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Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Citizens in South Africa: A Review

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Democracy and Political Governance in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa has one of the best legislative frameworks for the promotion and protection of the rights of citizens. Chapter two of the Constitution profiles the Bill of Rights with an extensive commitment to ensure that citizens have access to their fundamental rights. Given its apartheid regime noted for its disdain for human rights, the post-apartheid administration factor respect for human rights as the cornerstone of its constitutional democracy. However, adherence to these laws in compliance with the intendments of the drafters of the constitution left much to desire. This chapter discusses the issue of human rights from the perspective of a functional government committed to the principles of public administration. Compliance with these rights requires the institutionalisation of good governance. The chapter noted that the violation of governance principles in the management of the affairs of the South African state impedes the promotion and protection of the rights of citizens. Thus, adherence to the implementation of public policies with prudence in the exercise of power would stimulate a regime of accountability required for the protection of the rights of citizens.

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Correspondence to Omololu Fagbadebo .

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Fagbadebo, O., Faluyi, O.T. (2023). Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Citizens in South Africa: A Review. In: Ile, I., Fagbadebo, O. (eds) Democracy and Political Governance in South Africa. Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-16313-5_8

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