SCL1501
Assignment 1 Semester 2
26 August 2024
, SCL1501
QUESTION 1
1. Connection between the Freedom Charter and the South African Constitution
The Freedom Charter and the Constitution of South Africa are foundational
documents that reflect the aspirations and values of the South African people. The
Freedom Charter, adopted in 1955 by the Congress of the People, laid down the vision
for a future South Africa based on equality, justice, and human rights. The Constitution,
which came into effect in 1996, embodies many of the principles articulated in the
Freedom Charter.
The connection between the two documents is evident in several ways:
• Equality and Non-Discrimination
Both documents emphasize the importance of equality. The Freedom Charter
declares that “South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white,” while the
Constitution enshrines equality before the law in Section 9, ensuring that
everyone is equal and no one should be unfairly discriminated against.
• Human Rights and Dignity
The Freedom Charter calls for “equal human rights” and “dignity” for all, which is
echoed in the Constitution's Bill of Rights (Chapter 2), where the right to human
dignity and the protection of human rights are core principles.
• Democratic Governance