1. CIVIC LIFE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Participation in civic life
Grade 10 – SER Term 2

2. CLASS DISCUSSION
What is civic life? Refer back to your notes taken down
What does it mean to be a citizen of a country?
What is the importance of civic engagement or participation?
Think of someone who has broken the law. What did they do? Which law did they break?
Have you ever volunteered? If yes, describe your involvement
What would you like to change in your community? ( where you live or in your school)

3. What is civics?
The study of the rights, duties & responsibilities of citizens.
A citizen is an individual who belongs to a nation, and who was born in that country.
Citizenship is based on a combination of rights, duties & responsibilities. Citizenship can not be taken away from a person according to South African Law
Concept of citizenship is more than 2,500 years old and originated in ancient Greece, only men could be citizens.

4. What are your civic / social responsibilities
Be informed about your local, provincial and national representatives, and laws
Vote in elections- have a say
Participate in your community & your government
Try to make change for the better – give back to others
Be an activist
Sign a petition
Pay your taxes
Protest
Take part in political discussions
STAY INFORMED – DON’T BE IGNORENT!

5. South African Civic Values
Freedom
Equality
Democracy
Tolerance
Do not discriminate

6. Why Should South Africans Participate in the Civic Life of the Country?
It helps individuals become attached to their community, province and, country
They become more likely to vote
They are more likely to be well informed
They are more likely to follow laws as set out by the country
They can bring about change

7. Social Activism – What is it?
Social Activism - is an intentional action with the goal of bringing about social change. If you feel strongly about a cause and are working towards a change, you could be considered an activist. An activist is anyone who is fighting for change in society.
Taking the above definition into consideration – if you wish to create awareness about a certain topic, and you actively try and bring about change in your community you are an activist.

8. Working with others
A good way to get involved in civic life and to make a difference is to get a group of people together and to voice your opinions
Protesting and strikes can also be helpful
Writing a petition
Or attending meetings with others can create awareness