The President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma, accompanied by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Adv. Michael Masutha, will lead the 20th anniversary celebrations of the South African Constitution on 10 December 2016 in Sharpeville, Vereeniging, Gauteng .

Former President Nelson Mandela signed the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa into law in Sharpeville on 10 December 1996. The signing of the Constitution in Sharpeville was a commemorative gesture in remembrance of the people who died during a peaceful demonstration against the vicious pass laws on 21 March1960. As President Mandela described it, the signing of the Constitution in Sharpeville marked the closure of a chapter of exclusion and a reaffirmation of our determination to build a society of which all of us can be proud.

The event will commence with the signing of a pledge by the President and other dignitaries at Constitution Square at the Vereeniging Civic Centre, followed by the laying of wreaths at the Sharpeville Memorial Site, culminating in the main event at the Sharpeville Sports Grounds where over 5000 people are expected to attend.

The early programme is scheduled as follows:

Date               : 10 December 2016
Time               : 09:00
Venue            : Constitution Square at the Vereeniging Civic Centre, then        Sharpeville Memorial Site

The main event is scheduled as follows:

Date               : 10 December 2016
Time               : 10:00
Venue            : Sharpeville Sports Grounds

Members of the media are advised to email their names, ID numbers and the details of the media house which they represent, to Mr Mandla Mathebula at manmathebula@justice.gov.za. Deadline is 06 December 2016 for accreditation purposes.

For enquiries on media accreditation/confirmations contact: Mr Mandla Mathebula on 012 315 8026/ 0828679824. 

Enquiries: Mthunzi Mhaga on 083 641 8141 or Mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za