Constitution of the Republic 23.01

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, was endorsed by the Constitutional Court (CC) on 4 December 1996 and became enforceable on 4 February 1997. No legislative measure or government intervention can override the provisions of the Constitution.

South Africa's Constitution is internationally recognized as one of the most progressive globally, holding esteemed admiration worldwide. It serves as the paramount legal instrument in South Africa, laying the groundwork for the nation's existence, outlining the rights and responsibilities of its citizens, and delineating the governmental structure.

The present constitution, the fifth in the country's history, was crafted by the Parliament elected in 1994 following the inaugural non-racial elections. President Nelson Mandela enacted it on 18th December 1996, with its implementation taking place on 4 February 1997, replacing the Interim Constitution of 1993.

Since 1996, there have been seventeen amendment acts modifying the Constitution. Officially known as the "Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996," it was previously designated an Act of Parliament—Act No. 108 of 1996; however, following the enactment of the Citation of Constitutional Laws Act, neither it nor its associated amendments are assigned act numbers.