In the last decade of the 20th century, South Africa underwent a remarkable transformation that culminated in the country's first democratic elections in 1994, and the adoption of a Constitution that is among the most progressive in the world. Since then, the Constitution has shaped South African law, guided the development of democratic institutions and informed social policy. The full text of the Constitution, with an entrenched Bill of Rights at its heart, is reproduced in this book. An introduction places the Act in context. Some pertinent facts about the country and its population are supplied, as well as contact details for those wishing to visit Parliament or the Constitutional Court. Useful features of the title are an overview of landmark judgments handed down by the Constitutional Court, and the text of the national anthem, with a translation into English. The Constitution informs every area of our law and of its application and interpretation. Citizens in all walks of life and all those employed in every sphere of government should take cognisance of its principles.