President celebrates Constitutional Court safeguarding democracy

FROM ensuring same sex marriages, access to HIV/Aids treatment, to ensuring social justice is affirmed, the country's Constitutional Court, which yesterday celebrated 30 years of existence, has been hailed for its contribution to the country's constitutional democracy.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected on the apex court's contribution to freedom, dignity, and justice during his keynote address at the court’s headquarters at Constitution Hill, Braamfontein.

Ramaphosa also extended his gratitude to all the Chief Justices and Senior Justices who have led the highest court in the land over the past three decades.

Over the years, the court has handed down some judgments that have had a profound impact on the law in South Africa, including the abolishment of the death penalty in 1995, the 2002 right to health care and access to HIV/Aids treatment, the 2004 right of access to social security by permanent residents, among many others.