Cape town: South Africans have been urged to recommit themselves to the Constitution and actively participate in strengthening the country's democracy as South Africa marks 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution. Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel described the Constitution as both a celebration of the country's democratic achievements and a call to action.

According to South African Government News Agency, Nel spoke under the theme: "One Constitution. One Nation. Reflect. Renew. Recommit." He emphasized that the Constitution was born out of the struggle against colonialism and apartheid, reflecting the aspirations of generations who fought for freedom, equality, and human dignity. Nel stated, "The Constitution is not merely a legal text. It is the product of struggle, sacrifice, and hope."

Nel, who served as a member of the Constitutional Assembly that drafted the Constitution between 1994 and 1996, highlighted that the document drew its roots from historic liberation-era texts, including the ANC's Bill of Rights of 1923, Africans' Claims of 1943, the Women's Charter of 1954, and the Freedom Charter of 1955. He described the Constitution as a "revolutionary and transformative document" aimed at building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic society founded on human dignity, equality, and human rights.

He rejected suggestions that the Constitution stands in the way of transformation, asserting that it was designed to advance social and economic change. "The Constitution is not designed to obstruct transformation but to advance it," Nel said.

Reflecting on three decades of constitutional democracy, Nel noted that South Africa had made significant progress in expanding access to housing, healthcare, education, water, electricity, and social protection while strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law. However, he acknowledged that major challenges remain. "Whilst we are not where we were, we are also not where we need to be," he stated.

Nel cited poverty, unemployment, inequality, crime, corruption, and gender-based violence as ongoing obstacles to achieving the Constitution's vision. He also highlighted the exclusion of many young people from education, skills development, and employment opportunities.

The Deputy Minister warned that democratic values were increasingly under threat globally, with growing attacks on equality, inclusion, democratic institutions, and the rule of law. "We must never take our constitutional democracy for granted," he cautioned.