On June 20, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered an important address at the 30th anniversary celebrations of South Africa’s Constitutional Court. This momentous occasion, held at the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein, provided a platform for Ramaphosa to highlight the significant role this institution has played in South Africa’s democratic journey while also acknowledging the challenges that still lie ahead.
Over the last three decades, the Constitutional Court in South Africa has been an important cornerstone for democracy, justice, and the rule of law. In his speech, Ramaphosa praised the court’s achievements and emphasized the importance of preserving the Constitutional values for the future of the nation.
The Constitutional Court as a cornerstone of Democracy
The Constitutional Court of South Africa has been a symbol of justice and transformation since its founding in 1995. The Court is the highest court for matters related to the interpretation, enforcement, and protection of the Constitution. It plays an important role in protecting democracy in the country.
In his speech, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted how the Court’s rulings have shaped South Africa’s legal and socio-economic landscape. Ramaphosa stated that the Court has also demonstrated its ability to interpret the Constitution to reflect the realities of the people. Ramaphosa also said that the Constitutional Court played a crucial role in the advancement of socio-economic rights, including the right to access basic services and housing. However, challenges still remain to realising these rights by all South Africans.
Reflecting on the Early Days of the Constitutional Court
President Cyril Ramaphosa paid a special tribute to the founding judges of the Constitutional Court in his speech. He paid tribute to those who laid the foundations for the Court. Many of them were in attendance. Ramaphosa reflected on the early days of the Court establishment and shared anecdotes from the staff who had to work in temporary buildings before moving into the Braamfontein Building in 2004.
Ramaphosa shared an emotional story by Advocate Nokukhanya, his legal adviser, who worked as a Clerk during the Court’s first years. Jele remembered the early conditions: the cramped offices, the water seeping through the skylights, and the muddy stairs that lawyers had to climb as the building was under construction. Everyone met the challenges with pride and excitement, knowing they were part of an institution that would shape the future of South Africa.
The Constitutional Court’s Challenges
The 30th anniversary of the Court was an occasion to celebrate its success. However, Ramaphosa also spoke candidly about the challenges that remain. He highlighted the gap that exists between the promises made by the South African Constitution and the reality faced by many South Africans.
Ramaphosa stated that “the promise of the Constitution has not been fully realized“, citing persistent problems of inequality, poverty, and lack of access to basic services. The President addressed the difficulties the government has in implementing court decisions, noting the Constitutional Court’s repeated orders to the state to fulfill its obligations. This was especially true in cases relating to housing rights and other socio-economic issues.
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The president cited the case of Irene Grootboom as a powerful example. In 2000, Grootboom brought a landmark case to the Constitutional Court demanding the right to adequate accommodation. Grootboom tragically died in 2008, never having seen her dream of a decent house come true. Ramaphosa said that the situation is a painful reminder about the gap between constitutional ideals and South Africans’ lived realities.
Enhancing Government and Judicial Cooperation
Ramaphosa used this opportunity to stress the importance of continued collaboration between the judiciary and government in order to tackle these challenges. He reiterated the commitment of the government to support judicial independence, as well as to ensure that courts have access to the financial, administrative, and institutional resources they need to perform their functions.
Ramaphosa stated: “We will ensure that the Judiciary has the right to be constituted as a branch of government equal to the Legislature and Executive.” He acknowledged that the Constitutional Court is facing challenges due to an increasing volume of cases.
This was especially true after changes were made to its jurisdictions in 2013. Ramaphosa said that to address these challenges, the 2022/2023 Judiciary Annual Report identified a number of areas for improvement. These include improving access to justice, funding for court services, and filling vacant judicial positions.
Reaffirming commitment to constitutional values
In closing his speech, Ramaphosa urged a renewed commitment to Constitutional values. He called on the legal profession to maintain high ethical standards and deepen constitutional jurisprudence.
Ramaphosa called on South Africans as well to come together to recommit themselves to the fundamental principles of the Constitution, such as justice and accountability. He also called for South Africans’ dignity and to recommit themselves to these core values. He encouraged the government to respect the rule of law and ensure that the country’s judicial rulings are implemented in good faith.
“Thirty years later, the Constitutional Court is still a beacon for democracy.” “A compass for our journey in the future,” he concluded. He reiterated that the Court remains an essential pillar of hope, justice, and the resilience of South Africans.
Look Ahead: A Future Guided by the Constitution
Ramaphosa emphasized that the Constitutional Court must remain a responsive and principled institution rooted in ubuntu values, accountability, and human dignity. South Africa faces many challenges, including poverty, inequality, and unemployment, but the President is confident that the nation will continue to progress, guided by principles enshrined within the Constitution.
“The Constitutional Court remains a living institution–responsive, principled, and deeply rooted in the values of our Constitution,” Ramaphosa said. Ramaphosa called on South Africans to join forces to ensure the Court reflects the nation’s commitment towards justice and democracy.
Celebrate 30 Years of the Constitutional Court
The remarks of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 30th Anniversary of South Africa’s Constitutional Court underscored both the successes as well as the challenges the Court has faced throughout the years. The Constitutional Court, as an institution that is central to the country’s democratic system, has played a key role in protecting constitutional rights and promoting the rule of law.
As the President pointed out, however, much more work remains to be done in order to achieve the full promise of the Constitution. This is especially true when it comes to tackling socio-economic inequality. The celebrations of the 30th anniversary were not only a time to reflect on the Court’s past, but also a chance to reaffirm our collective commitment to building an even fairer and more just South Africa.
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