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PRESIDENT ZUMA TO LEAD COMMEMORATION OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF SA’S CONSTITUTION

The commemorations will be held under the theme “Celebrating 20 Years of the Constitution – Transforming Society and Uniting the Nation”.

President Jacob Zuma will on Saturday, 10 December 2016, lead the commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, an important milestone of one of the most internationally acclaimed, progressive and transformative constitutions in the world.

This year marks 20 years since the signing into law of the Constitution by the late former President Nelson Mandela in Sharpeville on 10 December 1996. The signing of the Constitution was a commemorative gesture in remembrance of the people who died during a peaceful demonstration against the vicious pass laws on 21 March 1960.

“South Africa is renowned for its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, locally and globally. We should be proud of this important milestone and reflect on the gains attained by our constitutional democracy for the past 20 years. Our Constitution helps us heal the divisions of the past, and paves the way forward for a democratic open society,” said President Zuma

10 December is also International Human Rights Day.

The President added that the Constitution, which had its foundation in the Freedom Charter, proclaimed that South Africa belonged to all who live in it. “Our democracy is functional, solid and stable,” said the President.

The President will address the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa at the George Thabe Sports Ground in Sharpeville, Gauteng.