he right to dignity is generally recognised as the core value and standard of section 9 (3) of the Constitution. The dominant meaning accorded to the right to dignity in South African jurisprudence is one of equal concern and respect, and the need to affirm an individual’s sense of self-worth. The major harms underlying this are recognition-based and relate to stereotyping, stigma and prejudice resulting in exclusion, denigration and harm, and impinging on individual self-worth.

The right to equality

The right to equality

Informal sector and local government constitutional duty

The prerequisite for access to urban areas advance potential of each individual to enjoy the benefits offered by the city for all city residents. The informal sector is very large in South Africa exacerbated by high unemployment rate. High unemployment rate can be associated with the failure of socio-economic polices since the advent of democracy. The right to the City encourages the democratic participation of all urban residents in the decision making processes and enable city citizens to fully realise their fundamental rights and liberties. Individual’s have the right to appreciate the conditions necessary for his or her political, economic, cultural, social and ecological realisation while assuming the associated duties with solidarity in the city. The large number of individuals seeking access to the city and the magnitude of the informal sector presents significant challenge to local government. The process must be managed and confronted in such a manner that it does not exclude any segment of the society from access the city and the benefits it offers. Urban fragmentation, separate development (for different racial groups) and exclusion were key pillars of apartheid South Africa. Apartheid regime used draconian legislative measure to achieve its desired aims of separate development. Legislative measures were used to promote and facilitate, inter alia, urban scenery which is closely connected to race and class ‘difference’ to severe social and economic disadvantage of mostly Africans. Africans were denied access to the city.

Their presence was tolerated provided that they offer labour to white people residing in the city. The advent of democracy ushered in a new era in South Africa. The Constitution prohibits di