Grade 9

Constitutional Rights & responsibilities (Week 1-3)

Understanding why we celebrate National and International Days.

As South Africans we celebrate a number of holidays.

Some are religious and others in commemoration of events which we should never forget.

NATIONAL DATE WHAT DO WE CELEBRATE

DAY
It celebrates the 1960 Sharpeville massacre (shootings), where 69 people were killed
while protesting apartheid pass laws. It presents an opportunity for all within South Africa
Human to reflect on the human rights we enjoy in a constitutional democracy based on freedom,
21
Rights Day equality and dignity.
March
The Constitution is the ultimate protector of our Human Rights, which were previously
denied to the majority of our people under Apartheid.
We celebrate the first democratic elections held in South Africa in 1994, in which South
Freedom Day 27 April Africans of all races (older than 18) voted for the first time.
In South Africa we celebrate the contribution of workers and trade unions to the struggle
for human and workers’ rights. Worldwide this day has been celebrated for more than 100
Workers’ Day 01 May years Workers’ Day is a national public holiday that is observed on May 1 in South Africa.
Much like May Day, it serves to pay respect and tribute to the working class of the nation.
This day we celebrate the unity of African nations and people.
Africa day Unity was the main objective, promoting peace and harmony. This day
25 May
commemorates the hard-fought achievement of African countries’ freedom from the
European colonial powers.
On this day we are asked to remember the struggles, challenges and achievements
of the many South African youth who fought and lost their lives to bring about a just
Youth Day and democratic society.
16 June This day commemorates the start of the protest held in 1976 against the so-called
Bantu Education. On this day we celebrate the contribution to educational
transformation made by the youth.
This is a day to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela, our former President, and his
values, through volunteering and community service. The purpose of the day is to
Nelson 18 July commemorate Nelson Mandela's 67-year fight for social justice. By donating 67
Mandela
minutes of our time to community service on this day (one minute for each year) we live
Day
his dream for positive change-it is in our hands to make the difference.
On this day, we take the time to embrace refugees and asylum seekers. Stand in
World support of government and organisations that assist refugees. Be a voice against
Refugee’s 20 June xenophobia. It is a special day for the world to take time to recognise the resilience of
Day
forcibly displaced people across the world.
On this day we remember and honour the role of women in the struggle for democracy
Women’s Day 09 August in South Africa, and to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political
achievements of women in society.

We are asked to focus our thoughts on reconciliation- contributing to peace between

24 the nation. We should celebrate the intended vision of the democratic government- that
Heritage Day September
reconciliation, peace and stability would be a defining character of our new democratic
dispensation.
We are asked to focus our thoughts on reconciliation- contributing to peace between
Day of 16 the nation. We should celebrate the intended vision of the democratic government- that
Reconciliation December
reconciliation, peace and stability would be a defining character of our new democratic
dispensation.
 Activity 1: Please complete the table below
No. Public Holiday Name Reason
1 1 January

2 21 March

3 Friday before Easter Sunday

4 Monday after Easter Sunday

5 27 April

6 1 May

7 16 June

8 9 August

9 24 September

10 16 December

11 25 December

12 26 December

Activity 2 – Show and tell

Tell your family in the house about 27 April. What the day is all
about and what we are commemorating.