Ramaphosa laments gap between Constitution and lived reality
President Cyril Ramaphosa says there is a gap between the promises of South Africa’s Constitution and the everyday reality of many of the country's citizens.
He delivered the keynote address at an event marking the 30th anniversary of the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg on Friday.
"The reality we must confront is that there are significant challenges with constitutionalism today. There is a disconnect between the promise of our constitution and the lived realities of South Africans.
"The promise of the Constitution is far from fully realised. Persistent inequality, threats to judicial independence, lack of implementation of court orders, and erosion of trust in institutions remain pressing challenges.
However, despite this, Ramaphosa says the apex court has done its part in building trust in the country's judiciary.
He says the Court has survived a lot of challenges, including political controversies.
"In the early years since democracy and well beyond, this court has contributed not just judicial validation of the constitutional order. It has elevated the consciousness of our people about their constitutional rights. It has contributed to building trust in the judicial system.
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"Through principled constitutional interpretation, it has contributed greatly towards advancing national cohesion and reconciliation. The objective of national cohesion and reconciliation has been executed by the court.
“Through its decisions, it has ensured that all people are treated fairly and equally under the law, thus affirming the legitimacy of the legal order and promoting a sense of belonging among all citizens."
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya said the Constitutional Court has faithfully fulfilled its role as guardian of the Constitution.
She also highlighted how the judiciary has helped ensure accountability in both government and among lawmakers.
"In seminal decisions such as Doctors for Life, the so-called Nkandla case and many others, the court reaffirmed the pivotal role that courts play to ensure that all branches of government and public office bearers adhere to their constitutional obligations."
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