Abstract
M.Ed.
Democracy is the focal point of this discussion. South Africa is a new democracy and its
success depends on the quality of the contribution that her citizens will make. Enthusiasm
alone will not work, but if coupled with a knowledge about democratic principles, it can
make a difference. This study focuses on participation and co-responsibility as democratic
principles. The school is seen as a place where these principles can be taught in a
systematic way. The problems which are therefore addressed in this dissertation are,
whether children are sufficiently informed about participation and co-responsibility by the
time they reach Std. 10 and whether there are any aspects with regard to these principles
about which children have almost no knowledge.