We must defend and build democracy across the world, says Ramaphosa

By Cyril Ramaphosa 
 
As we prepare for Freedom Day on 27 April, we reflect on our journey to deepen democracy and advance human rights for all. 
 
Thirty years after we adopted our new Constitution, South African society remains grounded in a culture of human rights, the rule of law and the expression of people’s will through regular elections. 
 
What we have built and continue to build in this country is distinct. This places a responsibility on South Africa as an active member of the international community to advance our constitutional values beyond our borders. 
 
This is why I was proud to represent democratic South Africa at the 4^th meeting of the ‘In Defence of Democracy’ initiative in Barcelona, Spain, this past weekend. 
 
The initiative was launched by Brazil and Spain in 2024 to confront the threat posed to democratic institutions by extremism, polarisation, disinformation