The features regarded as indispensable to a democratic government

There are features that can be regarded as indispensable or non-derogable to a democratic government such as the South African government. On this page we critically discuss those features which are regarded as indispensable to a democratic government.

The South African Bill of Rights enshrines the rights of all people in the country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom.

List of the rights regarded as indispensable to a democratic government

Below is some of the features which are regarded as dispensable to a democratic government:

1. Equality – Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law. With respect to unfair discrimination solely on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or social origin, sex, religion or language.
2. Human Dignity – Everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.
3. Life – every citizen has the rights to life.
4. Freedom and Security of the person – Everyone has the right to freedom and security of the person
5. Slavery, servitude and forced labour – No one may be subjected to slavery, servitude or forced labour.
6. Freedom of religion, belief and opinion – Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion
7. Citizenship – No citizen may be deprived of citizenship.
8. Language and culture – Everyone has the right to use the language and to participate in the cultural life of their choice, but no one exercising these rights may do so in a manner inconsistent with any provision of the Bill of Rights.
9. Access to courts – Everyone has the right to have any dispute that can be resolved by the application of law decided in a fair public hearing before a court or, where appropriate, another independent and impartial tribunal or forum.