Freedom Charter

Adopted in Kliptown on 26 June 1955, the Freedom Charter was the culmination of a long nation-wide, non-racial political consultative process among the diverse constituent members of the South African Congress Alliance, which included the African National Congress, the South African Congress of Democrats, the South African Indian Congress and the Coloured Peoples' Congress.

It demanded a non-racial, democratic government, equal opportunities for all, the nationalization of banks, mines and heavy industries, and the redistribution of land, and it would be a constant point of reference in the struggle period. Inevitably it also became one of the key founding documents of a democratic South Africa and is regarded by many as second only to the constitution in the country's hierarchy of political documents.

Among the fundamental principles and core national values of a democratic South Africa mentioned in the document are:

• The people shall govern • All “national groups” have equal rights • The people shall share in the country’s wealth • The land shall be shared among those who work it • All shall be equal before the law • All shall enjoy equal human rights • There shall be work and security • The doors of learning and culture shall be opened • There shall be houses, security and comfort • There shall be peace and friendship