Pretoria: The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, has described the Constitution as a path-altering legal document that has 'profoundly transformed' South Africa. The Deputy Minister addressed the National Council of Provinces' debate on Human Rights Day on Wednesday afternoon. This year, South Africa commemorates the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution as the country's superior legal authority.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Deputy Minister stated, 'The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, the basis for the transformation of our society into a united, non-racial, non-sexist democratic state founded on the values of human dignity, the achievement of equality, and the advancement of human rights and freedoms.' He highlighted that over the past three decades, the Constitution has transformed South Africa's political and legal landscape into a constitutional democracy. It recognizes past injustices and inequalities and obligates both the government and citizens to work towards healing divisions and establishing a society based on democratic values and human rights.
The Deputy Minister described the Constitution as 'both revolutionary and transformative.' It aims to build a South African nation united in diversity, a democratic and developmental state meeting the needs of its people, and an inclusive economy benefiting all South Africans. Nel emphasized the Constitution's role in fostering a democratic and prosperous society.
Furthermore, he called on members of the House to consider reciting the Preamble of the Constitution during gatherings. 'We appeal to you, the Chairperson and the members here present, to consider making the reciting to the Preamble of the Constitution a standard practice when we meet as the freely elected representatives of the people of South Africa to discharge our duties and responsibilities in terms of the Constitution which we have all sworn an oath to uphold,' he explained. The recitation serves as a reminder of the nation's history, identity, and values.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 student uprisings and the 70th anniversary of the 1956 women's march, where over 20,000 women protested against apartheid laws. Nel reminded the audience of the events at Sharpeville in 1960, when apartheid police opened fire on unarmed protestors, killing 69 people. 'Human Rights Day reminds us of the sacrifices of our past, the struggles of our present, and the hopes of our future,' he concluded.