Today, as South Africa commemorates the Constitution coming into effect, SECTION27 and WeThePeopleSA launch the Know Your Constitution Handbook to the South African Constitution. This constitutional literacy resource is part of a digital campaign celebrating the 30 years since the Constitution was adopted and signed in 1996, a milestone that invites reflection on the country’s democratic journey and renewed commitment to the values of human dignity, equality, and freedom.
The Know Your Constitution Handbook is a constitutional resource designed to deepen people’s understanding of constitutional rights, democratic participation, and the power the Constitution places in the hands of ordinary people. Written in clear, plain language, it explains how the Constitution works, unpacks key principles, and shows how constitutional rights can be used in everyday life.
Anchored in lived experiences, court cases, and everyday news stories, the Know Your Constitution Handbook translates constitutional rights into real-life contexts. It demonstrates how rights such as dignity, equality and access to basic services shape daily life in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. By clarifying both the responsibilities of the state and the role of the public, the Handbook shows how rights work together to promote human wellbeing, accountability, and social justice.
The Know Your Constitution Handbook also outlines practical ways to take action. It explains how South Africa’s democracy functions, the role of Chapter 9 institutions, and where people can seek help when rights are threatened. By highlighting both formal and informal avenues for redress, it positions constitutional knowledge as a tool for everyday empowerment and positive change.
Initially developed by a team of researchers at SECTION27 and partner organisations in 2015, the Know Your Constitution Handbook was updated and strengthened through a collaborative research and writing sprint involving SECTION27, WeThePeopleSA and students from the University of Pennsylvania Black Law Students Association in 2025. We hope this handbook serves as a practical and accessible resource to help the people of South Africa better understand the Constitution and confidently realise their rights. “For the people of South Africa to know, own and protect the Constitution, to realise its promise is at the heart of what we do at WeThePeopleSA,” – WeThePeopleSA
About the Partners
SECTION27 is a human rights organisation that uses law, advocacy, legal literacy, research, and community mobilisation to advance socio-economic rights and systemic change in South Africa. Guided by constitutional principles, SECTION27 works to realise rights to quality health care, basic education, and social justice.
WeThePeopleSA promotes knowledge and understanding of the Constitution, its making, and its impact on society. Its vision is for the people of South Africa to know, own and protect the Constitution to realise its promise, and it delivers constitutional education through accessible programmes and resources.
Download the Handbook
The Know Your Constitution handbook is available for free download, and individual chapters can be viewed online.
Download links:
WeThePeople
https://wethepeoplesa.org/resources/know-your-constitution-handbook/
SECTION27
https://section27.org.za/resources/section-27-publications/know-your-constitution-handbook/
For media enquiries contact:
Pearl Nicodemus | nicodemus@section27.org.za | 082 298 2636
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