Parliament, Tuesday 19 March 2019 – Members of the media are invited to a ceremony at Parliament to unveil inscriptions depicting the values of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, at both Houses of Parliament.
The unveiling of the Constitutional inscriptions will officially close the year-long commemoration of the 100-year birthday anniversaries of Madiba and MaSisulu by Parliament and recognises the role played by both giants of our liberation struggle towards the attainment of our democratic South Africa and its Constitution.
President of the Republic of South Africa Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, together with National Assembly (NA) Speaker Ms Baleka Mbete and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairperson Ms Thandi Modise, is scheduled to conduct the unveiling. President Ramaphosa will also deliver a keynote address at the event.
The unveiling ceremony of the inscriptions of the Constitutional principles takes place at the time when South Africa is marking the 25th anniversary of democracy and the end of term of the 5th Democratic Parliament – with the NA scheduled to rise on 20 March and the NCOP on 28 March. Parliament will reflect on these important, historic milestones.
It is fitting that the ceremony is taking place during the week of Human Rights Day, on Thursday 21 March. This day is a reminder of our human rights and the price paid to attain and protect them in our Constitution. The day is linked historically to events in Sharpeville on 21 March 1960. On that day, 69 people died and 180 were injured when police opened fire on a peaceful crowd protesting against the Pass Laws.
An array of dignitaries have been invited to witness and be part of this important event, including representatives of the Mandela and Sisulu families, friends and comrades of Madiba and MaSisulu, erstwhile members of the Constitutional Assembly, honourable leaders and Chief Whips of political parties. Various civil society organisations, including the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and institutions, such as, the South African Heritage Council have also been invited.
DETAILS OF THE EVENT DATE: 19 March 2019
VENUE: Queen’s Hall, next to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chamber
TIME: 12:00
Media, who do not have parliamentary media access permits, photographers and broadcasters wishing to attend the event must send their details to Manelisi Ntsodo (mntsodo@parliament.gov.za, 081 716 2021) and Nolizwi Magwagwa (nmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za, 081 716 5824)
Details needed: Full name, ID/passport number, media organisation, cellphone and landline numbers, email, designation (eg, writer, photographer). Media wishing to broadcast live from Parliament should also provide: Make of vehicle(s), registration number(s), other equipment, arrival time.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo 082 370 6930
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