Socio-economic rights, the constitutional promise, and state accountability

In the latest episode of CDH Conversations, Pro Bono & Human Rights Senior Associate, Gift Nkosinathi Xaba is in conversation with Senior Attorney & Head of the Education Rights Programme at Section27, Zeenat Sujee about the growing crisis in the delivery of essential services in South Africa.The discussion explores the constitutional promise of socio-economic rights, including access to housing, healthcare, education, water and sanitation, and how these rights have evolved through landmark court decisions over the past 30 years of our constitutional democracy.They unpack:the impact of state failure on underserved communities;the role of the courts in enforcing socio-economic rights;delays in implementing court orders, even where citizens succeed in litigation;whether constitutional damages may become a more effective remedy or recourse for state inaction; andthe importance of active citizenry, collective agency, and collective accountability in the nation's quest to fulfil the constitutional promise.This timely dialogue, which serves as a point of reflection, offers practical insights into the legal and societal challenges shaping access to basic needs, services and a life of dignity for all in South Africa.Zeenat is the Head of the Education Rights Programme at Section27 and has experience in work and litigation in areas relating to the right to access to housing, access to water, sanitation and electricity and the right to health.