South Africa follows a different narrative. The country became a democratic nation in 1994 following decades of apartheid (racial segregation and oppression). End of apartheid gave rise to a substantive democratic vision, articulated in the 1996 Constitution, regarded as one of the most progressive in the world. Procedurally, South Africa’s democracy is ensured through free and fair elections, yet it is also substantive in striving to achieve equality and justice for all citizens. The Constitution of South Africa (1996) guarantees not only political rights but also socio-economic rights such as access to housing, healthcare, education, and social security (Habib, 2013). The African National Congress (ANC) government has introduced several policies to promote social equality(,) including the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). These initiatives seek to rectify the injustices of apartheid and create an equitable society (Lodge, 2002). Nevertheless, significant challenges persist. South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of unemployment, inequality, and corruption. Many individuals in impoverished communities still lack access to fundamental services such as clean water and adequate housing. Nonetheless, both the government and civil society strive to uphold substantive democratic values—transparency, inclusion, and human dignity. The Constitutional Court’s role in safeguarding rights exemplifies substantive democracy in South Africa. In the landmark case of Government of the Republic of South Africa v Grootboom (2000), the Court ruled that the government must undertake reasonable measures to provide housing for the poor, illustrating how the judiciary enforces substantive rights. This underscores that democracy in South Africa encompasses not just voting but also the enhancement of lives through justice and equality. Copy result