Our Inspiration
The Constitutionalism Fund (CF) is inspired by the commitments enshrined in the Constitution. Its values and vision, as expressed in the preamble, guide our mission and objectives.
PREAMBLE
We, the people of South Africa, recognise the injustices of our past; honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land; respect those who have worked to build and develop our country; and believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.
We therefore, through our freely elected representatives, adopt this Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic so as to –
Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights;
Lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law;
Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person; and
Build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 – Preamble.
Objectives
Promoting and Advancing Constitutionalism
Constitutionalism is the cornerstone of the rule of law and human rights. At CF, we work to ensure that the rights enshrined in the Constitution are not only upheld but are meaningful and accessible to all South Africans. We do this by supporting civil society organisations that promote and advance Constitutionalism in the following ways:
- Accountability: Holding government, business, and civil society accountable to the values and goals set forth by the Constitution.
- State Capacity: Strengthening the state’s ability to create a legal and regulatory environment that upholds rights and delivers essential services.
- Independence of Chapter Nine Institutions: Safeguarding the independence of bodies that support democracy while holding them accountable for delivering on their mandates.
- Legal Empowerment: Building the capacity of legal professionals and civil society groups to leverage the Constitution in advancing justice and equality.
Achieving these outcomes requires a multi-faceted approach, including training, research, advocacy campaigns, dialogue, negotiation, and litigation. It requires investing and building the capacity of national organisations, community-based organisations, and social movements to support communities in reclaiming and realising their rights.
Transforming the Field and Its Institutions
The Constitutionalism Fund is committed to supporting the transformation of civil society organisations and social movements to reflect the values of the Constitution and South Africa’s diversity. This involves:
- Building Internal Capacity: Support organisations in evaluating and reforming internal structures to prevent discrimination and foster inclusivity across race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and citizenship.
- Mentorship and Representation: Invest in mentoring and retaining young and emerging Black leaders in non-governmental organisations, social movements and community organisations, and develop sustainable leadership while fostering inclusive cultures.
- Strengthening Voices within Communities: Expand the capacity of community-based organisations by investing in developing skilled practitioners, such as researchers and litigators, who can be a resource within communities.
Specifically, in relation to the public interest legal sector, transformation means increasing the diversity of legal practitioners, breaking down barriers for young Black professionals, and addressing exclusionary practices based on race and gender.
Ensuring Sustainability of the Field and Institutions
Sustainability is key to the longevity and impact of organisations and movements. The Constitutionalism Fund works to ensure that the organisations we support can continue to fulfil their missions, regardless of leadership changes, funding shifts, or other challenges. Building sustainability involves:
- Leadership and Management: Promoting strong, adaptable leadership that can guide organisations through periods of change. We support ongoing leadership development and strategic management to help organisations stay focused on their mission.
- Innovation and Adaptability: Encouraging creativity and flexibility in the face of shifting political and economic landscapes.
- Reflective Learning: Ensuring that organisations embed continuous learning and evidence-based practices into their decision-making processes.
- Infrastructure and Security: Supporting the establishment of robust systems to protect data, resources, and organisational integrity.
- Financial Stewardship: Encouraging diverse funding sources, including local philanthropic support and self-financing, to secure long-term sustainability and stability.
By building these pillars of sustainability, support from the CF is aimed at ensuring that organisations remain effective and resilient in the face of future challenges.
Structure of the fund
The initial secretariat was made of two coordinators and fund administrator. The Alliance for Open Society International (AOSI) served as the fiscal sponsor. Over time, the Fund transitioned to a flatter structure, merging the two committees into a single decision-making body. The administration moved from OSF to the Ford Foundation, and the secretariat expanded from three to five consultants (project manager, two grant coordinators, administrator, and communication specialist). The New Venture Fund (NVF) took on the role of fiscal sponsor.
Principles for Justice and Transformation
Our work is grounded in values that drive equitable and lasting change. These principles guide how we engage, fund, and collaborate with integrity, courage, and a deep commitment to justice, inclusion, and community power.
On Transformation & Responsiveness.
We work for transformative justice by being inclusive, responsive, and supporting organisations that amplify the voices of those often overlooked and unheard.
On Structural Justice & Risk
We embrace risk as essential to advancing human rights by directing funds to those challenging entrenched systems of inequality.
On Accountability
Accountability should flow both ways—between funders, grantees, and communities. Strong governance involves trust, transparency, and responsibility in pursuit of justice.
On Local Philanthropy
Building South Africa’s future means cultivating local philanthropy that draws on our own traditions of collective care.