# Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996/2009-04-03

This is the text of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, as amended on 3 April 2009 by the Constitution Sixteenth Amendment Act of 2009, which was brought into force on that date by Proclamation No. R. 20 of 2009.
To introduce a new Constitution for the Republic of South Africa and to provide for matters incidental thereto
as amended by
Constitution First Amendment Act of 1997 Constitution Second Amendment Act of 1998 Constitution Third Amendment Act of 1998 Constitution Fourth Amendment Act of 1999 Constitution Fifth Amendment Act of 1999 Constitution Sixth Amendment Act of 2001 Constitution Seventh Amendment Act of 2001 Constitution Eighth Amendment Act of 2002 Constitution Ninth Amendment Act of 2002 Constitution Tenth Amendment Act of 2003 Constitution Eleventh Amendment Act of 2003 Constitution Twelfth Amendment Act of 2005 Constitution Thirteenth Amendment Act of 2007 Constitution Sixteenth Amendment Act of 2009
Contents
* Preamble
* Chapter 1
* Founding Provisions
* Chapter 2
* Bill of Rights
* Chapter 3
* Co-operative Government
* Chapter 4
* Parliament
* Chapter 5
* The President and National Executive
* Chapter 6
* Provinces
* Chapter 7
* Local Government
* Chapter 8
* Courts and Administration of Justice
* Chapter 9
* State Institutions Supporting Constitutional Democracy
* Chapter 10
* Public Administration
* Chapter 11
* Security Services
* Chapter 12
* Traditional Leaders
* Chapter 13
* Finance
* Chapter 14
* General Provisions
* Schedule 1
* National Flag
* Schedule 1A
* Geographical Areas of Provinces
* Schedule 2
* Oaths and Solemn Affirmations
* Schedule 3
* Election Procedures
* Schedule 4
* Functional Areas of Concurrent National and Provincial Legislative Competence
* Schedule 5
* Functional Areas of Exclusive Provincial Competence
* Schedule 6
* Transitional Arrangements
* Schedule 6A
* Retention of membership of National Assembly or provincial legislature, after a change of party membership, mergers between parties, subdivision of parties and subdivision and merger of parties
* Schedule 6B
* Loss or retention of membership of Municipal Councils, after a change of party membership, mergers between parties, subdivision of parties and subdivision and merger of parties, and filling of vacancies
* Schedule 7
* Laws Repealed
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 seën Suid-Afrika. God bless South Africa. Mudzimu fhatutshedza Afurika. Hosi katekisa Afrika.