Hon Speaker and members, our statement reads as follows: The ANC welcomes the announcement that Lead SA and the Department of Basic Education, with the support of National Interfaith Movement, will soon launch a nationwide programme to teach learners the Bill of Responsibilities. For the first time the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa has been transformed into a practical document, the Bill of Responsibilities.
The Bill of Rights is a legal document, while the Bill of Responsibilities provides a framework of values which we all need to embrace. It will be especially aimed at the youth, but will in time filter into families and the community at large.
The Bill will seek to inculcate the values of rights and responsibilities amongst school children. In particular, the Bill focuses on respect for human dignity and the work ethic. Among the aspects covered in the Bill of Responsibilities will be issues such as the right to education, and the responsibility to attend school regularly, to learn and to work hard, to co- operate respectfully with teachers and fellow learners and to adhere to rules and the codes of conduct of the school.
Other issues that will also be covered include how to be a good and loyal South African citizen - obeying the laws of the country and contributing in every possible way to make South Africa a greater country.
The ANC-led government is committed to building a caring society. The Bill of Rights will play an important role in building the character of children, deterring child pregnancies and the youth's abuse of drugs and alcohol. I thank you. [Applause.]