BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State Legislature will mark 30 years since South Africa adopted its Constitution, which the late President Nelson Mandela signed into law on 8 May 1996.
Mxolisi Dukwana, Speaker of the Free State Legislature, made the announcement at a media launch yesterday, underscoring the importance of continuing to teach the Constitution’s role in building a democratic society founded on human dignity, equality and the rule of law.
The programme will officially start on Saturday – tying with the celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day which commemorates his birthday – 18 July. The official proceedings will be at the Wesleyan Museum Church in Waaihoek.
Dukwana, also chairperosn of ANC, said the provincial Legislature will commemorate the milestone of the adoption and signing into law the Constitution for the remainder of the year hosting a series of programmes across the five regions, focusing on the constitution.
“While there is more to be done and getting things rights, we have achieved a great deal over the past 30 years, yet there is still much work to be done. We cannot build a progressive South Africa while our young people continue to feel overlooked. Our Constitution gives us a genuine opportunity to change that,” said Dukwana. He emphasised the importance of ensuring SA Constitution become a living document.
“The more people get to learn and understand our Constitution, we become better citizens and building responsible citizens. It will be far-reaching in address,” he said. Dukwana said the more people learn and understand the constitution, it would end culture of abuse and exploitation of our constitution, including rights by some people having no respect the constitution and humanity.
“Knowing what the our constitution represent, is fundamental in fostering attitude of wanting to do things the right way. Turning a blind eye and adopting a “mind your own business” attitude directly promotes a rampant culture of not serving the people, but ourselves, and doing things without a conscience,
So, I call on all South Africans to heed the call to celebrate the adoption of our constitution and preserve it and ensuring its a living a document,” said Dukwana. He has encouraged SA citizens to reflect on achievements while continuing to correct the wrongs which hinders progress.
