where
learners with barriers to learning are integrated into mainstream schools and supported to
participate fully.
Foundation for Policy Development: The constitutional principles have served as the
legal basis for subsequent legislation and policies, such as Education White Paper 6
(Special Needs Education: Building an Inclusive Education and Training System), the
South African Schools Act (SASA), and the Policy on Screening, Identification,
Assessment, and Support (SIAS). These policies further elaborate on how the
constitutional rights are to be implemented to create an inclusive education system.
Accountability and Advocacy: The Constitution provides a legal framework that allows
learners, parents, and advocacy groups to hold the state accountable for providing quality
and inclusive education. Courts can be approached to enforce these rights if they are
violated.
Guiding Resource Allocation: While Section 29(1) for basic education is not subject to
resource availability, the general principles of progressive realization for other rights, and
the overall commitment to equality, influence how resources are allocated to ensure that
the diverse needs of learners with barriers to learning are met. This includes funding for
specialized support, assistive devices, and teacher training.
In essence, the South African Constitution provides a powerful legal and ethical framework that
underpins the country's commitment to inclusive education. It asserts that education is a
fundamental human right for all, promotes equality and dignity, and prohibits discrimination,
thereby laying the groundwork for an education system that actively seeks to accommodate and
support the diverse needs of learners who experience barriers to learning.
, 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: