{ Adopted: 8 May 1996 / Amended: 11 Oct 1996 / In Force: 7 Feb 1997 / Status: 7 Feb 1997 }
Preamble
We, the people
of South Africa,
Recognise the injustices of our past;
Honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land;
Respect those who have worked to build and develop our
country; and
Believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in
our diversity.
We therefore, through our freely elected representatives, adopt
this Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic so as to -
Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on
democratic values, social justice and
fundamental human rights;
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;
Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential
of each person; and
Build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its
rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.
May God protect our people.
Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika. Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso.
God se‰n Suid-Afrika. God bless South Africa.
Mudzimu fhatutshedza Afurika. Hosi katekisa Afrika.