I take great pleasure in preparing this foreword. With this book, Kgositoi Aubrey Sedupane reminds citizens and residents that South Africa has a beautiful Constitution which entrenches values that set the bar of democracy at the highest level.

Kgositoi objectively reflects on how and to what extent oxygen has been blown into constitutional values to ensure that human rights are realised and that constitutional obligations are fulfilled. He further reflects on some of the shortcomings and conduct that counters the spirit and letter of the Constitution.

Kgositoi approached me in November 2020, requesting that I prepare a foreword for this book. When I engaged with him, and after reading the content, I felt honoured by the invitation that I be part of the important message that this book sends to the public, to public office bearers and to all employees of the State.

Readers of this book will learn a great deal about the constitutional values, principles, rights and obligations as articulated in the Constitution. The book encourages a high standard of ethics, integrity, professionalism and diligence in the performance of constitutional obligations. It puts the executive and legislators at the centre of the fulfilment of these obligations.

Importantly, the book does not condemn individuals without fact. For example, it cites court judgements, investigation reports and reports of commissions of inquiry on the question of fulfilment of constitutional obligations. The book is balanced in that it identifies challenges but also appreciates the good done by the organs of state and the judiciary.

I hope this book will inspire South Africans to claim ownership of the Constitution, and jealously guard against any conduct that is inconsistent with the Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic.

Former President of the Republic of South Africa