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Fewer South Africans know the Constitution, Stats SA finds

Published

Knowledge of the Constitution among people aged 16 and older fell from 82.6% in 2021/22 to 76.6% in 2025/26. Statistics South Africa also found that fewer people believe the Constitution protects their rights.

The governance, public safety and justice report also shows that more people experience disputes and problems in daily life. Racial discrimination is the form of discrimination that people experience most often. Discrimination based on nationality comes second.

Boitumelo Mooketsi, director of governance, public safety and justice statistics at Statistics South Africa, described what the report covers. She said it "provides statistics on the awareness and perception of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, experience of discrimination and disputes."

Key facts

Who
Boitumelo Mooketsi (Director of governance, public safety and justice statistics, Statistics South…); Statistics South Africa (statistics agency publishing the report)
What
Statistics South Africa's latest governance, public safety and justice report shows fewer South Africans know their constitutional rights, fewer believe the Constitution protects their rights, and more people are experiencing disputes and problems in daily life. Racial discrimination is the most commonly experienced form of discrimination, followed by discrimination based on nationality.
When
28 October 2026
Where
South Africa
Status
Reported

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