DOCSLIB.ORG

Gendered Institutional Change in South Africa: the Case of the State Security Sector

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Gendered Institutional Change in South Africa: the Case of the State Security Sector Gendered Institutional Change in South Africa: The Case of the State Security Sector Lara Monica De Klerk PhD – The University of Edinburgh – 2011 Table of Contents Contents ................................................................................................................... i List of Tables and Figures ...................................................................................... v List of Abbreviations and Acronyms ..................................................................... vii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................ ix Abstract ................................................................................................................... xi Declaration .......................................................................................................... xiii CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION ................................................ 1 1.1 The Research Question in Broader Perspective ......................................... 4 1.1.1 Gender Gains: Descriptive and Substantive Representation of Women ............... 5 1.1.2 Timely Transitions: South Africa and the Global Feminist Movement ................. 8 1.1.3 Shift in Security Thinking: Placing People First ...................................................... 11 1.2 Structure of Thesis Text ............................................................................ 14 PART I CHAPTER TWO FEMINIST NEW INSTITUTIONALISM AND TRANSITIONAL STATES ......................................................19 2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 19 2.2 A Broad View of Institutions ..................................................................... 21 2.2.1 Normative Nuances of New Institutionalism ............................................ 23 2.2.2 Institutional Layering ..................................................................................... 25 2.3 Explaining Institutional Change ............................................................... 26 2.3.1 Historical Legacies and Path Dependency ................................................. 28 2.3.2 Key Moments .................................................................................................. 33 2.3.3 Exogenous Influences ................................................................................... 35 2.4 Institutional Transformation: Power in Action ......................................... 37 2.4.1 A Profile of Power ......................................................................................... 42 2.4.2 The Power of Ideas ........................................................................................ 42 2.4.3 Actors and Institutions .................................................................................. 44 2.5 Model for Gendered Analysis of Post-Conflict States ............................... 47 2.6 Methodology .............................................................................................. 51 2.6.1 Primary Research ............................................................................................ 58 2.6.2 Methodological Challenges ........................................................................... 60 2.7 Conclusion ................................................................................................. 69 i PART II CHAPTER THREE LEARNING FROM LEGACIES: WOMEN AND SOUTH AFRICAN HISTORY ...............................71 3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 71 3.2 Colonial Conflicts ...................................................................................... 72 3.3 Birth of the Opposition Movement: The Formation of the South African Native National Congress (1912) ............................................................... 77 3.4 Women Get Organised: The Bantu Women’s League (1918) ................... 79 3.5 Radical Views: Establishment of the ANC Youth League (1944) ............ 80 3.6 The National Party and Apartheid (1948) ................................................. 82 3.7 Organised Opposition: The 1952 Defiance Campaign and the Freedom Charter (1955)............................................................................................. 86 3.8 Treason Trial (1956) ................................................................................... 90 3.9 State of Emergency: Sharpeville and the Banning of the ANC (1960) ..... 91 3.10 Spear of the Nation: The Formation of Umkhonto we Siswe (1961) ........ 93 3.11 Women, the Armed Struggle and MK: Transforming Roles .................... 94 3.12 Leaders Lost: The Rivonia Trials (1963) ................................................. 102 3.13 Students Spark a Change: The Soweto Uprisings (1976) ........................ 104 3.14 Women Reflect on the Way Forward ...................................................... 107 3.15 Women and Feminism: The Third World View ..................................... 108 3.16 Conclusion ................................................................................................ 111 CHAPTER FOUR TRANSITION TO DEMOCRACY: WOMEN ORGANISING TO CONSOLIDATE GENDER GAINS .............. 115 4.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 115 4.2 The Collapse of Apartheid ........................................................................ 116 4.3 United Democratic Front – Cooperation and Coordination .................... 117 4.4 Township Violence and the ‘Third Force’ .............................................. 122 4.5 Run Up to the Negotiations: Talks about Talks .................................... 125 4.6 Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) .......................... 127 4.7 The First Democratic Elections .............................................................. 129 4.8 Women and the Transition: The WNC .................................................... 131 4.9 A New Constitution: Formalising Gender Claims .................................. 135 4.10 Conclusion: Women at the End of the Transition .................................. 137 CHAPTER FIVE WOMEN AND THE FIRST DEMOCRATIC REGIME ........................................................................................... 141 5.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 141 5.2 Numbers and Prominence: An Overview of Women in Parliament ....... 144 5.3 The Institutional Environment ............................................................... 147 5.3.1 Institutional Layering ................................................................................... 148 5.3.2 Challenge of Gender Machineries .............................................................. 151 ii 5.3.3 Overcoming Gendered Institutional Constraints: The Women’s Budget and Other Examples of Gendered Change ................................ 159 5.4 Factors Affecting the Advancement of Women Within State Governance Structures ............................................................................. 164 5.5 Conclusion: Women in General Governance Structures .......................... 171 PART III CHAPTER SIX EVOLVING NOTIONS OF SECURITY: OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRANSFORMATION ........................... 179 6.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 179 6.2 Shifting Security Priorities: The Human Security Paradigm ................... 181 6.3 Human Security and South Africa’s New Regional Mandate ................ 184 6.4 Security Sector Reform: Opportunity for Transformation ...................... 189 6.5 Security Sector Reform: Mainstreaming Gender .................................... 194 6.6 Security Sector Reform: SADF to SANDF .............................................. 199 6.7 Conclusion ............................................................................................... 203 CHAPTER SEVEN INSTITUTIONAL GENDERING AND THE SOUTH AFRICAN SECURITY SECTOR ........................... 205 7.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 205 7.2 Structural Mechanisms for Representation and Participation ................ 207 7.3 Descriptive Overview of Women in Security Structures .......................... 211 7.4 Perceptions of Gender in State Security Institutions .............................. 221 7.4.1 The Consideration of Gender Issues in the Security Sector .................. 222 7.4.2 Factors in the Advancement of Women within the Security Sector .... 229 7.5 Conclusion: Possibilities and Limits of Gendered Institutional Change in the Security Sector ................................................................. 233 CHAPTER EIGHT LESSONS FROM THE ARMS DEAL ........ 241 8.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 241 8.2 Background to the Arms Deal ................................................................. 243 8.2.1 Regional Aspirations: Africa’s Peacekeeper .............................................. 244 8.2.2 Domestic Crises: Creating a Unified and Capable Force ....................... 245 8.2.3 The Role of the Local Defence Industry .................................................. 247 8.2.4 International Pressure .................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Implementation of Quotas: African Experiences Quota Report Series
    The Implementation of Quotas: African Experiences Quota Report Series Edited by Julie Ballington In Collaboration with This report was compiled from the findings and case studies presented at an International IDEA, EISA and SADC Parliamentary Forum Workshop held on 11–12 November 2004, Pretoria, South Africa. © International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance 2004 This is an International IDEA publication. International IDEA publications are independent of specific national or political interests. Views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of International IDEA, its Board or its Council members. Applications for permission to reproduce or translate all or any part of this publication should be made to: Information Unit International IDEA SE -103 34 Stockholm Sweden International IDEA encourages dissemination of its work and will promptly respond to requests for permission to reproduce or translate its publications. Graphic design by: Magnus Alkmar Cover photos: Anoli Perera, Sri Lanka Printed by: Trydells Tryckeri AB, Sweden ISBN: 91-85391-17-4 Preface The International Institute for Democracy and a global research project on the implementation and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), an intergovernmental use of quotas worldwide in cooperation with the organization with member states across all continents, Department of Political Science, Stockholm University. seeks to support sustainable democracy in both new By comparing the employment of gender quotas in dif- and long-established democracies. Drawing on com- ferent political contexts this project seeks to gauge parative analysis and experience, IDEA works to bolster whether, and under what conditions, quotas can be electoral processes, enhance political equality and par- implemented successfully. It also aims to raise general ticipation and develop democratic institutions and awareness of the use of gender quotas as an instrument practices.
    [Show full text]
  • Complete Dissertation
    VU Research Portal Private Wildlife Governance in a Context of Radical Uncertainty Kamuti, T. 2016 document version Publisher's PDF, also known as Version of record Link to publication in VU Research Portal citation for published version (APA) Kamuti, T. (2016). Private Wildlife Governance in a Context of Radical Uncertainty: Dynamics of Game Farming Policy and Practice in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Vrije Universiteit. General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal ? Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. E-mail address: [email protected] Download date: 29. Sep. 2021 VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT Private Wildlife Governance in a Context of Radical Uncertainty Dynamics of Game Farming Policy and Practice in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa ACADEMISCH PROEFSCHRIFT ter verkrijging van de graad Doctor aan de Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, op gezag van de rector magnificus prof.dr. V. Subramaniam, in het openbaar te verdedigen ten overstaan van de promotiecommissie van de Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen op woensdag 22 juni 2016 om 13.45 uur in de aula van de universiteit, De Boelelaan 1105 door Tariro Kamuti geboren te Mt Darwin, Zimbabwe promotoren: prof.dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Payday in Tshwane
    NEWS YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO KNOW R45 (inc VAT) 203 nosewe ek WESSEL EBERSOHN SEPTEMBER ON THE NEW BIGOTRY THE TEFLON CLUB WEALTH AND PATRONAGE IN DURBAN 2016 FORGET THE ANC – MOELETSI MBEKI ECHOES OF MURDER IN THE WINELANDS HOW SA POLITICIANS SOLD OUT TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH CALLING TELKOM: TILL HELL KOM FOR EXPOSING PROPERTY 00203 VALUATION RACKET THAT’S HAD 104042 PaydayULTRA-RICH SMILING in Tshwane FOR YEARS 771025 FATCATS AND 40,000 MIDDLEMEN 9 SKIM CREAM OFF MUNICIPAL DEALS Your favourite magazine is now ISSUE 203 • SEPTEMBER 2016 available on your iPad and PC Prince Buthelezi back on his KZN throne Page 12 FEATURES 4 Letters 8 Echoes of murder A R300 000 reward offered for the recovery of a 7 Editorial stolen Cartier fob watch stirs memories of hired 9 Notes killers and an offshore murder mystery & Updates AVAILABLE 10 The Tshwane Papers 38 Smalls Leaked documents reveal ANC patronage network ON YOUR of 50 000 scammers allowed to supply supermarket goods to the municipality at massively TABLET inflated prices COLUMNS 15 SA’s smuggled ‘invisible’ exports 31 Opinion Just how much illicit gold (and platinum) is being Download your smuggled or ‘mis-invoiced’ out of South Africa? 32 Letter from digital edition today Umjindi 18 KZN’s Teflon Club both single issues and 34 Down & Out Willy Govender, owner of eValuations, – recently subscriptions available exposed by Noseweek for having massively 36 Books undervalued properties belonging to the rich and politically connected – is an esteemed member of PLUS never miss a copy – 37 Last Word the Club (Patron: J.
    [Show full text]
  • The Prison Narratives of Some South African Women
    .. •"' Negoti~ting Truth, Freedom and Self: the Prison Narratives of Some South African Women Sandra M. Young Supervised by Assoc-Prof Dorothy Driver Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts University of Cape Town Department of English Language and Literature 1996 The copyright of this thesis vests in the author. No quotation from it or information derived from it is to be published without full acknowledgement of the source. The thesis is to be used for private study or non- commercial research purposes only. Published by the University of Cape Town (UCT) in terms of the non-exclusive license granted to UCT by the author. For my mother Elizabeth compassionate and courageous in both living and dying iii Abstract The autobiographical prison writings of four South African women - Ruth First, Caesarina Kana Makhoere, Emma Mashinini and Maggie Resha - form the focus of this study. South African autobiography is burdened with the task of producing history in the light of the silences enforced by apartheid security legislation and the dominance of representations of white histories. Autobiography with its promise of 'truth' provides the structure within which to establish a credible subject position. In chapter one I discuss the use of authenticating devices, such as documentary-like prose, and the inclusion in numerous texts of the stories of others. Asserting oneself as a (publicly acknowledged) subject in writing is particularly difficult for women who historically have been denied access to authority: while Maggie Resha's explicit task is to highlight the role women have played in the struggle, her narrative must also be broadly representative, her authority communal.
    [Show full text]
  • African National Congress NATIONAL to NATIONAL LIST 1. ZUMA Jacob
    African National Congress NATIONAL TO NATIONAL LIST 1. ZUMA Jacob Gedleyihlekisa 2. MOTLANTHE Kgalema Petrus 3. MBETE Baleka 4. MANUEL Trevor Andrew 5. MANDELA Nomzamo Winfred 6. DLAMINI-ZUMA Nkosazana 7. RADEBE Jeffery Thamsanqa 8. SISULU Lindiwe Noceba 9. NZIMANDE Bonginkosi Emmanuel 10. PANDOR Grace Naledi Mandisa 11. MBALULA Fikile April 12. NQAKULA Nosiviwe Noluthando 13. SKWEYIYA Zola Sidney Themba 14. ROUTLEDGE Nozizwe Charlotte 15. MTHETHWA Nkosinathi 16. DLAMINI Bathabile Olive 17. JORDAN Zweledinga Pallo 18. MOTSHEKGA Matsie Angelina 19. GIGABA Knowledge Malusi Nkanyezi 20. HOGAN Barbara Anne 21. SHICEKA Sicelo 22. MFEKETO Nomaindiya Cathleen 23. MAKHENKESI Makhenkesi Arnold 24. TSHABALALA- MSIMANG Mantombazana Edmie 25. RAMATHLODI Ngoako Abel 26. MABUDAFHASI Thizwilondi Rejoyce 27. GODOGWANA Enoch 28. HENDRICKS Lindiwe 29. CHARLES Nqakula 30. SHABANGU Susan 31. SEXWALE Tokyo Mosima Gabriel 32. XINGWANA Lulama Marytheresa 33. NYANDA Siphiwe 34. SONJICA Buyelwa Patience 35. NDEBELE Joel Sibusiso 36. YENGENI Lumka Elizabeth 37. CRONIN Jeremy Patrick 38. NKOANA- MASHABANE Maite Emily 39. SISULU Max Vuyisile 40. VAN DER MERWE Susan Comber 41. HOLOMISA Sango Patekile 42. PETERS Elizabeth Dipuo 43. MOTSHEKGA Mathole Serofo 44. ZULU Lindiwe Daphne 45. CHABANE Ohm Collins 46. SIBIYA Noluthando Agatha 47. HANEKOM Derek Andre` 48. BOGOPANE-ZULU Hendrietta Ipeleng 49. MPAHLWA Mandisi Bongani Mabuto 50. TOBIAS Thandi Vivian 51. MOTSOALEDI Pakishe Aaron 52. MOLEWA Bomo Edana Edith 53. PHAAHLA Matume Joseph 54. PULE Dina Deliwe 55. MDLADLANA Membathisi Mphumzi Shepherd 56. DLULANE Beauty Nomvuzo 57. MANAMELA Kgwaridi Buti 58. MOLOI-MOROPA Joyce Clementine 59. EBRAHIM Ebrahim Ismail 60. MAHLANGU-NKABINDE Gwendoline Lindiwe 61. NJIKELANA Sisa James 62. HAJAIJ Fatima 63.
    [Show full text]
  • South Africa South Africa at a Glance: 2007-08
    Country Report South Africa South Africa at a glance: 2007-08 OVERVIEW The ruling African National Congress (ANC) is expected to maintain its overwhelming hegemony during the forecast period. However, the party and its leadership will be preoccupied with maintaining party unity and an orderly process of electing a successor to Thabo Mbeki as ANC president at the party!s national congress in December 2007. Assuming a sound mix of fiscal and monetary policy combined with public-sector wage moderation, weaker administered prices and lower private-sector unit labour costs (owing to productivity gains), inflation is expected to remain within the target range of 3-6% in 2007-08. Further growth in construction and continued expansion in total domestic demand is expected to support real GDP growth of 4.5% in 2007 and 5.1% in 2008. Fairly strong global demand and high commodity prices will help to boost exports, but rising imports mean that the current account is forecast to remain in deficit, although the deficit should narrow in 2007-08. Key changes from last month Political outlook • Political prospects remain unchanged from the previous month. Economic policy outlook • The South African Reserve Bank (SARB, the central bank) raised interest rates by a further 50 basis points in December, taking the benchmark repurchase (repo) rate to 9%. The SARB based its decision mainly on the risks posed by high rates of growth in household spending and consumer credit and by the threat to inflation posed by the depreciation in the exchange rate. Although the risk from international oil prices has abated, food price inflation is rising significantly and is likely to continue to do so in the coming months.
    [Show full text]
  • Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Is Primarily Responsible for Facilitating Communi- Cation Between Government and the People
    04.Government 3/30/06 11:43 AM Page 29 Government The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa took effect in February 1997. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. No other law or government action may supersede its provisions. South Africa’s Constitution is one of the most progressive in the world and has been acclaimed internationally. The Preamble to the Constitution states that its aims are to: • heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and funda- mental human rights • improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person • lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law • build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations. Government Government consists of national, provincial and local spheres. The powers of the legislature, executive and courts are separate. Parliament Parliament consists of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). Parliamentary 29 04.Government 3/30/06 11:43 AM Page 30 Pocket Guide to South Africa 2005/06 sittings are open to the public. Several measures have been implemented to make Parliament more accessible and accountable. The National Assembly consists of no fewer than 350 and no more than 400 members elected through a system of proportional representation for a term of five years. It elects the President and scrutinises the executive.
    [Show full text]
  • Objecting to Apartheid
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by South East Academic Libraries System (SEALS) OBJECTING TO APARTHEID: THE HISTORY OF THE END CONSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN By DAVID JONES Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS In the subject HISTORY At the UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE SUPERVISOR: PROFESSOR GARY MINKLEY JANUARY 2013 I, David Jones, student number 200603420, hereby declare that I am fully aware of the University of Fort Hare’s policy on plagiarism and I have taken every precaution to comply with the regulations. Signature…………………………………………………………… Abstract This dissertation explores the history of the End Conscription Campaign (ECC) and evaluates its contribution to the struggle against apartheid. The ECC mobilised white opposition to apartheid by focussing on the role of the military in perpetuating white rule. By identifying conscription as the price paid by white South Africans for their continued political dominance, the ECC discovered a point of resistance within apartheid discourse around which white opposition could converge. The ECC challenged the discursive constructs of apartheid on many levels, going beyond mere criticism to the active modeling of alternatives. It played an important role in countering the intense propaganda to which all white South Africans were subject to ensure their loyalty, and in revealing the true nature of the conflict in the country. It articulated the dis-ease experienced by many who were alienated by the dominant culture of conformity, sexism, racism and homophobia. By educating, challenging and empowering white citizens to question the role of the military and, increasingly, to resist conscription it weakened the apartheid state thus adding an important component to the many pressures brought to bear on it which, in their combination, resulted in its demise.
    [Show full text]
  • Highgate Massacre Revisited Mthatha in Focus Farewell from the CEO
    News for NPA stafKfK, friends and stakehholders aasshhoo June 2007 JUNE 16: The East London Regional office hosted a soccer tournament in Mdantsane to celebrate National Youth Day. Local soccer teams competed for the “Fairplay” trophy which carries the message of: “Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you”. Full story on page 8 Highgate massacre revisited Mthatha in focus Farewell from the CEO The 1993 Highgate Massacre, in which This month, Khasho looks at how the A personal note to all staff from outgoing five people died and seven others were Mthatha DPP is overcoming its challenges. CEO of the NPA and the DSO Marion seriously injured has again come under It boasts of having no backlog in appeals. Sparg. the spotlight. Page 5 Pages 6 & 7 Page 11 2 Letter from the National Director Let’s choose the values we need to adopt he process of developing the core val - ues for our organisation is moving full “we are going to have to speed ahead. change a lot including our own TWe are now moving into the exciting stage behaviour and adopt those val - where we are going to ask you to participate in the process and use your vote to express your - ues that ensure we give the self on what are the values that should guide people of South Africa the best us as we carry out our work. service.” Remember that this MyNPA My Values initiative forms part of our 2020 vision to agement I’ll be visiting our regional offices transform this organisation into one that doing roadshows, so that we are in constant ensures people of this country live in freedom contact with you and hear what your needs and security.
    [Show full text]
  • Young Women and South Africa's Liberation Struggles After 1976. Rachel E. Johnson
    MAKING HISTORY, GENDERING YOUTH: Young Women and South Africa's Liberation Struggles after 1976. Rachel E. Johnson Thesissubmitted for the degreeof Doctor of Philosophy(PhD) Departmentof History, University of Sheffield April 2010 CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................4 6 SUMMARY ............................................................................................. ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................7 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................9 Nationalism I. History and ...................................................................................12 II. Silence 15 ........................................................................................................... How to history CHAPTER ONE: write a of youth? ......................... 19 Youth 20 I. Theorising .............................................................................................. Youth in SouthAfrica II. The Historiographyof ..............................................26 Archive 48 III. A Living .......................................................................................... CHAPTER TWO: The meanings of June 16th and the in South African histories gendering of youth ...................................54 56 I. The Nature of Newspapers .................................................................................. 1977-1986 II. June 16than episode within the struggle
    [Show full text]
  • Harmony and Discord in South African Foreign Policy Making
    Composers, conductors and players: Harmony and discord in South African foreign policy making TIM HUGHES KONRAD-ADENAUER-STIFTUNG • OCCASIONAL PAPERS • JOHANNESBURG • SEPTEMBER 2004 © KAS, 2004 All rights reserved While copyright in this publication as a whole is vested in the Konrad-Adenauer- Stiftung, copyright in the text rests with the individual authors, and no paper may be reproduced in whole or part without the express permission, in writing, of both authors and the publisher. It should be noted that any opinions expressed are the responsibility of the individual authors and that the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung does not necessarily subscribe to the opinions of contributors. ISBN: 0-620-33027-9 Published by: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung 60 Hume Road Dunkeld 2196 Johannesburg Republic of South Africa PO Box 1383 Houghton 2041 Johannesburg Republic of South Africa Telephone: (+27 +11) 214-2900 Telefax: (+27 +11) 214-2913/4 E-mail: [email protected] www.kas.org.za Editing, DTP and production: Tyrus Text and Design Cover design: Heather Botha Reproduction: Rapid Repro Printing: Stups Printing Foreword The process of foreign policy making in South Africa during its decade of democracy has been subject to a complex interplay of competing forces. Policy shifts of the post-apartheid period not only necessitated new visions for the future but also new structures. The creation of a value-based new identity in foreign policy needed to be accompanied by a transformation of institutions relevant for the decision-making process in foreign policy. Looking at foreign policy in the era of President Mbeki, however, it becomes obvious that Max Weber’s observation that “in a modern state the actual ruler is necessarily and unavoidably the bureaucracy, since power is exercised neither through parliamentary speeches nor monarchical enumerations but through the routines of administration”,* no longer holds in the South African context.
    [Show full text]
  • SA Yearbook 07/08: Government System
    SA YEARBOOK 2007/08 | GOVERNMENT SYSTEM The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 was the result of re markably detailed and inclusive negotiations that were carried out with an acute awareness of the injustices of the country’s non- democratic past. It took effect on 4 February 1997. 295 11 SA YEARBOOK 2007/08 | GOVERNMENT SYSTEM The Constitution (legislative authorities), governments (executive The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. No authorities) and courts (judicial authorities) are other law or government action can supersede the separate from one another. provisions of the Constitution. South Africa’s Constitution is one of the most progressive in the Parliament world and enjoys high acclaim internationally. Parliament is the legislative authority of South Africa and has the power to make laws for the country in The Preamble accordance with the Constitution. It consists of the The Constitution’s Preamble states that the National Assembly and the National Council of Constitution aims to: Provinces (NCOP). Parliamentary sittings are open to • heal the divisions of the past and establish a the public. Since the establishment of Parliament in society based on democratic values, social 1994, a number of steps have been taken to make justice and fundamental human rights it more accessible and to motivate and facilitate • improve the quality of life of all citizens and free public participation in the legislative process. the potential of each person The website www.parliament.gov.za encourages • lay the foundations for a democratic and open comment and feedback from the public. society in which government is based on the will of the people, and in which every citizen is National Assembly equally protected by law The National Assembly consists of no fewer than • build a united and democratic South Africa that is 350 and no more than 400 members elected able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state through a system of proportional representation.
    [Show full text]