Ramaphosa Celebrates 30 Years of Constitutional Court as Beacon of Democracy

President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the Constitutional Court of South Africa for its unwavering dedication to justice, democracy, and human rights, marking the institution’s 30th anniversary at a commemorative event in Johannesburg. Speaking at the historic Constitutional Hill precinct, where the apex court stands on the symbolic ruins of the Old Fort prison, the President lauded the court’s journey as one of vision, transformation, and enduring legal significance.

“This court is more than just a legal body—it is a noble symbol of our democratic order; both immortal and legal compass,” said President Ramaphosa. “It reflects our national commitment to constitutionalism, justice, and accountability.”

A Living Monument to Justice

President Ramaphosa reflected on the symbolism of the court’s location, built on the site of a former apartheid-era prison that once held political prisoners. This foundation, he said, underscores South Africa’s transition from oppression to democracy and is a physical and moral reminder of how the law can serve as a tool of liberation rather than repression.

The President recounted the momentous adoption of South Africa’s Constitution on 8 May 1996, describing it as the “birth certificate” of the democratic nation. As the former Chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly, Ramaphosa highlighted the emotional weight of that moment.

“Without the Constitution, our country would be cast adrift, vulnerable to the excesses of unchecked power,” he said. “This Court has safeguarded our democratic vision as outlined in that foundational document.”

Landmark Judgments and a Culture of Rights

Celebrating the court’s jurisprudence, President Ramaphosa applauded its transformative role in shaping a rights-based culture. He cited landmark cases such as:

• S v Makwanyane, which abolished the death penalty

• Grootboom, affirming the right to housing

• Minister of Health v Treatment Action Campaign, ensuring access to HIV/AIDS treatment

These judgments, he noted, were not mere legal decisions, but turning points in the national conscience.

“The Constitutional Court has not just interpreted the law; it has shaped our society. Its judgments have changed lives,” the President emphasized.

He praised the court for upholding the dignity of marginalized communities, including same-sex couples, women in traditional marriages, children, the sick, the poor, and the infirm. These rulings, he said, prove that equality and justice are not privileges for the few, but rights for all.

Global Inspiration, Local Adaptation

Acknowledging the international influences that informed South Africa’s constitutional framework, Ramaphosa quoted former Justice Albie Sachs, who described how the drafters borrowed legal concepts from Canada, Germany, India, and the United States, yet transformed them into uniquely South African legal principles.

“We took global best practice, and through the lens of our own history and values, created a Constitution that is proudly South African,” he said.

Challenges in Realising Constitutional Promise

While celebrating past achievements, President Ramaphosa also highlighted shortcomings in delivering socio-economic rights. He reflected on the legacy of Ms. Irene Grootboom, the applicant in the landmark housing rights case, who tragically died without ever receiving the decent home she fought for.

“It is a blight on our democracy that she died with her dream unfulfilled. No citizen should have to resort to litigation to claim rights the state is already obligated to provide,” he said.

The President noted that inequality, delayed implementation of court orders, threats to judicial independence, and institutional mistrust remain ongoing concerns that must be addressed to fully realize the Constitution’s transformative vision.

Support for the Judiciary and Judicial Independence

Reaffirming government’s duty to uphold the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary, Ramaphosa announced plans for increased budgetary and administrative support, including:

• Enhanced court infrastructure

• Expanded judicial education and training

• Institutional safeguards to protect judicial independence

He also confirmed that a joint committee of the executive and judiciary is in the final stages of preparing a comprehensive action plan aimed at strengthening the judicial system’s institutional framework.

“Judicial independence is a cornerstone of democracy and the rule of law. We are committed to preserving and reinforcing that foundation,” he asserted.

Tribute to Legal Pioneers

The President paid special tribute to the founding members of the Constitutional Court, including Justices Albie Sachs and Kate O’Regan, and acknowledged the contributions of clerks, legal advisors, and court staff who shaped its legacy.

He shared personal stories, including those from his legal advisor, Advocate Nokukhanya Jele, who clerked during the court’s early years—an era marked by passion, minimal resources, and a shared sense of mission.

“For those early clerks, it wasn’t just a job—it was history in the making,” he said.

A Call to Recommitment and National Unity

Looking forward, President Ramaphosa called on legal professionals, lawmakers, civil society, and ordinary citizens to recommit to constitutional values, emphasizing the need for integrity, accountability, and public service.

“Thirty years on, the Constitutional Court stands as a beacon of democracy and a compass for our nation’s journey ahead. As we confront poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment, we do so with the assurance that our guardians of justice walk with us,” he said.

He ended with a rousing call for the court to remain “a living institution”, rooted in the values of Ubuntu, responsive to societal shifts, and steadfast in defending human dignity.