Ramaphosa: “If You’re Poor, Your Rights Mean Nothing” – Warns SA Democracy Is at Risk

President Cyril Ramaphosa has raised concerns over unequal access to justice in South Africa, warning that the inability of millions of citizens to afford legal representation threatens public trust in the country’s democratic system.

Speaking at the International Conference on Access to Justice, held at the Sun City Convention Centre in North West on Thursday, Ramaphosa said South Africa must address the growing gap between the constitutional rights guaranteed to citizens and the realities experienced by ordinary people.

He emphasised that having rights protected in the Constitution does not automatically mean that everyone can exercise or benefit from them, particularly those who lack the financial resources to pursue legal action.

According to the president, access to justice remains one of the country’s major challenges, as poverty continues to prevent many people from receiving proper legal assistance or seeking protection through the courts.

“The existence of constitutional rights does not, by itself, guarantee that people will enjoy those rights,” Ramaphosa said.

He further warned that continued experiences of inequality and injustice could undermine public confidence in the country’s justice institutions and weaken the foundations of democracy.

Ramaphosa argued that when poor communities begin to believe that the law primarily protects wealthy and influential individuals while leaving vulnerable citizens without adequate protection, the credibility and legitimacy of public institutions suffer.

He identified poverty as one of the biggest barriers preventing ordinary South Africans from accessing justice, explaining that financial difficulties often limit people’s ability to challenge unfair treatment, defend their rights and seek legal remedies.

The president highlighted the inequality between wealthy individuals who can afford lengthy legal battles and poor citizens who are often forced to abandon legitimate cases because they cannot afford legal fees and other related expenses.

“We cannot claim to have achieved equal justice if a wealthy person can pursue a legal remedy for years while a poor person is forced to abandon a legitimate claim because they cannot afford to continue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi supported Ramaphosa’s concerns, stressing that the effectiveness of South Africa’s justice system should not be judged by how well it serves wealthy and influential people.

She said the real test lies in whether vulnerable members of society can access the protection and legal assistance they need.

Kubayi pointed to women seeking protection against violence, children affected by abuse, workers fighting for fair treatment, and disadvantaged communities in rural areas who require legal assistance but often struggle to access it.

Her remarks highlighted the importance of building a justice system that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances or social standing.

The discussions have once again brought attention to the challenges facing South Africa’s justice system, particularly the affordability of legal services and the need to ensure that constitutional protections are meaningful to all citizens.

Ramaphosa maintained that equal access to justice is essential for strengthening democracy and ensuring that every South African can enjoy the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

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