Johannesburg – Not even a minor protest by members of the Economic Freedom Front could dampen President Jacob Zuma's spirit as he addressed community members in Sharpeville on Saturday.
Zuma was giving his keynote address at the George Thabe Stadium in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution.
The head of the country who has faced vast criticism with calls for him to step down arrived shortly after his deputy Cyril Ramaphosa to loud cheers from the public.
Many chanted "Zuma, Zuma" and clapped as the president walked in.
But before he could begin his speech, EFF members stood and held up placards. They were hastily booted out of the marquee by security.
In his keynote speech, Zuma said the Constitution outlined the rights and responsibility of all South African.
"The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. All laws passed by Parliament must be in line with it," he said.
He said former President Nelson Mandela adopted the Constitution on May 8, 1996.
"Madiba chose Sharpeville as a vein to symbolise the beginning of a new era."
This year the President has faced immense criticism from various factors of society on his failure to respect and uphold the highest law of the country.
His Nkandla homestead featured in the criticism following an investigation by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela.
In her report, Madonsela found a litany of irregularities which included proper tender processes not being followed in the building of the homestead wich cost taxpayers R246 million.
She recommended the president pay for non-security upgrades at his home.
The Constitutional Court also ruled that President Zuma failed to uphold and defend the Constitution as he had failed to comply with Madonsela's recommendations.
President Zuma eventually paid R7.8 million for the non-security features.
Further in his address Zuma said the judiciary needed to be impartial in its role in advancing democracy.
"Our judiciary needs to jealously guards its independent, impartiality, dignity, accessibility and effectiveness and the arms of state must support the judiciary to maintain this role."
He urged members of the public to use Chapter 9 institutions as they were there to assist them in the injustices they face.
Moreover, he said those who compared SA to other countries tend to forget that the country has a past in which laws were discriminatory.
"We come very far and we are still trying to address the legacy of Apartheid."
He took a swipe at analysts saying they had to take this into account or else their analysis would not be accurate.
Speaking of racism and the various incidents that have occurred since the beginning of the year Zuma said: "We will not allow a few racists to win the day and take us backwards."
He added the 16 Days of Activism campaign had to continue every day throughout the year and that the 16 days were merely a reminder.