Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel addressed the gap between South Africa's constitution and daily life during a Pretoria panel on Friday evening. The event marked 30 years since the constitution's formal adoption in 1996.
The panel discussion took place in Pretoria to commemorate the constitutional assembly's adoption of the document on May 8 1996. It came into operation on February 4 1997.
Nel said the constitution serves as more than a legal framework. It forms the foundation of democracy rooted in human dignity, equality and freedom.
"The fault though doesn't lie with the constitution, the constitution is our compact as a nation it spells out the vision of who we want to be," Nel stated. He added that any failure to achieve this vision rests with the people themselves.
Nel also noted threats to national sovereignty from powerful nations whose leaders reject the constitution's values and democratic institutions such as the courts.
