Address To The ABSIP Conference

Sandton Convention Centre, 08 November 2016

Trevor A Manuel
Programme Director
ABSIP Executive Members
Fellow Speakers
Distinguished Delegates

Thank you for the invitation to share a few ideas with you, at a time that is likely to prove itself a

watershed for change in this country. The events of the last few months have created so much flux;

hopefully future generations will look back on this, the year 2016, and mark it as important. It is during
this year, the twentieth anniversary of our Constitution when the institutions of our democracy were
tested and when they demonstrated their worth. When Chief Justice Mogoeng said on 31 March ,
public office-bearers ignore their constitutional obligations at their peril. This is so because
constitutionalism, accountability and the rule of law constitute the sharp and mighty sword that stands

ready to chop the ugly head of impunity off its stiffened neck, it proved to be the jolt that South Africa
needed, and a crisp reminder that the Constitution defines our rights and responsibilities.
Thus it is also the responsibility of our generation to ensure that the events of this period are etched in
the collective memory of our nation. What needs be remembered is the fact that our Constitution was

tested repeatedly and extensively in 2016 and emerged time and again as the solid anchor for our
democracy.
I emphasize that our generation must take responsibility to ensure this because I am of the view that we
were negligent in the period after we adopted our Constitution in 1996 to ensure that each young South
African understands the constitution and internalizes its values. This matter is fundamental as the basis

for the discussion being held here on empowerment, which in my view is itself the product of our
constitution, in a different way.

Firstly, there is a distinct remit in S9 of our Bill of Rights that articulates the responsibilities we have for
Equality not only as a snapshot of the present, but also as a correction of past injustices. Secondly, there
is the injunction in the Preamble that requires of us to, " Improve the quality of life of each person and