Q&A
1. The source that makes the most sense to begin my research with
The first source that I have chosen to consult is the Constitution of South Africa, which entails, in detail, the basic and labour rights of all citizens. The Constitution guides all South Africans, both governmental bodies and ordinary members of the public. The interest of the general public is highly respected in South Africa; therefore, it must also be noted that Black university graduates form part of the public - thus, their interest should be equally respected.
2. Locating and accessing the source
The Constitution of South Africa is easily available in libraries, courts and via the internet. It is presented in the form of a document, which can be accessed by anyone and anytime. The document comprises 216 pages and explains the laws that govern the country. For example, Chapter 2—the Bill of Rights, Section 8 (d), states that the citizens of South Africa are “not to be tortured in any way”. In accordance to the expectations of the Constitution, one must note that depriving a Black graduate of a chance to work and earn income is torture; therefore, access to this document will assist in highlighting the irregularities that have been introduced by the majority of companies in South African.
3. In response to the following questions about my source:
I. what is the source’s purpose?
The Constitution of the Republic was created:
“to— Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights; Lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law; Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person; and Build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.” - The constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
II. how does the source go about achieving its purpose?
The Constitution achieves its purpose by being a reference for courts and the general public when there are injustices and irregularities taking place in the country. It provides values and laws that govern and protect the basic rights of all citizens, including the rights of Black graduates. It must be noted that the Constitution of South Africa was written and documented in 1996, two years after the Republic regained its freedom from its oppressors. Therefore, the analysis and methodology that were used were in consideration of the apartheid history and the hopeful future that was aimed to be achieved under the ANC government. Although the Constitution was written by the government, it also governs them. For example, if the government is failing to meet the content written in the document, the members of the public can use the Constitution to hold the government accountable of its failures.
III. how might you use this source in a larger research project?
The constitution can be used to challenge certain reports and processes that are used by companies to alienate Black graduates from obtaining jobs that could possibly empower them economically. In using the Constitution, I aim to assess the processes, decisions, and opinions of the citizens from a legal perspective. In doing so, and hopefully, getting to the root cause for the high unemployment rate among Black graduates. Another example, the Labour Relations Act of South Africa, which is a guide for labour relations, is embedded in the Constitution; thus, using it will allow me to reach the depths of the cause for the labour issue.
1. The source that makes the most sense to begin my research with
The first source that I have chosen to consult is the Constitution of South Africa, which entails, in detail, the basic and labour rights of all citizens. The Constitution guides all South Africans, both governmental bodies and ordinary members of the public. The interest of the general public is highly respected in South Africa; therefore, it must also be noted that Black university graduates form part of the public - thus, their interest should be equally respected.
2. Locating and accessing the source
The Constitution of South Africa is easily available in libraries, courts and via the internet. It is presented in the form of a document, which can be accessed by anyone and anytime. The document comprises 216 pages and explains the laws that govern the country. For example, Chapter 2—the Bill of Rights, Section 8 (d), states that the citizens of South Africa are “not to be tortured in any way”. In accordance to the expectations of the Constitution, one must note that depriving a Black graduate of a chance to work and earn income is torture; therefore, access to this document will assist in highlighting the irregularities that have been introduced by the majority of companies in South African.
3. In response to the following questions about my source:
I. what is the source’s purpose?
The Constitution of the Republic was created:
“to— Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights; Lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law; Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person; and Build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.” - The constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
II. how does the source go about achieving its purpose?
The Constitution achieves its purpose by being a reference for courts and the general public when there are injustices and irregularities taking place in the country. It provides values and laws that govern and protect the basic rights of all citizens, including the rights of Black graduates. It must be noted that the Constitution of South Africa was written and documented in 1996, two years after the Republic regained its freedom from its oppressors. Therefore, the analysis and methodology that were used were in consideration of the apartheid history and the hopeful future that was aimed to be achieved under the ANC government. Although the Constitution was written by the government, it also governs them. For example, if the government is failing to meet the content written in the document, the members of the public can use the Constitution to hold the government accountable of its failures.
III. how might you use this source in a larger research project?
The constitution can be used to challenge certain reports and processes that are used by companies to alienate Black graduates from obtaining jobs that could possibly empower them economically. In using the Constitution, I aim to assess the processes, decisions, and opinions of the citizens from a legal perspective. In doing so, and hopefully, getting to the root cause for the high unemployment rate among Black graduates. Another example, the Labour Relations Act of South Africa, which is a guide for labour relations, is embedded in the Constitution; thus, using it will allow me to reach the depths of the cause for the labour issue.