In the Manifesto, the place of the Ten Constitutional Values in education is explained as follows:

• Democracy

The Manifesto defines democracy as ‘a society's means to engage critically with itself’. It acknowledges that democracy implies an ‘immense responsibility’ and regards education as the key, because, ‘it empowers us to exercise our democratic rights, and shape our destiny, by giving us the tools to participate in public life, to think critically, and to act responsibly’.

• Social justice and equity

Social justice has to be implemented to rectify the injustices of the past. The Constitution sees the right to proper housing, health-care services, sufficient food and water, social security and basic education as unchallengeable rights. Additionally, all children under the age of eighteen have the absolute right to be protected from ill-treatment, desertion, abuse or humiliation. According to the Constitution, all South African learners should have admission to schools and in their mother tongue if they so require.

• Equality

The Constitution indisputably regards every person as equal before the law. Every form of discrimination is rejected. This means that all learners should get equal education and equal opportunities to develop their full potential. The State is compelled to supply all schools with same access to resources and staff. This clause in the Constitution also rejects any form of discrimination between individuals. Teachers are not allowed to discriminate against learners, just as learners are not allowed to discriminate against teachers. The values of tolerance and respect are represented by this clause.

• Nonracism and nonsexism

People should not only be regarded as equal, but they should also be treated as equal. In the past many people were discriminated against on grounds of race or gender. The Manifesto endorses practices to redress these imbalances, such as ensuring equal access of learners to education, and equal attainment of black and female learners and teachers. No harassment should be allowed and all places of learning should be safe.

• Ubuntu

The values of ubuntu (‘I am human as you are human’) and human dignity emphasise the need for compassion, kindness, altruism and respect. If these are at the core of education, schools will become places where the culture of teaching and learning thrive. Schools will then become ‘dynamic hubs of industry and achievement rather than places of conflict and pain’.