Caucus statement on the 10th Anniversary of the Constitution
8 May 2006
Today, May 8 2006, marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of South Africa`s democratic constitution by the peoples` representatives. On that historic day, the peoples` representatives sitting in a constituent assembly ushered in a new era in the political evolution of South Africa. Henceforth the political evolution of South Africa is premised on a fundamental law, a democratic constitution.
As we celebrate the first decade of the adoption of South Africa`s democratic constitution we salute the vision of the Freedom Charter that declared fifty years ago that "South Africa belongs to all who live in it black and white and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people." By encapsulating the vision of the Freedom Charter in the democratic constitution, the constituent assembly erected a fitting monument to the martyrs of freedom.
The 10th anniversary of the constitution affords all patriots a moment of reflection to ponder on the progress made in our journey to a better life for all. The ANC Caucus salutes historic milestones achieved by the democratic government in dismantling the legacy of apartheid. In reality our democratic constitution has become a living document in the lives of millions of our people.
Fundamentally, South Africa`s democratic constitution is a reliable compass and a pillar of strength in the realization of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa.
On this historic anniversary, the ANC Caucus urges all public representatives and our people to emulate the letter and spirit of the constitution. It is our collective responsibility to translate the Age of Hope encapsulated in the democratic constitution into a better life for all.
Issued by the ANC Parliamentary Caucus Contact Mpho Lekgoro, MP (Caucus Spokesperson) 082 413 4908
