Is the South African Constitution a failure, or is government (or perhaps the nation), failing the Constitution? Perhaps this constitution of ours is out of our league.
From what perspective did the writers compile the constitution and what type of people was it meant for?
I am certainly no expert, but from a layman's perspective, it seems that the constitution was written for people of great honesty and integrity. It seems to require that those living by it be stern patriots, of one mind and all with one goal in view. Yet the opposite also seems real in that the constitution creates loopholes for the absolution of legal and moral misbehaviour.
This nation is so multicultural, multiracial, and multilingual, and has such a diverse moral foundation and value system, that one cannot see how there can be harmony. Can such a constitution really work in such diversity?
There are so many influences and so many who want to dictate the direction in which the country must go and they all base their aspirations on this constitution. It gives "rights" to so many issues and thus ensures the existence of all who endlessly oppose each other. And if nothing works, they blame it on the past. Does the problem not perhaps lie within the lines of the Constitution, or otherwise, with Constitutional abuse?
Can the communist, Christian, Muslim, white culture, black culture, ANCYL, ANC and all the many opposition parties be united in agreement to live in harmony with such vast differences, based on this constitution? It seems impossible.
"It is my right to live in peace and quiet, while my neighbour has the right to shoot fireworks because of their religion", who wins?
"It is my right to watch and enjoy the match... yes and mine to blow the vuvuzela and spray the back of your head with my spit"
"It is my right to demand reasonable service, for which I pay... and it is mine to run my business the way I want..." who wins?
"It is my constitutional right to...yes, and mine..." who wins?
All based on one Constitution?
What I read in the constitution and what goes on in this country does not come together and makes no sense.
Perhaps the constitution gives too many "rights" and therefore creates too many loopholes. You tell me.
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Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.