Falls the shadow

The gap between the promise of the South African constitution and the reality of life for most South Africans is a significant problem that requires urgent attention, and this book explores that gap--its causes, its meaning, and its implications. On the face of it, the country's constitution provides for the security of all the people in South Africa; yet most of the population is socially, economically, physically, and psychologically insecure. "Falls the Shadow" looks at the causes, meaning, and implications of this gap and tackles these subjects in a forthright and rigorous fashion, alerting readers to the dimensions and perils of the "constitutional shadow."

South Africa supposedly has one of the best Constitutions in the world, one which is intended to control and constrain the exercise of power by the state so that it does not threaten the liberty and security of citizens.South Africa supposedly has one of the best Constitutions in the world, one which is intended to control and constrain the exercise of power by the state so that it does not threaten the liberty and security of citizens. But, in reality, does the Constitution contribute more to the security of some groups than others? Does it help to ensure certain types of security but not others? And does it have greater impact on some institutions than others? This book describes how the Constitution has a significant impact on the physical, economic, judicial and psychological security of South African citizens and communities but that this impact is differential.