TABLE OF CONTENTS :

DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

 Activity 1
 Activity 2
 Activity 3
 Activity 4
 Bibliography
DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Activity 1
1.1) The public holiday observed on 21 March.

The public holiday observed on the 21st of March is Human Rights Day.

1.2) Human rights violation.

Human rights violations are actions or situations that infringe upon the basic rights and freedoms that
every person is entitled to. This can include things like discrimination, torture, slavery, and more.

1.3) Laws that protect citizens against human rights.

Section 24: The right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being.

Section 24 of the South African Constitution states that everyone has the right to an environment that is
not harmful to their health or well-being. This provision recognizes the importance of a safe and healthy
environment and emphasizes the duty of the state to protect and preserve the environment for present and
future generations

Section 7: The right to life and liberty.

Section 7 provides: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to
be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.”

1.4) Human right violated during the Sharpville Massacre.

The Right to Life: Central to human dignity is the right to life, as affirmed by Article 3 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The indiscriminate shooting of unarmed protesters by police in
Sharpeville was a direct affront to this fundamental right, resulting in the unnecessary loss of 69 lives.

1.5) The purpose of Human Rights Day.

Human Rights Day is more than just a public holiday. It commemorates one of the most important pillars
of our democracy and our Constitution, the Bill of Rights. We remember the struggle and sacrifice made
by thousands of people who marched for equality and basic human rights.

1.6) The purpose of Sharpville Massacre:

The Sharpeville massacre had a significant impact on the country’s history and the anti-apartheid
movement. The purpose of the massacre, from the perspective of the apartheid government, was to
suppress and intimidate the growing resistance against apartheid policies.

The campaign commemorates the tragic event on March 21, 1960, when South African police opened fire
on peaceful protesters in Sharpville, resulting in numerous deaths. The purpose is to remember the
victims and advocate for human rights and an end to racial discrimination.

 The purpose of National Shut down Protests on load shedding:

The purpose of national shutdown protests on load shedding is to draw attention to the detrimental effects
of power outages on the economy, businesses, and daily life. The protests aim to pressure the government
and power utility companies to take immediate action to address the ongoing issue of load shedding. By
organizing a national shutdown, protesters hope to demonstrate the widespread impact of load shedding
and demand sustainable solutions to ensure reliable electricity supply. Additionally, the protests serve as a
platform for citizens to voice their frustrations and hold authorities accountable for the management of the
energy crisis.

This campaign aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of load shedding on the daily lives of
South Africans. It seeks to pressure the government and power utility companies to address the electricity
supply crisis and find sustainable solutions.

1.7) The impact of load shedding that forced citizens of South Africa to protest on 20 th March
2023:

The impact of load shedding in South Africa on March 20, 2023, led to widespread protests due to the
disruption of daily life. Load shedding resulted in power outages, affecting businesses, hospitals, and
households. Citizens protested against the government and power utility companies for their failure to
provide a reliable electricity supply, which negatively impacted the economy and people’s livelihoods.

Activity 2

2.1) Signs of cyber bullying.

Signs of cyber bullying includes emotional distress, avoidance of technology, changes in behaviour,
physical symptoms and secretive behaviour, etc.

Victims may show signs of depression, anxiety, or sudden mood swings. A victim may avoid using their
devices or seem anxious when receiving notifications. Sudden changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal
from social activities or a decline in academic performance, could indicate cyber bullying. Headaches,
stomach aches, or other physical symptoms without a clear cause may be linked to cyber bullying.
Victims may become secretive about their online activities or seem nervous when discussing their online
experiences.

2.2) Signs of cyber bullying.

Cyber bullying includes sending mean texts or emails, posting hurtful messages on social media,
spreading rumours online, circulating false or embarrassing information about someone else, posting or
sharing private images about someone else and impersonating someone online to hurt their reputation.

2.3) Cyber savvy vs. Cyber bullying.

Cyber savvy refers to being knowledgeable and skilled in using technology and the internet safely and
responsibly. It involves understanding online privacy, security, and digital literacy to navigate the online
world effectively
On the other hand, cyberbullying involves using digital communication tools to harass, threaten, or
intimidate others. This can include sending hurtful messages, spreading rumours, or sharing embarrassing
information online with the intent to harm someone.

In summary, being cyber savvy means using technology responsibly, while cyberbullying involves using
it to harm others.

2.4) Forms of cyber bullying.

Cyber bullying occurs in many different ways and this may include harassment, impersonation, exclusion,
etc.

Harassment involves repeatedly sending offensive, rude, and insulting messages. It may also include
spreading rumours, making threats, or sharing personal information without consent. Impersonation is a
form of cyber bullying that involves creating fake profiles or hacking into someone else’s account to post
or send messages that damage the victim’s or relationships. Cyberbullying can also take the form of
intentionally excluding someone from an online group, such as a chat room or social media platform, or
spreading rumours to intentionally isolate the victim from their peers

2.5) Emotional effects of cyber bullying.

Cyberbullying can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, and worry in the victim. The constant harassment and
intimidation through online platforms can create a sense of unease and apprehension.

Victims of cyberbullying often experience symptoms of depression, such as sadness, hopelessness, and
loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. The persistent negative messages and social exclusion can
contribute to a decline in mental well-being.

Cyberbullying can significantly impact a person’s self-esteem. The hurtful comments and derogatory
remarks can make the victim feel unworthy, unattractive, and inferior, leading to a negative self-image
and lack of confidence.

2.6) Impact of Posting or Forwarding Humiliating and Offensive Material.

Posting or forwarding humiliating and offensive material can have several negative effects on the person
who is posting. This includes legal consequences, damage to reputation, psychological impact, and loss of
trust, etc.

Posting or forwarding such material can lead to legal repercussions, including charges of defamation,
harassment, or invasion of privacy. It can tarnish the individual’s reputation, both personally and
professionally, leading to social ostracism and potential damage to career prospects. Engaging in such
behaviour can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and regret, as well as potential mental health issues due to
the negative impact on self-esteem. It can result in the loss of trust from friends, family, and colleagues,
leading to strained relationships and social isolation.

2.7) Social Media Etiquette for Young People.

It’s essential for young people to respect the privacy of others when using social media. This includes
refraining from sharing private information, photos, or videos of others without their consent. Always ask
for permission before posting about someone else.
 Young people should be mindful of what they post on social media. Avoid sharing inappropriate content,
engaging in cyberbullying, or posting anything that could be considered offensive or hurtful to others. It’s
important to think before posting and consider the potential impact of your content on others. Being
thoughtful about what you share online. This includes considering the privacy of others, avoiding
spreading misinformation, and thinking twice before posting something that could be embarrassing or
hurtful in the future.

Activity 3
3.1) Roles of the Media in Reporting Human Rights Violations.

The media plays a crucial role in reporting human rights violations online. This includes informing the
public, holding power accountable, giving voice to the voiceless, advocacy and mobilization and
promoting dialogue and debate, etc.

The media plays a crucial role in informing the public about human rights violations, raising awareness,
and promoting understanding of these issues. By investigating and reporting on human rights abuses, the
media holds governments, organizations, and individuals accountable for their actions, promoting
transparency and justice. Media coverage can give a platform to marginalized communities and victims of
human rights violations, amplifying their voices and experiences. Through reporting, the media can
advocate for policy changes, mobilize public opinion, and support movements aimed at addressing human
rights violations. Media coverage fosters public discourse on human rights issues, encouraging debate,
dialogue, and the exchange of diverse perspectives within a democratic society.

3.2) Explanation of the Term ‘Social Media’.

Social media refers to online platforms and websites that enable users to create and share content, as well
as participate in social networking. These platforms allow individuals and organizations to connect,
communicate, and interact with each other through various forms of media, such as text, images, and
videos.

3.3) Reasons Why Social Media Could Combat Human Rights Violations

Social media provides a platform for individuals and groups to raise awareness about human rights
abuses, reaching a global audience and garnering support for their cause. Users can document and share
evidence of human rights violations, which can be crucial for holding perpetrators accountable and raising
awareness about ongoing issues. Social media facilitates the organization of advocacy campaigns,
protests, and movements, enabling individuals to mobilize support and pressure governments and
organizations to address human rights violations.

3.4) Possible Strategies for Social Media Platforms to Reduce Human Rights Violations.

Enhanced Content Moderation: Implementing advanced content moderation tools and policies to identify
and remove posts inciting violence, hate speech, or human rights abuses. This can involve leveraging AI
and human moderators to swiftly address harmful content.

Collaboration with Human Rights Organizations: Social media platforms can collaborate with human
rights organizations to develop and implement policies, guidelines, and reporting mechanisms tailored to
address human rights violations on their platforms. This partnership can also involve training content
moderators to recognize and respond to such violations effectively.

Activity 4

4.1) Five ways on how the community can benefit from participating in campaigns.

Campaign participation can raise awareness about important issues, leading to greater understanding and
support within the community. Campaigns provide opportunities for community members to engage with
each other, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

By participating in campaigns, communities can influence policy decisions and advocate for changes that
benefit their members. Involvement in campaigns can help community members develop new skills, such
as organizing, public speaking, and Advocacy. Ultimately, participating in campaigns can lead to positive
changes within the community, addressing issues and improving overall well-being.

4.2) Strategies to Act Against Cyber Bullying.

Schools could implement strategies such as developing a comprehensive anti-bullying policy, educating
and raising awareness about cyber bullying, providing clear policies and reporting mechanisms, and
initiating support systems, etc.

Schools should create and enforce a clear anti-bullying policy that specifically includes cyberbullying.
This policy should outline what constitutes cyberbullying, the consequences for those who engage in it,
and the procedures for reporting incidents. Ensuring that students, staff, and parents are all aware of this
policy is crucial. Regularly reviewing and updating the policy to adapt to new technologies and platforms
is also necessary to keep it effective. Implement educational programs to raise awareness about cyber
bullying, its impact, and how to prevent it. This can include workshops, seminars, and classroom
discussions on digital citizenship and responsible online behaviour. Develop and enforce clear policies
against cyber bullying, outlining the consequences for such behaviour. Provide accessible and
confidential reporting mechanisms for students to report incidents of cyber bullying. Establish support
systems for both the victims and the perpetrators of cyber bullying. This can involve counselling services,
peer support groups, and restorative justice programs to address the underlying issues and promote
empathy and understanding.
BIBLIOGRAPHY :
Activity 1
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Activity 2
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Activity 3
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Activity 4
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