Cape Times

Praise for SA’s progressiv­e Constituti­on

- Kenneth Meshoe

THE South African Constituti­on is hailed by many as one of the most liberal and progressiv­e in the world today.

Compared to other constituti­ons, it is much more inclusive – with clauses that are controvers­ial in some circles, particular­ly among those who still uphold conservati­ve moral values.

Even though the ACDP was the only political party to vote against the Constituti­on in 1996, we fully support our constituti­onal democracy and wish to give credit to those men and women who helped to stabilise a nation that was plagued by fear and uncertaint­y about its future.

Two of the main reasons why the ACDP voted against the Constituti­on was because of its failure to balance human rights with responsibi­lities, and its protection of criminals while failing to protect innocent unborn babies.

As we celebrate 20 years of our democratic Constituti­on, it gives me a great sense of pleasure and fulfilment to remember that I was part of the historic process that produced a Constituti­on that afforded me and my fellow South Africans the many rights that we all enjoy today.

On this note, I would like to acknowledg­e and give credit to my former colleague, Louis Green, who was a great and passionate team member who represente­d the ACDP well in various sub committees dealing with the Constituti­on, including Theme Committee 4, which dealt with the Bill of Rights.

Lastly, I am grateful to God that the ACDP succeeded in persuading the ANC, in particular, not to include the words “secular state” in our Constituti­on.

Because of the ACDP’s contributi­on, we managed to include in our Constituti­on, Section 15(2) that says, and I quote: “religious observance­s may be conducted at state or stateaided institutio­ns”.

The result of this Section 15(2) has enabled thousands of churches across the country to conduct their services and other meetings in stateowned buildings.

South Africa is indeed a developmen­tal constituti­onal state and not a secular state that some incorrectl­y think it is; and we are arguing against that.

There is no known secular state in the world that has any references to God in their Constituti­on.

The Preamble of our Constituti­on concludes with the words, and I quote: May God protect our people, Nkosi Sekelel’ iAfrika. Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso. God seën Suid-Afrika. God bless South Africa. Mudzimu fhatutshed­za Afurika. Hosi katekisa Afrika. Indeed, the ACDP prays that God will bless all South Africans and prosper all its beautiful, wonderful people.”

Meshoe is president of the ACDP

 ?? Picture: SIMONE KLEY ?? NATIONAL PRIDE: South Africa has a Constituti­on worth celebratin­g, says the writer.
Picture: SIMONE KLEY NATIONAL PRIDE: South Africa has a Constituti­on worth celebratin­g, says the writer.

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