Ramaphosa: The Constitution is a guardian watching over SA's legal health
Dignitaries gathered at Constitutional Hill on Friday to mark the 30th anniversary of the Constitutional Court.
(From left to right) Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chief Justice Mandisa Maya at at Constitution Hill to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Constitutional Court on 20 June 2025. Picture: @OCJ_RSA/X
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the Constitution as a guardian that has been watching over the nation’s legal health.
Dignitaries gathered at Constitutional Hill on Friday to mark the 30th anniversary of the Constitutional Court.
Ramaphosa was the chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly, which was tasked with drafting the new Constitution in 1994.
On Friday, while delivering the keynote address at the 30th anniversary of the apex court, Ramaphosa recalled the steps that led towards the finalisation of the country’s supreme law.
"Speaking in my capacity, then, as chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly, I described this, our Constitution, as our new nation’s birth certificate, reflecting the history from which we have emerged and the values of human dignity, equality, and freedom that we now cherish."
He said that Friday’s festivities called for more than just celebration but also reflection.
A packed programme has been prepared for Friday’s celebration, with dialogues expected to reflect on significant judgments by the Constitutional Court, such as State vs Makwanyane, which led to the abolition of the death penalty.