South Africa’s Constitutional Democracy

Question 1

When did the transition to democracy take place

Answer 1

1990-1994

Question 2

Who were the three major parties

Answer 2

• [ ] The National Party represented the white minority
• [ ] The African National Congress represented the black majority and also SA Indians
• [ ] The Inkatha Freedom Party represented the rural blacks of historic Zulu nation

Question 3

Interim Constitution (1993-1996)

Answer 3

• Ensured a peaceful transition
• ANC and NP reached agreement on structural guarantees that said that majority rule will not result in the domination of whites by black and elite incomes and property will be protected
• Created nine provinces with separate legislatures
• Established National Assembly and Presidential elections

Question 4

Final Constitution (1996)

Answer 4

• Accepted geographical locations of nine provinces
• Provincial responsibility for fundamental services
• Shared tax revenues between national and provincial governments
• Supreme law

Question 5

Evolution of South Africa’s Constitution

Answer 5

• In 1910 Britain decided to withdraw from the government of South Africa and handed the country over to the white South African
• First Constitution for the Union of South Africa adopted in 1910, prioritised white minority and took away right to vote from the black majority
• 1961 South Africa was declared a republic and adopted the second Constitution, rights were still taken away from black people
• 1983, third Constitution adopted which created the Tricameral Parliament
• Separate parliament for each racial group except blacks, had no rights and made them citizens of homeland
• 1993 26 parties negotiated a interim constitution where everyone had a right to vote
• 1996 - final Constitution

Question 6

Grounding principles underpinning the Constitution

Answer 6

• Government based on the will of people
• Every citizen equally protected by law
• Improve the quality of life for all citizens
• Open and democratic society

Question 7

Founding Values

Answer 7

• Non-racialism and non-sexism
• Rule of law
• Multi-party system
• Regular elections

Question 8

Key features

Answer 8

• Three tier government system
• National, provincial, local
• Independent Judiciary
• Bill of rights
• Chapter 2 of Constitution
• Cornerstone of democracy
• Rights of all people
• Values of dignity, equality and freedom
• Chapter 9 institutions supporting constitutional democracy

Question 9

what is the Blended Approach To Democratise South Africa

Answer 9

1. Liberal Democracy (thus: the Constitution
   enshrined principles)
2. Participatory Democracy: that require and facilitate participation in democracy. There are participatory
   forums meant for this purpose
3. Representative Democracy: they elect other people to represent them in government.
4. Parliamentary Representative Democratic
   Republic: The President of South Africa is elected by Parliament and is
   the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive
   power is exercised by the government.
5. South Africa is a Constitutional Democracy with a three-tier
   system of government (national, provincial and local), an
   independent judiciary, and a Constitution, which is the ‘highest
   law of the land’.