The author discusses the nature and reality of the marginalisation and disempowerment of ordinary citizens. He also highlights how democratic constitution making in Africa has so far left marginalisation and disempowerment unchallenged / Thesis (LLM (Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa)) -- University of Pretoria, 2008. / A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Law University of Pretoria, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Masters of Law (LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa). Prepared under the supervision of Orquidea Palmira Orquidea, Faculty of Law, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique / http://www.chr.up.ac.za/ / Centre for Human Rights / LLM