The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996
As adopted on 8 May 1996 and amended on 11 October 1996 by the Constitutional Assembly
(Manner of reference to the Act, previously “Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996”, substituted by s. 1 (1) of the Citation of Constitutional Laws, 2005 (Act No. 5 of 2005) [Assented to 10 December 1996] [DATE OF PROMULGATION: 18 DECEMBER, 1996]
[DATE OF COMMENCEMENT: 4 FEBRUARY, 1997] (unless otherwise indicated – see also s. 243[5]) (English text signed by the President) as amended by Constitution First Amendment Act of 1997 Constitution Second Amendment Act of 1998 Constitution Third Amendment Act of 1998 Constitution Fourth Amendment Act of 1999 Constitution Fifth Amendment Act of 1999 Constitution Sixth Amendment Act of 2001 Constitution Seventh Amendment Act of 2001 Constitution Eighth Amendment Act of 2002 Constitution Ninth Amendment Act of 2002 Constitution Tenth Amendment Act of 2003 Constitution Eleventh Amendment Act of 2003 Constitution Twelfth Amendment Act of 2005 Constitution Thirteenth Amendment Act of 2007 Constitution Fourteenth Amendment Act of 2008 Constitution Fifteen Amendment Act of 2008 Constitution Sixteenth Amendment Act of 2009 Constitution Seventeenth Amendment Act of 2012 In terms of Proclamation No. 26 of 26 April, 2001, the administration of this Act has been assigned to the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development. ACT To introduce a new Constitution for the Republic of South Africa and to provide for matters incidental thereto.Preamble
We, the people of South Africa, Recognise the injustices of our past; Honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land; Respect those who have worked to build and develop our country; and Believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity. We therefore, through our freely elected representatives, adopt this Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic so as to Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights; Lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law; Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person; and Build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations. May God protect our people. Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso. God seën Suid-Afrika. God bless South Africa. Mudzimu fhatutshedza Afurika. Hosi katekisa Afrika.
Chapter 1 Founding Provisions