
The South African Constitution came into effect on 4
February 1997.

Considered one of the most progressive Constitutions in
the world.

RSA is one, sovereign, democratic state.
 Sovereign
= “possessing supreme or ultimate power” and
“very good or effective”
Human dignity, achievement of equality and
advancement of human rights and freedoms.
 Non-racism and non-sexism
 Supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law.
 Universal adult suffrage (right to vote in political
elections), national common voters roll, regular elections
and multi-party system of democratic government to
ensure accountability, responsiveness and openness


Everyone has an inherent (belonging by nature)
dignity and, therefore, has the right to have their
dignity protected and respected.

Dignity is behaving graciously and in a way that
demands respect from others – stems from
knowing that you are important and have value
and it’s based off of how other people treat you.

Can’t feel dignified if someone is degrading or
humiliating you.

Before the law (according to the law) everyone
is equal and everyone has the right to equal
protection and benefit from the law.

Equality means equally enjoying and using all
the rights and freedoms allocated to citizens.

People may not be discriminated against
because of their race, gender, sex, pregnancy,
marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour,
sexual orientation, age, disability, religion,
culture and language

This means that the SA Constitution proposes that people
should have certain rights and freedoms, and that even these
should be improved (update rights and freedoms).

Everyone has the right to freedom of expression which includes:
 Freedom
of the press and other media
 Freedom
to receive or share information or ideas
 Freedom
of artistic creativity, academic freedom and
freedom of scientific research

Everyone has the right to freedom of
conscience, religion, thought, belief
and opinion.

Religious rituals may be held at state or
state-aided institutions (only if they
follow the rules made by leading
authorities, provide the same
opportunities for all religions, and
attendance is free and voluntary
If people are allowed to have freedom, that means they are
entitled to make their own decisions and choices.
Eg.
They can choose where they want to live and what
school they want to study at + what they would like to
study.
If people are allowed to have freedom, they can choose
what religion they want to follow (without having to worry
about being intimidated). Having freedom also means that
people can share their own opinions and be heard – you
don’t have to agree with other people’s opinions though.

Linked to equality.

Different races are equal
under SA law.

Schools are open to all
races.

People can and are
adopting babies of a race
that is different to their own.

SA sport is racially mixed.

Commission on Gender Equality is part of the Constitution to
promote democracy and human rights.

Aim is to try and expose gender discrimination laws and to
change sexist attitudes, gender stereotypes, as well as
teaching how to respect women’s rights.

Main aim of the Commission is to help the disadvantaged
women (ie. those in rural areas) through helping restore their
dignity and pride.

Gender Equality starts at home so parents and siblings must
teach one another to value and appreciate women and girls.