Sachs praises ConCourt for not shying away from applying law in Zuma's Nkandla matter

JOHANNESBURG - A reflection on South Africa’s constitution 30 years since the birth of democracy has shone the spotlight on former struggle leaders who have strayed from its principles, denouncing it.

The first democratic Parliament elected in 1994 bore the task of writing the final Constitution, with now president, Cyril Ramaphosa, sitting as its chair.

But over the years, some of those who swore to uphold the supreme law and were even present in exile as the African National Congress (ANC) prepared its contributions have denounced it.

Retired Constitutional Court judge Albie Sachs sat down with Eyewitness News to reflect on the constitution and South Africa’s democracy.

READ: SA's 30 years of democracy: Sachs delves into the curation of the Constitution

At the swearing-in of public office bearers such as ministers, judges and the president of the republic, a solemn oath is taken.

Former President Jacob Zuma, who swore to uphold the supreme law, is among those who have grown greatly critical of a Constitution they once upheld.

Justice Sachs reflected on the former president’s resignation, after much public pressure and a cloud of corruption charges.

“I admired Jacob Zuma when he was my chief representative in Mozambique in Maputo and I admired him very much and he was a good leader… and now he is speaking ‘I did nothing wrong, I did nothing wrong and I am going to resign forthwith’. And I had two totally conflicting emotions – part joy, the constitution is working and part deep sorrow. I had known him as brave thoughtful person, beautiful singing voice, but it had come to that.”

Sachs said it was a proud moment for South Africa’s supreme law when the Constitutional Court made a ruling on Zuma’s Nkandla debacle, saying it was admirable that the bench did not shy away from applying the law.