ABSTRACT The principle of equality is at the centre of the South African Constitution, which aims to establish an egalitarian society. As shown by the empowering nature of the jurisprudence of the South African Constitutional Court, the latter plays an important role in giving effect to socio-economic rights. Yet, the poor have no legal aid, and therefore no access to court especially in civil matters through which their socio-economic rights can be addressed. This shows that a considerable potential of the Constitution is not realised. Arguably, a key constraint is the lack of legal aid for the poor. Legal aid is crucial in South Africa where only a few people can afford the services of lawyers. This article critically explores the extent to which the Constitution has been transformative for the poor, in terms of guaranteeing their access to justice through legal aid. Answering this question entails addressing the extent to which legal aid provided by the legal system is in line with the tenets of equality which inform the Constitution. In assessing the realisation of the rights of the poor through legal aid, this article examines legal and policy documents, as well as the state's practice pertaining to legal aid.

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南非的平等、法律援助和变革性宪法原则：批判性分析

摘要 平等原则是南非宪法的核心，旨在建立一个平等的社会。正如南非宪法法院判例的赋权性质所表明的那样，后者在实现社会经济权利方面发挥着重要作用。然而，穷人没有法律援助，因此无法诉诸法庭，尤其是在可以解决其社会经济权利的民事案件中。这表明宪法的相当大的潜力没有被实现。可以说，一个关键的制约因素是缺乏对穷人的法律援助。法律援助在南非至关重要，因为那里只有少数人能负担得起律师的服务。本文批判性地探讨了宪法对穷人的变革程度，在通过法律援助保障他们诉诸司法方面。回答这个问题需要解决法律制度提供的法律援助在多大程度上符合构成宪法的平等原则。在评估通过法律援助实现穷人权利时，本文考察了法律和政策文件，以及国家在法律援助方面的实践。