This milestone presents a significant moment to reflect on the country’s democratic journey and the transformative vision embodied in the Constitution, widely regarded as one of the most progressive in the world.
The Constitution stands as the cornerstone of South Africa’s democracy, guaranteeing the protection of human rights, equality before the law, and the rule of law. It represents the culmination of decades of struggle against oppression and injustice, and serves as a living document that continues to guide the nation’s pursuit of freedom, justice, and dignity for all who live in it.
#30yearsoftheconstitution
Toolkit
Pre-recorded Message of Support by the Hon Andries Nel, MP, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development at the 30th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Constitution by the Centre for Constitutional Values on 24 August 2026
"When we reflect on the past thirty years, there is much of which South Africans can be proud. The Constitution fundamentally changed the legal and political order imposed by colonialism and apartheid. It remains our lodestar for the fundamental political, social and economic transformation of our country into a truly united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous nation." Read the full message.
The 490 Project: Women's Rights and Participation (Episode 5), 08 August 2026
This 490 video is focused on Women's Rights and Participation, and it tells the story of how women were instrumental in shaping South Africa's democratic Constitution. Through the voices of women who served in the Constitutional Assembly and the functionaries, the episode highlights how they worked across party lines to ensure that equality, dignity, non-sexism, and non-discrimination became foundational values of the Constitution. We link this to Women's Month, celebrating the women who fought to secure these rights and inspiring continued participation in advancing gender equality and constitutional democracy.
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The 490 Project: Public Participation in the Constitution making process 1994-1996 (Episode 4), 20 July 2026
This 490 video is focused on the Public, and it tells the story of how the motto of the writers of the Constitution was "Nothing above the Heads or behind the Backs of the People". The Constitutional Assembly took on the largest public participation process that has ever been done in South Africa to date. We link this to Mandela Day which encourages civic action and participation in nation-building.
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Youth and the Constitution Dialogue, 19 June 2026
The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Andries Nel addressed the Youth and the Constitution Dialogue in observance of the 50th Anniversary of the student uprising and the 30th Anniversary of adoption of the Constitution in 1996. The Dialogue seeked to create a common understanding and vision of a united South Africa where all young people have equal rights and access to socio-economic opportunities. It forms part of the Department’s Youth Month Commemoration activities and brings together the Youth of 1976 and the youth born post-democracy for intergenerational sharing of experiences.
Speakers’ Webinar to commemorate 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution, 08 May 2026
Speaker Didiza delivered the keynote address, focusing on “30 Years of Constitutional Democracy: Parliament’s Role and the Road Ahead”, while the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Andries Nel, made a presentation on the executive’s role, titled: “Defending the Constitution: 30 Years of the Executive’s Role”.
The 490 Project: Adoption of the Constitution (Episode 3), 07 May 2026
Celebrating this milestone and sharing how the writers of the Constitution felt on that day when Thabo Mbeki gave his iconic "I am an African" speech. They all describe is at a magical moment after having spent 2 years drafting the Constitution to all come together and have a majority vote standing behind what they had drafted.
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The 490 Project: The First Democratic Vote (Episode 2), 7 Apr 2026
This 490 video is focused on the First Democratic Vote, and it tells the story of how we go to that 1st democratic vote, how Black people felt voting for the first time and what Section 19 of the Constitution means for the people of South Africa. Hearing it from the 490, who voted for the first time in 1994.
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Remarks by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi on the occasion of an engagement with the National Press Club on 30 Years of the Constitution, Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership, Midrand, Wednesday, 29 April 2026
Executive Statement by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi on the 30th Anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa on the occasion of the National Assembly Plenary, 10 March 2026
The 490 Project: Episode 1- Human Rights in the South African Constitution, 21 March 2026
South Africa’s Constitution placed human dignity, equality, and freedom at the heart of democracy. Featured in this video we have Judge Dennis Davis, Prof Sandra Liebenberg, Former Minister Naledi Pandor, Former Minister Barbara Hogan, the first Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka, former MP Mohammed Bhabha, and Former Minister and Chair of WeThePeopleSA Valli Moosa.
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Student Engagement hosted by Deputy Minister Nel, 20 March 2026
As part of the Human Rights Month programme to commemorate 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution, the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Andries Nel, will host a Student Engagement on Friday, 20 March 2026 in Kimberley. The Student Engagement brought together students from the campuses of the Northern Cape Urban TVET College in Kimberley to reflect on the significance of the Constitution, its role in advancing democracy, and the responsibility of young people to uphold and protect constitutional values. The theme for the 30th anniversary of the Constitution is: “30 Years of Constitutional Democracy: Reflect, Renew, Recommit.”
Executive Statement by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi on the 30th Anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa on the occasion of the National Assembly Plenary, 10 March 2026
Launch of 30 years of the constitution programme and human rights month, 2 Mar 2026 [Part 1]
Launch of 30 years of the constitution programme and human rights month, 2 Mar 2026 [Part 1]
Follow this link to view the SA Constitution YouTube Playlist.
