President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the Constitutional Court as a beacon of hope, 30 years after its establishment.
He was delivering a keynote address during a ceremony to mark 30 years of the court held at its headquarters in Braamfontein.
“We celebrate the existence of this court over the 30 years in which it has defended our democratic vision as set out in our birth certificate, our constitution. This court has been the guardian, watching over our nation’s legal health just as a parent would attend to the health of their growing child.
“The establishment of the Court lent legitimacy to the new order at a time when we were emerging from decades of oppression. In many ways the Court was born of struggle and hope, anchored in the belief that never again shall South Africa be governed without regard for dignity, equality, and justice for all who live in it,” said Ramaphosa.
Furthermore, Ramaphosa said the court has since the early years of democracy, contributed greatly towards advancing national cohesion and reconciliation.
He said the court has ensured that all people are treated fairly and equally under the law.
The president cited some of the far-reaching judgments handed down by the court, including the abolishing of the death penalty, the right to housing, same-sex couples, traditional marriages, and the right to healthcare and access to HIV/Aids treatment.
Ramaphosa has affirmed government’s commitment to providing all the necessary support to the judiciary and ensure that it does its work without any hindrance.
“At our meeting with the Judiciary recently, we committed to taking steps to advance the independence of the judiciary and the future of our courts’ administration. A joint committee will develop an action plan to be finalised six weeks from now. We will ensure the Judiciary is rightly constituted as an equal branch of government with the Legislature and the Executive,” remarked the president.
He praised the court, for withstanding political pressure, and continuing to deliver fair and just judgments.
“What has defined the Constitutional Court that we are proud of is not just the wisdom of its judgments, but the courage of its convictions. It has withstood political pressure, defended the separation of powers, and asserted that no person or institution is above the Constitution. It has done so with a steady voice, grounded in reason, compassion, and principle,” explained the president.
