Constitutional Design

The South African constitution was designed through a process of reconciliation after the end of apartheid. Black leaders, including Nelson Mandela, appealed to blacks to forgive whites for the oppression of apartheid and build a new democratic South Africa based on equality and human rights. Representatives from the former ruling white party and ANC sat together to draft a new constitution that would provide a framework for the multi-racial democratic government and conduct of citizens. This peaceful transition showed that even historical enemies can negotiate change when prepared to accept the inherent goodness in others.