About the Conference
The HSRC, with iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu, holds the 11th Africa Unity for Renaissance Conference on 19–20 November 2026, marking 30 years of the adoption of the South African Constitution.
- Thursday 19 – Friday 20 November 2026Conference dates
- International Convention Centre (ICC), KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, South AfricaConference venue
- 08:00 – 18:20 SASTTwo-day conference
30 years of the adoption of the South African Constitution
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), with its partner, iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu, will hold its 11th Africa Unity for Renaissance Conference (AURC) on 19–20 November 2026 in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The 2026 conference coincides with the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996), a landmark in Africa’s democratic history and one of the world’s most progressive constitutional frameworks.
Over the past three decades, the Constitution has provided the foundation for democratic Governance, the protection of human rights, the rule of law, accountable government, and regular, free, and fair elections. This anniversary presents an important opportunity not only to reflect on South Africa’s constitutional journey, but also to examine the broader trajectory of constitutional democracy and electoral governance across Africa.
Constitutionalism, political pluralism, and the integrity of election management bodies form a triad that underpins democratic stability in Africa.
Constitutional development in Africa
Primarily, a country’s Constitution legally regulates how power is divided between the central administration and regional governments and determines how the government exercises power in a rational, responsible manner that considers the needs and wants of the population. Importantly, constitutionalism combines the idea of a government limited in its actions with the idea of a government accountable to its citizens for its actions.
The constitutional development process in Africa is arguably the central pillar that has enabled the proper functioning of the state and in addressing major problems facing Africa, such as internal conflict, inequality, underdevelopment, and pervasive poverty. The constitution-making process on the continent has also ensured that political rights are upheld, that political pluralism is maintained, and, more importantly, that regular elections are held. Presidential terms are limited to facilitate the alternation of power.
Six core elements of constitution-making
Post-1990 constitutional development in Africa reveals that most of them contain six core elements of modern constitutional-making processes.
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01
Fundamental rights
Provisions that recognise and protect fundamental rights and freedoms.
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02
Separation of powers
Provisions on the separation of powers.
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03
An independent judiciary
Provisions for an independent judiciary.
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04
Constitutionality of laws
Provisions for controlling the constitutionality of laws.
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05
Amending the Constitution
Provisions that control the way the Constitution is amended.
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06
Institutions supporting Democracy
Provisions for institutions designed to support and sustain Democracy.
The triad behind democratic stability
- Constitutionalism for limited and accountable government
- Political pluralism for genuine political competition
- Electoral integrity for credible elections
Who the conference brings together
- Scholars and researchers
- Policymakers
- Practitioners
- Civil society
- Election management bodies
About the convener
The HSRC was established in 1968 as South Africa’s statutory research agency and has grown to become the largest dedicated research institute in the social sciences and humanities on the African continent, doing cutting-edge public research in areas that are crucial to development. The 2026 conference is held in partnership with iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu.
Questions about the conference?
The conference secretariat is happy to help.