Johannesburg, South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for an accessible, inclusive and responsive justice system as South Africa marks 30 years since adopting its Constitution. He delivered the keynote address at the opening of the International Conference on Access to Justice in Sun City on 12 November.
The conference runs from 11 to 13 November under the theme “Strengthening People-Centred Justice Systems: Deepening Democracy”. It brings together representatives from SADC countries, judiciaries, universities, civil society, international institutions and development partners. Delegates are examining emerging challenges and practical ways to improve access to justice.
Ramaphosa highlighted the Constitution’s enduring values of human dignity, equality and freedom, stressing that justice remains a foundation of democracy. He also emphasised the judiciary’s role as an independent guardian of constitutional rights and the rule of law. Judicial independence helps build public confidence in institutions and legal processes.
The president stressed that government alone cannot deliver justice. Communities, civil society, businesses and citizens share responsibility for respecting the law, combating corruption and supporting vulnerable groups. Public participation in democratic processes can strengthen justice institutions and help safeguard human rights.
Stronger international cooperation can also improve access to justice through judicial reform, knowledge-sharing, legal aid and digital services. Sustained dialogue allows countries to share experience and develop responses to increasingly complex challenges that cross national borders.
Court outcomes are one measure of justice, alongside public trust, equal access to legal services and the protection of human rights. Reduced case backlogs and fair legal processes also matter, particularly when vulnerable communities struggle to exercise their rights. Ultimately, the test is whether constitutional promises lead to meaningful improvements in people’s daily lives.
