Johannesburg: President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded the Constitutional Court for its pivotal role in enhancing democracy, human rights, and national unity over the last three decades. Speaking at the 30-year anniversary celebration of the court’s founding in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa emphasized the court’s importance as both a legal institution and a symbol of democratic values.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa described the court as a “noble symbol of our democratic order,” highlighting its role in guiding constitutionalism in South Africa. Reflecting on the court’s establishment in 1994 on the grounds of the Old Fort prison, he noted its significance as a monument to South Africa’s past and a beacon of constitutional justice.
The President also referenced the adoption of the Constitution on May 8, 1996, likening it to a birth certificate affirming dignity, equality, and freedom for all. He emphasized the court’s role in defending the democratic vision outlined in the Constitution and its function as a guardian of the nation’s legal health.
President Ramaphosa credited the court with fostering a culture of rights through transformative judgments, such as those abolishing the death penalty, addressing housing rights, and ensuring access to healthcare. He praised the court for affirming the rights of vulnerable groups, including same-sex couples, women in traditional marriages, and the marginalized, while acknowledging international legal influences that shaped South Africa’s Constitution.
He addressed the challenges and shortcomings in fully realizing constitutional promises, particularly in socio-economic rights delivery. The President highlighted the ongoing disconnect between constitutional promises and lived realities, citing persistent inequality and threats to judicial independence as pressing issues.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the judiciary, President Ramaphosa outlined efforts to support judicial independence and effectiveness, including budget allocations for court services and infrastructure. He announced a forthcoming action plan to strengthen the judicial system’s independence.
The President paid tribute to the pioneers of the Constitutional Court, including retired justices and early contributors, acknowledging their role in shaping the court’s legacy. He urged legal professionals, government leaders, and citizens to recommit to the Constitution’s values of accountability and public service.
Looking ahead, President Ramaphosa called for continued dedication to the Constitutional Court as a beacon of democracy and a guide for the nation’s future, emphasizing the importance of upholding ubuntu, accountability, and human dignity in the years to come.