Rights & Responsibilities
Constitutional rights, Bill of Rights, responsibilities
The Bill of Rights
The South African Constitution (1996) contains the Bill of Rights in Chapter 2. It guarantees rights for all people in South Africa, including children. Key rights include: the right to equality, dignity, education, healthcare, a safe environment, and freedom of expression.
Children's Rights
Section 28 of the Constitution protects children's rights:
• The right to a name and nationality
• The right to family or parental care
• The right to basic nutrition, shelter and healthcare
• The right to be protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation
• The right to education
Every child under 18 is entitled to these rights.
Example
Rights and Responsibilities Go Together
Right: You have the right to education.
Responsibility: You must attend school, do your homework and respect your teachers.
Right: You have the right to a clean environment.
Responsibility: You must not litter and should help keep your community clean.
Right: You have the right to be safe.
Responsibility: You must not bully or harm others.
Note
Important
Rights are not just for you — they apply to everyone equally. When you violate someone else's rights, you also lose the protection of your own. Respect for rights builds a fair and democratic South Africa.
Key Vocabulary
ConstitutionThe highest law of South Africa that protects everyone's rights
Bill of RightsChapter 2 of the Constitution listing fundamental rights
ResponsibilityA duty or something you should do
DemocracyA system of government where the people choose their leaders
EqualityEveryone being treated fairly and having the same rights
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Constitution
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