About CASAC
CASAC is an initiative led by progressive people who seek to advance the South African Constitution as a platform for democratic politics and the transformation of society, and believe in the advancement of a society whose values are based on the core principles of the Constitution, namely the promotion of socio-economic rights, judicial independence, the rule of law, public accountability, and open governance.
The founding members of its Council believe that the people are the ultimate custodians of the Constitution, and that custodianship needs to be relocated from institutions to people. Once constitutional rights are claimed by the many, then ordinary people will undertake extraordinary acts to assert their rights, and protect and advance the Constitution.
Programme of action
Encourage a multi-sector campaign to drive social activism so people can claim and defend their rights
Develop a strategy for public engagement
Conduct research as a means to inform constructive debate on constitutional issues
Support public interest litigation
‘The people’ are the principal custodians of the values of the Constitution, and custodianship needs to be relocated from institutions to people. Once constitutional rights are claimed by the many, ordinary people will undertake extraordinary acts to assert their rights and protect and advance the Constitution.
Focus areas
South Africa is still a society in transition, and the foundations of its new democratic order still need to be cemented. Its potential fault-lines – of race, ethnicity, gender, class, and access to resources – have to be addressed within the context of a democratic constitutional order. Some may seek to exploit this vulnerability for personal or narrow gain, threatening the progressive values of human dignity, equality and freedom that underpin the Constitution which, hard-won as it was, should not be taken for granted.
The Constitution is a social contract, resulting from, among others, ordinary peoples’ struggles, and must therefore be honoured by both government and the people. It must be protected and advanced as an instrument of social transformation, so that the majority of South Africans will identify with it and will be willing to mobilize in its defence if required. Only by being seen to work in favour of all South Africans, particularly the vulnerable and marginalised, will the Constitution sustain the support of all the people of South Africa.
FIRST BENCH OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT
The first Bench of South Africa’s new Constitutional Court, with Dr Frene Ginwala, Speaker of the National Assembly; President Nelson Mandela; and Deputy President Thabo Mbeki. From left to right are Justices Richard Goldstone, Johann Kriegler, Ismail Mahomed, Arthur Chaskalson, John Didcott, Albie Sachs, Lourens Ackerman, and Pius Langa.
