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.
Animated Story of the Constitution
1908 - 1996
in five parts
NEGOTIATING OUR
FREEDOM
1985 - 1994
find common ground?