President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday unveiled the constitutional inscriptions on the steps of Parliament which officially closed the year-long commemoration of the 100-year birthday anniversaries of former Statesman Nelson Mandela and anti-apartheid activist, Albertina Sisulu.

Delivering his keynote address during the unveiling ceremony in Parliament, Ramaphosa said: “I am deeply honoured to be here today to unveil these inscriptions at the steps to the People’s Parliament, both here at the National Council of Provinces and outside the National Assembly.

“The citizens of this country, and their representatives who pass through these doors will be reminded of the fundamental principles upon which our society is founded. Each one of us will need to reflect on whether our daily actions advance or betray the cause of freedom and democracy.”

The event also recognised the role played by both “giants” of South Africa’s liberation struggle towards the attainment of a democratic South Africa and its constitution. The ceremony took place as the country marked the 25th anniversary of democracy and the end of term of the 5th Democratic Parliament.

“These are the principles for which many in our country fought and for which many lost their lives. The values that underwrite these inscriptions are reflected in the Freedom Charter, adopted in Kliptown in 1955.They are the fundamental values of our democratic society, articulated in our constitution and celebrated every day in millions of different ways,” said Ramaphosa.

“These values have universal appeal. They are consistent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and find resonance with the rest of progressive humanity.These principles therefore not only bind us together as a nation, but they bind us to the peoples of the world.It is significant that these principles are being inscribed on the steps of Parliament as we celebrate 25 years of a free and democratic South Africa.”

He said it was important that the unveiling was held in the week that marked Human Rights Day which is celebrated on March 21. 

“Parliament needs to be applauded for including the inscription of these principles as part of the programme of celebration of the centenaries of Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu. There are few South Africans who have embodied the values reflected here with such consistency and integrity as they did.”