Ramaphosa hails SA constitution

by AKANI CHAUKE 
PRETORIA, (CAJ News) – PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed South Africa’s Constitution as one of the country’s greatest democratic achievements, saying no individual or institution is above the law as the nation marks 30 years since the adoption of its supreme law.

In a powerful reflection on the country’s democratic journey, Ramaphosa said South Africa had built a robust political culture anchored in constitutionalism, accountability, public participation and the rule of law.

“We are fortunate to live in a society with a vibrant public space and deeply engaged citizens who know that they have a voice, and more importantly, that their voice matters,” Ramaphosa said.

He described South Africa’s constitutional democracy as resilient and participatory, crediting ordinary citizens for shaping and sustaining the country’s democratic institutions over the past three decades.

The president said the Constitution remained a symbol of the collective aspirations of South Africans from all racial, social and economic backgrounds who participated in drafting the historic document after the end of apartheid.

“As I said at the time, we wanted a People’s Constitution where every South African would be able to put his or her own brick towards building the new South Africa,” Ramaphosa said.

He recalled how citizens from across the country participated in radio discussions, community meetings and written submissions during the constitution-making process, sharing painful experiences of apartheid injustice ranging from forced removals and racial discrimination to labour abuses and denial of basic human rights.

Ramaphosa said these contributions shaped a homegrown Constitution reflecting the hopes, rights and freedoms of the people.

“Our courts continue to serve as institutions that our people trust,” he said.

“In our country, no one is above the law and scrutiny, and no individual or institution is beyond accountability.”

The president defended participatory democracy, arguing that public consultation and engagement remained essential pillars of democratic legitimacy, even if they sometimes slowed decision-making processes.

He said public participation continued through parliamentary hearings, policy consultations and national programmes allowing citizens to engage directly with elected representatives.

Ramaphosa also called on South Africans to actively participate in the upcoming National Dialogue process, which will include nearly 200 engagements across all nine provinces between June and August.

“We are determined that the National Dialogue should fully reflect South Africa’s racial, cultural, social, economic and geographic diversity,” he said.

Ramaphosa urged especially young people to shape the country’s future through active participation.

“As we look with optimism to this new phase in the life of our nation, I call on all South Africans to come together once more and be part of crafting a new vision for South Africa,” the president said.

– CAJ News