As part of our study on Democracy and Human Rights, we look at how citizens’ voices are carried into the halls of power. After understanding why transparency is necessary in government, we examine how representation ensures that the needs of the people are met.
1. What is Representation?
Representation is the process where one person or a group of people acts on behalf of others. In a democratic society, we cannot all be in Parliament at the same time to make decisions, so we elect representatives to speak for us.
Key Aspects of Representation:
- The Mandate: When you vote, you give a representative a “mandate” or the authority to make decisions based on the promises they made.
- Proportional Representation: In South Africa, our system is designed so that the percentage of votes a party gets is equal to the number of seats they get in Parliament. This ensures that even smaller groups have a voice.
2. Why Representation is Essential
Representation is the bridge between the individual and the state. It is important because:
- Ensures Diversity: It allows people from different backgrounds, cultures, and provinces to have their unique needs heard.
- Promotes Fairness: It ensures that government policies reflect the will of the majority while still protecting the rights of the minority.
- Facilitates Governance: It allows for a structured way to manage the country, where specific people are held accountable for their portfolios (like Health, Education, or Sport).
3. Representation and Accountability
Representation only works if there is accountability. This means that the person representing you must explain their actions and decisions. If a representative fails to follow the Rule of Law or ignores the needs of the people, they can be replaced in the next election.
As a Grade 11 learner, you can interact with your representatives by:
- Attending community meetings.
- Using the petition process to bring issues to their attention.
- Engaging in advocacy campaigns to drive social change.
Activity: Evaluating Representation
- Define: In your own words, what does “representation” mean in a democratic government?
- Compare: How does representation differ from direct participation (like voting in a referendum)?
- Reflect: If your representative stops listening to your community, what steps can you take using your rights and responsibilities to fix the situation?
Next Lesson: The requirement for leaders to answer for their actions: The Meaning of Accountability.
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