The present Constitution of Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996 was put into force on the 04 February 1997. This constitution is the highest found in the country. No other law/ act can influence the fundamentals of this constitution.   The South African legislation is regarded as one of the most progressive in the world and enjoys worldwide recognition.   The principals of the constitution are:   To cure the past wounds and to have a democratic basis with social security and to guaranty fundamental human rights, to improve the living conditions of the entire population and to promote the potential of every individual, To equally protect every person and to put the constitution to the will of the nation, To transform South Africa into a sovereign state, that can take its place in the family of nations.   The government is divided into national, local and provincial responsibilities, which work independently and are joined with each other. Only the constitutionary authority (legislator), the government (executing authority) and the courts (judicial authority) work separated from each other.   On national grounds the legislative power consists of the Parliament along with the National Assembly (about 400 members), the National Council of Provinces (90 delegates), the Executive Authority of the Cabinet (President, Vice-President and Ministers) and the Judicative with its several courts (such as the High Court and the Constitutional Court). Additionally many Governmental Institutions, which have devoted themselves to the democratic Principals, also give their contribution.   On provincial grounds the different provincial governments of the nine provinces form the legislative power. The executive is represented by the Executive council (Prime Minister of the Executive).   On local grounds the responsibility leis with the different City Councils (… of the capitals and districts).   The reigning party is the ANC (African National Congress) with president Mbeki, which was, with a great majority, relented into power on the 14 April of this year. The national elections take place every 5 years. The opposition is partly formed by the NNP (New National Party) and the DA (Democratic Alliance).   Should you like to acquire more detailed information about the governmental structure of South Africa, you can for instance inform yourself in the South African Yearbook.