Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1993/1994-09-19/Chapter 2

by ratified by the Multiparty Negotiating Forum and adopted and amended by the Parliament of South Africa

Chapter 2

Citizenship and Franchise

Citizenship

5. (1) There shall be a South African citizenship.

(2) South African citizenship and the acquisition, loss and restoration of South African citizenship shall, subject to section 20 read with section 33(1), be regulated by an Act of Parliament.

(3) Every person who is a South African citizen shall, subject to this Constitution, be entitled to enjoy all rights, privileges and benefits of South African citizenship, and shall be subject to all duties, obligations and responsibilities of South African citizenship as are accorded or imposed upon him or her in terms of this Constitution or an Act of Parliament.

The franchise

6. Every person who is—

(a)

(i)

a South African citizen; or

(ii)

not such a citizen but who in terms of an Act of Parliament has been accorded the right to exercise the franchise;

(b)

of or over the age of 18 years; and

(c)

not subject to any disqualifications as may be prescribed by law,

shall be entitled to vote in elections of the National Assembly, a provincial legislature or a local government and in referenda or plebiscites contemplated in this Constitution, in accordance with and subject to the laws regulating such elections, referenda and plebiscites.