Constitutional Values Important for Nation Building – Life Orientation Grade 11

This page is a critical starting point for the Democracy and Human Rights section of the Grade 11 Life Orientation Term 1 curriculum. These values provide the ethical foundation for your personal values and choices and are essential for creating a unified South Africa.

Constitutional Values Important for Nation Building: Grade 11 LO Term 1

In Life Orientation Grade 11, we study nation building as the process of promoting a shared South African identity and national unity. This process is guided by the Constitution, which provides a set of common values that all South Africans are encouraged to follow and promote in their daily lives.

1. The Ten Fundamental Constitutional Values

The South African Constitution is built on ten core values. These are the “building blocks” of a fair and just society:

1. Democracy: A system where the people have a say in how the country is run through representation.
2. Social Justice and Equity: Ensuring that everyone’s basic needs are met and that past injustices are corrected.
3. Equality: Every person is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection.
4. Non-racism: Rejecting any form of discrimination based on race.
5. Non-sexism: Rejecting any form of discrimination based on gender.
6. Ubuntu: The belief that “I am because we are”—emphasizing human dignity and compassion for others.
7. Open Society: A society based on transparency where people can speak freely and access information.
8. Accountability: Ensuring that those in power take responsibility for their actions.
9. The Rule of Law: The principle that everyone, including the government, must follow the law.
10. Respect and Reconciliation: Treating others with dignity and working together to heal the divisions of the past.

---

2. Values in Action: The Case of Tintswalo

Constitutional values are not just ideas in a book; they help us make difficult choices that lead to success.

Case Study Analysis:

Tintswalo wants to become an engineer to build bridges for her rural community. Her story demonstrates how national values overlap with personal ones:

• Social Justice: By building bridges, she aims to help her community overcome physical barriers to resources.
• Ubuntu: Her goal is driven by a desire to help others and improve the lives of her neighbors.
• Accountability: Tintswalo holds herself accountable for her marks. Even when she wants to go out with friends, her value of “respecting herself and others” helps her choose to study so she can reach her prioritised life goals.

---

3. Why These Values Matter for Nation Building

Nation building happens when we move from “me” to “we.” When we apply these values:

• We reduce conflict by practicing Respect.
• We build trust in government through Accountability.
• We ensure everyone has a fair chance through Equality and Equity.

---

Activity: Evaluating Your Values

1. Identify: Name four constitutional values that you think are most important for your school environment.
2. Apply: Look at the value of Ubuntu. How can practicing this value prevent detrimental relationships?
3. Reflect: Tintswalo uses her values to choose studying over partying. Describe a time you used a constitutional value (like accountability or respect) to make a tough decision.
4. Discussion: Why is “Non-racism” specifically listed as a fundamental value for building the South African nation?

---

Next Lesson: How these values are protected in our daily lives: The Rule of Law.

Quick Navigation:

• Grade 11 Life Orientation Term 1 Main Directory
• The Petition Process