Sharpeville - Democratic South Africa has come a long in ensuring that citizens enjoy their rights as enshrined in the Constitution, says President Jacob Zuma.
“Much work has been done since 1994 to ensure the enjoyment of these rights. Concrete steps have been taken since 1994 to remove the laws upon which institutionalised racism and discrimination were based,” the President said on Saturday at an event held to mark the 20th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution.
The Constitution was signed into law on 10 December 1996 by the late former President Nelson Mandela in Sharpeville, Gauteng. The signing of the Constitution in Sharpeville was a commemorative gesture in remembrance of the people who died during a peaceful demonstration against the pass laws of apartheid South Africa in March 1960.
“The Constitution is the birth certificate of the democratic South Africa. It provides the legal foundation for the existence of democratic South Africa. It commits us, individually and collectively, to build a nation based on the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom through constitutionalism and the rule of law,” said the President.
The President described the Constitution’s Bill of Rights as a fundamental feature that affirms the country’s democratic values of human dignity and freedom. This includes the freedom of expression and freedom of the media.
He told those gathered in a large marquee at the venue that as much as they have rights, they too must respect the rights of others.
The socio-economic rights enjoyed by every South African today include the right to education, healthcare and water and electricity, among others.
“During the first 10 years of democracy alone, 789 laws aimed at reconfiguring South African society were approved by Parliament,” said the President.
Government also enacted laws that promoted employment equity, Broad Based Economic Empowerment and the prevention of unfair discrimination. The laws were implemented to promote economic transformation.
“The dismantling of the legal framework of apartheid and the transformation of many State institutions has led to visible improvement of the socio-economic conditions of millions of people,” President Zuma said.
Progress made by South Africa includes the redistribution of nearly eight million hectares of agricultural land to previously disadvantaged people. Land restitution and reform is provided for in Section 25 of the Constitution.
In addition, 3.7 million houses have been built since 1994, while electricity provision has moved from 10 million in 2007 to 15.4 million connections.
On the education front, democratic South Africa has nearly doubled the number of students in higher education institutions to close to one million.
Sound legal framework
President Zuma highlighted the importance of the separation of powers, as contained in the Constitution.
He said a key feature of the Constitution is its well-developed system of checks and balances. These include judicial review, an independent judiciary, legislative oversight over the executive and the establishment of Chapter 9 institutions.
He urged the judiciary to jealously guard its independence, impartiality, dignity, accessibility and effectiveness, while also calling on other arms of the State to support the judiciary.
“It is important to note that the three arms of the State continue to work together in a spirit of cooperation. Where problems arise, these are discussed and resolved.”
President Zuma said when the three arms (executive, legislature and judiciary) function effectively and smoothly, the people of the country benefit.
President Zuma paid tribute to the role that Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa – who was present at the celebrations -- played when the Constitution was signed.
Prior to his main address, President Zuma signed a pledge and laid a wreath at the Sharpeville Memorial Site.
16 Days of Activism
The celebrations of the Constitution coincided with the end of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
The President urged communities to protect women and children.
“Women have a right to safety and security,” he said.
Justice Minister Michael Masutha, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe, as well as acting Premier Jacob Mamabolo also attended the event. – SAnews.gov.za
