What sits in each chapter of the Constitution, the rights in the Bill of Rights, and how local by-laws work — with the official sources so you can read the exact wording yourself.
Chapter 1 · Founding Provisions
South Africa is one sovereign, democratic republic founded on human dignity, equality and the supremacy of the Constitution.
Chapter 2 · Bill of Rights
The rights of every person in the country — equality, dignity, freedom and security, privacy, expression, housing, health, education and more.
Chapter 3 · Co-operative Government
How national, provincial and local government must work together and respect each other’s powers.
Chapter 4 · Parliament
The National Assembly and National Council of Provinces: how laws are made and how Parliament is composed.
Chapter 5 · The President and National Executive
Powers and duties of the President, Deputy President, Cabinet and the public administration.
Chapter 6 · Provinces
The nine provinces, their premiers, legislatures and the executive councils.
Chapter 7 · Local Government
Municipalities, their executive mayors, councils and the duty to deliver services to communities.
Chapter 8 · Courts and Administration of Justice
The Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, High Courts, magistrates’ courts and the right of access to courts.
Chapter 9 · State Institutions Supporting Democracy
The Public Protector, Auditor-General, Human Rights Commission, Electoral Commission, and the commissions for gender, culture and language.
Chapter 10 · Public Administration
The values and principles that public servants and state departments must follow.
Chapter 11 · Security Services
The defence force, police, intelligence services and correctional services, and the control they are subject to.
Chapter 12 · Traditional Leaders
The recognition and role of traditional leadership and customary law.
Chapter 13 · Finance
The national revenue fund, the Financial and Fiscal Commission, and how public money may be spent.
Chapter 14 · General Provisions
International law, signing and ratifying agreements, and amending the Constitution.
Equality — nobody may be discriminated against, and the law must protect those who have been disadvantaged.
Human dignity — everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have it respected and protected.
Freedom and security of the person — freedom from violence, torture, and arbitrary detention.
Privacy — your home, person, communications and possessions may not be searched or seized arbitrarily.
Freedom of expression — including the press and the freedom to receive and share information.
Freedom of movement — to leave and enter the country, and to live and work anywhere in South Africa.
Housing — access to adequate housing, and no eviction without a court order.
Health care, food, water and social security — the state must take reasonable steps within its resources.
Children — protection, care, nutrition, shelter, health care, and the best interests of the child in every matter.
Access to information — including information held by the state that you need to exercise your rights.
Just administrative action — decisions by officials must be lawful, reasonable and explained in writing.
Arrested, detained and accused persons — information, silence, a lawyer, court within 48 hours and fair trial.
What a by-law is
By-laws are local rules made by a municipality under the Constitution and the Municipal Systems Act. They apply only inside that municipality and may be enforced with fines, or in serious cases with arrest.
Everyday by-laws
Common ones cover noise, drinking in public, street trading, dumping and waste collection, open fires, water restrictions, animal and pet control, building plans, and fire safety in public buildings.
Fines and notices
A by-law fine must state the by-law you broke, the amount and the date to respond by. You can pay it, or query it in writing with the issuing municipality within the period on the notice. Keep photographs and any payment proof.
Finding your own by-laws
Every municipality must publish its by-laws on its own website and keep copies at its offices for inspection. Ask the municipal legal services or the city’s by-law unit for the exact wording — it is often the decisive point in a dispute.
Landlords, HOAs and bodies corporate
Complex and estate rules, and house rules in a sectional title scheme, are not by-laws — they are private contracts. They may not override your constitutional rights.
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996
The full, official text as a PDF from the Department of Justice.
Government Gazette and national Acts
Every Act as it was signed, plus amendment notices.
Southern African Legal Information Institute
Free case law and legislation, including consolidated Acts.
Legal Aid SA
Free legal representation where you cannot afford an attorney.