Discover the known and unknown stories of the making and working of the South African constitution and its role today

This online exhibition and archive tells the remarkable story of how The South African Constitution and Constitutional Court were forged – a critical period in the birthing of a democratic nation. 

Few know of the intense battles that took place in the streets and were echoed in the negotiating chamber where sworn enemies sat across from one another; of the fierce debates that shaped specific provisions of the Constitution; and the many behind-the-scenes challenges that had to be overcome to allow a country of despair to become a country of hope. 

The stories told here by activists, drafters of the constitution and judges are uniquely supported by rich archival materials from the constitution-making process.  

Explore different aspects of the constitution-making journey in the tiles below.