MBOMBELA – The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa was signed into law by His Excellency President Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela on December 10, 1996 and came into operation on February 4, 1997.
Did you know that you have the rights to:
- Equality: Everyone is equal before the law and may not be unfairly discriminated against.
- Human Dignity: Everyone has inherent human dignity which must be respected.
- Life: Everyone has the right to life.
- Freedom and security of the person: You have a right to be free from all forms of violence and not to be detained without trial.
- Slavery, servitude and forced labour: You may not be subjected to slavery or forced labour.
- Privacy: Your right to privacy includes your body, home and possessions.
- Freedom of religion, belief and opinion: you have the right to think, believe in and belong to a religion of your choice.
- Freedom of expression: you have the right to speak or express yourself on whatever you choose but hate speech is not allowed.
- Assembly, demonstration, picket and petition: you have the right to peacefully assemble, demonstrate and protest.
- Freedom of association: you have the right to associate with anyone.
- Political rights: you may form a political party, run for office and vote for any party in free and fair elections.
- Citizenship: No citizen may be deprived of citizenship.
- Freedom of movement and residence: You have the right to enter and leave the country at will.
- Freedom of trade, occupation and profession: You have the right to choose any legal trade or occupation freely.
- Labour relations: Every worker and employer has the right to organise and negotiate to further their aims.
- Environment: You have the right to live in a safe, healthy environment.
- Property: Nobody may be deprived of property, except in terms of law of general application.
- Housing: You have the right to have access to adequate housing.
- Health care, food, water and social security: You have the right to access to health care, adequate food, water and social security.
- Children: Every child has the right to a name, nationality and protection from abuse and exploitation.
- Education: You have the right to receive basic education in the official language of your choice where that education is reasonable practicable.
- Language and culture: You have the right to use the language of your choice and practice your own culture.
- Culture, religious and linguistic communities: You have the right to form, join and maintain cultural, linguistic and/or religious groupings of your own choice.
- Access to information: You may access any information held by the State for the protection of your rights.
- Just administrative action: You have the right to administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair.
- Access to courts: You have the right to resolve your legal disputes in a court or another impartial tribunal.
- Arrested, detained and accused persons: When arrested for allegedly committing an offence, you have the right to remain silent, to be brought before a court within 24 hours and the right to legal representation.
- Limitation of rights: Everyone’s rights may be limited. The limitation should apply to everyone to the extent that it is reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic society based on human dignity, equality and freedom.
- Responsibilities: All citizens are equally subject to the duties and responsibilities of citizenship.
Be sure to follow Lowvelder’s online series on the Bill of rights over the next few days for more.
