Abstract
This article posits an intervention in the education system which integrates the theories of
justice as fairness and deliberative democracy. The aim is to honour every child's right to
learn in freedom, and to ensure that every child becomes a responsible and democratic South
African citizen. The education system and the schools in that system are described as a
workplace where adults and children can work together as educators and learners towards
achieving the goal of justice by practising the principles of democracy. This includes the
author's conception of the constructs of ubuntu, solidarity, and an existential awareness of
interrelationships. In addition the author explicates her conceptions of justice and democracy
and argues that a circular relationship between these concepts exists that is relevant to the
South Africa context. Secondly, the author attempts to search for justice and democracy in
South African schools. This goal is achieved through portraying the unjust and undemocratic
current scenario in South African schools. In response to this scenario, the intervention
provides a vision of hope for just and democratic schools in South Africa.