Chapter 1: Founding Provisions
CHAPTER 1
FOUNDING PROVISIONS
Republic of South Africa
1.
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.
(d) Universal adult suffrage, a national common voters roll, regular elections and
a multi-party system of democratic government, to ensure accountability,
responsiveness and openness.
Supremacy of Constitution
2.
This Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic; law or conduct inconsistent with it is
invalid, and the obligations imposed by it must be fulfilled.
Citizenship
3.
(1) There is a common South African citizenship.
(2) All citizens are—
(a) equally entitled to the rights, privileges and benefits of citizenship; and
(b) equally subject to the duties and responsibilities of citizenship.
(3) National legislation must provide for the acquisition, loss and restoration of
citizenship.
National anthem
4.
The national anthem of the Republic is determined by the President by proclamation.
National flag
5.
The national flag of the Republic is black, gold, green, white, red and blue, as described
and sketched in Schedule 1.
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