The Principles of democracy in South Africa
What are the democratic principle in South Africa?
The Republic of South Africa is one, sovereign, democratic state founded on the following values:
(a) Human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms.
(b) Non-racialism and non-sexism.
(c) Supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law.
What are democracy principles?
Cornerstones of democracy include freedom of assembly, association, property rights, freedom of religion and speech, inclusiveness and equality, citizenship, consent of the governed, voting rights, freedom from unwarranted governmental deprivation of the right to life and liberty, and minority rights.
What are the 7 fundamental principles of the South African Constitution?
At the heart of the constitution are seven fundamental values: democracy, equality, reconciliation, diversity, responsibility, respect and freedom.
What are the 5 democratic structures in South Africa?
South Africa is a constitutional democracy with a three-tier system of government and an independent judiciary. The national, provincial and local levels of government all have legislative and executive authority in their own spheres, and are defined in the Constitution as distinctive, interdependent and interrelated.
Legislative authority
Parliament (national)
- National Assembly (350 – 400 members)
• National Council of Provinces (90 delegates)
Executive authority
Cabinet (national)
- President
• Deputy President
• Ministers
Legislative authority (provincial)
Provincial Legislature
Executive authority (provincial)
Executive council
- Premier
• Members of the Executive Council
Judicial authority
Courts including the:
- Constitutional Court
• Supreme Court of Appeal
• High courts
• Magistrates’ courts
The Judicial Service Commission appoints judges.
State institutions supporting democracy
- Public Protector
• Human Rights Commission
• Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities
• Commission for Gender Equality
• Auditor-General of South Africa
• Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
• Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC)
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