S. Africa’s Dream Comes to Life : New constitution delivers historic blow to official apartheid

With the adoption of South Africa’s new constitution, officially sanctioned legal equality now exists for all citizens, regardless of race. This marks the long-dreamed-of peaceful transition from a centuries-old segregated state to a multicultural democracy.

The achievement was made through the collective will of a people with a strong sense of self-preservation. But without the vision, leadership and persistence of bigger-than-life leaders like Nelson Mandela, the goal could not have been reached. Credit also goes to Frederik de Klerk, who significantly advanced the dismantling of apartheid and whose decision Thursday to pull the National Party out of the unity government may enliven political discourse.

The 140-page constitution establishes a federal system with a strong central government and a bicameral parliament. Provincial and local governments have some independence in planning and other areas.

A bill of rights appears to address every possible threat of abuse from on high. Protections are enthroned for people arrested, detained or accused of a crime. Some provisions seem beyond the reach of the government; these include guarantees of adequate housing, food, water and health care. There is a right-to-life provision that has been widely interpreted as a virtual ban on the death penalty, and the constitution’s privacy clause can be read as a basis for legalizing a woman’s right to abortion.

Despite all the good intentions, however, the road ahead won’t be easy. Mandela will have to work immediately to reconcile the country’s many political and racial groups. He must negotiate with the Inkatha Freedom Party of Chief Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi, the Zulu leader, who demands greater provincial autonomy. And he must deal with Gen. Constand Viljoen, the leader of the Freedom Front, who still seeks to establish an Afrikaner homeland.

Says Deputy President Thabo Mbeki: “Whatever the setbacks of the moment, nothing can stop us now.” The new constitution, relegating the evils of apartheid to the past, is indeed grounds for celebration. But South Africans must now build their democracy, day by day. The constitution is a remarkable document, but still just a piece of paper unless it has the commitment of South Africa’s people.