Sandile Goje – Making Democracy Work, 1996

Sandile Goje (1972)
Making Democracy Work (1996)
Linocut on paper
CCAC #0094

This linocut is emblematic of one of the core metaphors associated with the Constitutional Court of South Africa – it depicts “justice under a tree” in a contemporary society, embodying the principles of democracy, transparency and community.

The metaphor of “justice under a tree” was adopted by the Constitutional Court in place of the “traditional” western symbols of justice to suggest a shift towards a uniquely South African solution. The tree represents openness and transparency as well as protection and draws on the traditions of trees as being community meeting places.