Thokozile Mnguni
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged citizens to play an active role in shaping the country’s future as the nation marks 30 years since the Constitution’s adoption.
In his latest newsletter, Ramaphosa said public participation remains a foundation of democracy. He said the Constitution was developed through extensive consultation with ordinary people.
“We are fortunate to live in a society with a vibrant public space and deeply engaged citizens who know that they have a voice, and more importantly, that their voice matters,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the country’s courts, media and civil society organisations continue to strengthen democracy. He added that accountability and the rule of law remain key constitutional principles.
The President reflected on the constitution-making process in the mid-1990s. He said people from all backgrounds had an opportunity to contribute.
Thousands of submissions were received. These covered human rights, environmental protection, disability rights and language preservation.
“The outcome of all the submissions, that ran into hundreds of thousands of pages and words, was a homegrown constitution that reflects the aspirations of the South African people who had a hand in drafting it,” he said.
Ramaphosa also encouraged citizens to take part in the upcoming National Dialogue.
He said up to 195 pilot dialogues will be held across all nine provinces between June and August. The discussions will include community meetings, digital engagements and sector-specific dialogues.
“We are determined that the National Dialogue should fully reflect South Africa’s racial, cultural, social, economic and geographic diversity,” he said.
Ramaphosa said young people must play a meaningful role in the process.
“As we look with optimism to this new phase in the life of our nation, I call on all South Africans to come together once more and be part of crafting a new vision for South Africa,” he said.