Introduction to democracy, constitutionalism and the South
African constitution (Calland)
(1) What is a constitution?
A constitution is a written statute that does a number of things. It
regulates governance and outlines from where the government derives its
power, putting in place limitations thereon. Above this, however, it also
outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual. A
constitution, typically, is all-encompassing and applies to everyone. In
these ways, our constitution is typically liberal. However, the South African
constitution is also historically reactive and is constantly aware of its
greater goal of transformation in a political, economic and social sense. In
this way, the South African constitution is post-liberal. It survives in both
its current context as well as its past context.
Purpose of a constitution
- To enshrine and protect human rights
- To mandate how government should interact with the people
- How the branches of government should interact between
themselves
- Essentially, it provides a road-map as to how public power should be
exercised in a country
- It organises instituions, putting powers in place as well as setting
limits on these powers
- Essentially, it creates systems of governance
Factors that influence the operation of the Constitution
- Judges influence the interpretation of the constitution
- Education within the country can influence how people understand
the democratic ethos
- The political, social and historical context into which the constitution
was born will infleunce the way in which the constitution is formed
and how it then operates
- Access to justice
- The dynamics within politics play an important role as an
overwhelming majority may make it easier to change the
constitution
(2) What kind of democracy does South Africa have?
- The simple answer is that South Africa has a constitutional
democracy, whereby the constitution reigns supreme.
- Our democracy is representative because (1) it is logistically
necessary for us to elect representatives who makes decisions on
behalf of their electorate (2) Burke argues that people, on the
whole, are ignorant and so skilled, trained and well-informed
representatives necessarily make decisions on our behalf. This is a
largely antequated and derogatorty view, however (3) democracy
needs to be a perpetual conversation between representatives and
the electorate
- Our democracy is majoritarian in that our democracy is based on
the majority rule of the citizenry.
, - Our democracy is Parliamentary in that we have one election, in
which we vote for representation within Parliament. The Executive is
then formed out of the Legislature.
- Our democracy is participatory. The citizenry does not just have a
say as to how the country is run during the elections, but also
actively in the legislative process (see Doctors for Life case). This is
enshrined in the Constitution [s57(1)(b)/s70(1)(b)].
(3) Transition to democracy (1990-1994)
Resistance to Apartheid and the Freedom Charter
- ANC formed in 1912 & became militant in 1948 ( Defiance Campaign
1952 with passive resistance).
- ANC wrote the Freedom Charter (expressed desires of majority in
creating non-racial country)
- PAC broke from ANC in 1959 (Sobukwe believed in African-led
struggle/Black Consciousness)
- Soweto uprising 1976, and Biko’s death 1977 increased violent
opposition (SoE)
- First signs of negotiations in 1990 with unbanning of ANC and
release of political prisoners.
CODESA and multi-party negotiations
- CODESA was convened in late 1991 and was tasked with drafting
the Interim Constitution
- CODESA was set in motion when the Declaration of Intent was
signed in 1991, which expressed a common view that would be
enshrined in the Constitution.
- Interim Constitution was adopted in 1993 before it was ratified by
the apartheid government
Two Stage approach to the transition to democracy
- ANC & NP wanted different kinds of government but compromised
by agreeing on a two-stage transition from apartheid to democratic
state instead of outright transferal of power
1. Negotiation for the interim constitution of 1994 and
establishment of Government of National Unity (power sharing)
2. Constitutional Assembly would draft Final Constitution after 1994
democratic elections
- Interim Constitution determined that decisions of the CC, compliant
with the constitutional text, would be final and binding (cannot later
be questions as to compliance)
- Final C had to comply with 34 Constitutional Principles (drafted by
Constitutional Assembly).
Interim Constitution Final Constitution
Negotuated by unelected MPNF Negotiated by a Constitutional
formed before the first democratic Assembly after the first democratic
election election
Power-sharing agreement between No power-sharing (winner of 1999
the ANC and the NP election governs the country)
Contains 34 Constitutional In adherence with these 34
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