“There can be no peace, no progress without justice. There are some who will say bygones should be bygones. There are some who say that there is no longer a need for affirmative action and employment equity targets, for land reform and restitution.

“Yet we say that restitution is not merely about compensation or redress. It is central to building a just society that upholds human dignity. If we are to give effect to the promise of our Constitution, we must continue to pursue policies of restitution and redress until our workplaces, our economy and the ownership of this country’s land truly reflect the diversity of the people of this country.

“We must continue until we fully deliver the social justice our people deserve,” he said.

The President called on all of society to join hands with government in fulfilling the promise of the Constitution.

“Addressing the gap between constitutional promise and lived reality is central to the legitimacy and vitality of South Africa’s democracy. Government cannot do this alone. We need to deepen partnerships between government, business, labour and civil society to create more jobs, uplift people from poverty and improve their material conditions.

“We must work together to combat social ills like gender-based violence, criminality and substance abuse. We need civil servants who are loyal to the constitution and treat people with dignity. Each and every one of us must be the champions of the Constitution.

“The faith that moved the drafters of the Constitution – the people of South Africa – lives on today. Let us continue along our journey, one and all, towards a South Africa of true equality where the dignity of all is not an aspiration, but a reality,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za