Directorate: Curriculum FET

SUBJECT and GRADE Life Orientation Grade 11

TERM 1 WEEK EIGHT
TOPIC Democracy and Human Rights
AIMS OF LESSON At the end of the lesson you must be able to:

Research and know the difference between the following democratic structures:

DEMOCRATIC STRUCTURES
Local community structures,
National, viz.
Political parties Representative •non- governmental organisations
Provincial and (NGOs),
Traditional councils of •community-based organisations
(CBOs),
Local authorities learners •faith-based organisations,
government Interest groups and
businesses

RESOURCES Paper based resources Digital resources

• Approved textbooks. • QR codes
• Work sheets • Links

INTRODUCTION In South Africa all these various democratic structures deal with different aspects of governing. They range from national
structures to local community structures. The important aspect is that it gives you different ways to participate.
CONCEPTS AND SKILLS Political party: An organised group that aims to achieve political power for its
leaders. Every Political party has its own set of political, social, economic and /or
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed
cultural values. under CC BY-SA-NC
REVISION Legislature: the branch of government having the power to make laws.
Do you still remember the A deliberative body of persons, usually elective, who are empowered to make,
concepts below explained in change, or revoke the laws of a country or state.
last weeks’ lesson? Community based structures (CBOs): groups or companies that are created
voluntarily without seeking to make a profit and are not funded or affiliated
with the government.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs): Organisations that are not part of
government, e.g. Doctors without borders and Green Peace.
Democracy
Faith-based organisations (FBOs): N and on-profit organisations that are
Governance formed by people of the same religion.
Civil society: The ordinary citizens. Civil society is based on individuals' freedom
Representation of choice. People organize activities and services for themselves according to
their own hopes and needs. Civil society is characterized by participation and
Public The importance of public
doing. Central features of activity are spontaneity and activeness, autonomy
participation and voluntariness. participation:
Bylaws: laws or legislature created by the municipality. (Could give learners • Leaders cannot abuse power
Interest groups
examples e.g. where street vending is allowed, how billboards or public adverts • Government is informed about
should be set out or childcare facilities in the community.
public’s needs and can act
accordingly

THE DEMOCRATIC STRUCTURES OF SOUTH AFRICA

IDASA
An example of a nationally
recognised public interest
group in South Africa-
committed to promoting
sustainable democracy
based on active
citizenship, democratic
institutions and social
justice.
Structure
Political structures
National government
Provincial Government
Local Government
Traditional authorities
Political parties
The principles and their functions
They make and carry out laws and policies for our WHOLE COUNTRY.
They make and carry out laws and policies that affect the PROVINCE only.
• Make and carry out by-laws.
• They also provide a democratic and accountable government for local communities.
• Ensure there are sustainable services to communities (water, electricity, sanitation)
• Ensure safe and healthy environments, encourages communities to be involved in
local government.
They help to get the traditional community with local government in developing
integrated development plan. South Africa has many traditional structures which make
our democracy unique.
Represent voters, particular interests, and educate and instruct the public on issues
 Local Community Interest groups and businesses
The Private Sector is a Structures
socially responsible NGOs • Assist with service delivery, represents group of people with common interests and
and caring member of CBOs concerns.
the community. Many Faith-based organisations • They monitor and advocate, operating independently of government (NGOs); within
SA companies are a single, local community (CBOs).
involved in education, • Throughout our history, businesses (including private sector) have played an
important role in ensuring our democracy.
housing, health,
. welfare , job creation • They have many resources to aid the running of a successful democracy - financial
resources, influence on the economy, managerial experience and expertise.
rural development
and so on. What do you know about the following structures? What kind of structure are they?

The Representative Council of learners (RCLs)

Study and watch the following link or QR code as a resource to answer the questions which follow:

https://youtu.be/R_h6HSE367c OR

1. Briefly explain to a friend what the RCL is all about.

2. Describe what you would do to get elected to the RCL at your school.
3. Discuss THREE functions of the RCL.
4. Assess the importance of a RCL at a school.
 THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT
South Africa, as a constitutional democracy, and has three tiers of government and a self-governing judicial system.
The THREE tiers of government:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1by5km0n7EzHZXd8Ox_jTf_wpZ8ezHDDe/view?usp=sharing OR

The structure of government:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y4Nhu7X7saznGhl-kFiiwU3LwuaZhM39/view?usp=sharing OR

ACTIVITIES/ASSESSMENT Answer the following exam type questions:

1. Briefly explain what an ‘interest group’ is and state ONE way how they contribute to democracy. (1+1)

2. Name TWO ways in which the public can participate in government (2x1)
Ti 3. Explain what the role of the Public protector is in our democracy. (1x2)
4. Discuss TWO reasons why it is important for the community to be involved in local government (2x2)
Time to reflect: 5. Suggest ONE strategy that the government could put into place to encourage civil society to be more
Do you feel our democratic active public participants. In your answer, indicate how your suggestion could lead to positive change
structures represent all in the communities and the larger country. (1x2)
South Africans?
Do you participate in local
structures?
Do you think change is
needed in your
community?
Are there things that stop
you from contributing to
change?
CONSOLIDATION The nature and focus of public participation in South Africa changed dramatically with the drafting of South Africa’s new
constitution in 1996. South Africa is now a representative and participatory democracy. In this lesson we outlined the
different democratic structures.

Participation in the legislative process is open to all including the organised and powerful, the marginalised and
unorganised. The legislative authority of the nine provinces in South Africa is vested in the provincial legislature of each
province. Provincial governments are spheres of government, removed from the national government, and thus
legislation and policies are more likely to directly affect the people of that particular province. It is therefore the
responsibility of each provincial legislature to ensure that all the necessary steps are taken to ensure that public opinion
is considered in decision-making.

The intention of public participation provisions in the Constitution is clear – to influence government policy outcomes so
that they reflect “the will of the people”. (Adapted from the Public Participation Framework for the South African
Legislative Sector)

Do not wait until you are 18 to formally take part in the decision making- use the information in this lesson to work out
how you can get involved…. NOW!
VALUES Hard work, Focused, Responsibility, Perseverance, Persistence, Self-confidence, Self-awareness, Accountability,
Volunteerism