Issued by: The Constitutional Assembly
FINAL PROGRAMME: MONDAY, 9 DECEMBER 1996: MEDIA ARRANGEMENTS - The Signing of the new Constitution by President Mandela at an event to mark International Human Rights Day at George Thabe Stadium, Sharpeville, on 10 December 1996.
10:00-11:00 All media with valid press cards AND identity documents or passports welcome. Media to meet Niel du Bois at Vereeniging Publicity Library, adjacent to the Vereeniging Civic Centre, corner of Beaconsfield and Lesley Streets, Vereeniging NOT LATER THAN 11:00. Buses will transport media and all VIP guests to and from the George Thabe Stadium.
12:40 President Mandela lays a wreath en route to the stadium. Strict pool arrangements. Photo opportunity. No speeches. No questions. This pool will be in time for the main events at the stadium.
12:50 Choir starts to sing in stadium
12:55 President Mandela enters stadium
13:00 MC (Minister Valli Moosa) announces programme and minute of silence.
13:02 Welcome address by the Mayor
13:05 Song for South Africa - Hugh Masekela
13:12 Address by the Chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly (Mr Cyril Ramaphosa)
13:20 President Mandela signs the new Constitution.
13:23 Address by President Mandela
13:33 President Mandela unveils mural
13:36 Flypast by SA Airforce
13:43 Vote of thanks by CA Deputy Chairperson (Mr Leon Wessels)
13:45 Choir sings National Athem
13:50 Media pool and guests depart for Vereeniging Civic Centre.
14:20 President Mandela unveils plaque and renames square. Strict pool arrangements - same pool as for wreath laying.
14:30 Prsident enters Civic Centre. No speeches. Media pool will be allowed in for 10 - 15 minutes.
MEDIA POOL
Television 1 SABC TV news, 1 FCA, 1 official. (All crews will be limited to two members each.)
Photographers 2 official, 1 Independent Newspapers, 1 Nasionale Pers, 1 Times Media, 1 Perskor, 1 from independent publications, 1 local community publication, 1 FCA.
Journalists 1 SA wire service, 1 FCA wire service, 1 local community publication.
Radio 1 SABC, 1 FCA, 1 community radio station. 1 SAPA Network Radio. (Strictly one person per radio team.)
MEDIA NOTES
1. Media in the pool to meet Niel du Bois not later than 11:00 at the Vereniging Public Library for accreditation and transport by special bus. At the wreath-laying, no roaming will be allowed. The use of own transport will not be allowed. There will be no exceptions to this.
2. The names of the pool media, who have not yet reacted (TV - SABC; Still photographers - 1 Independent publication) to be forwarded by media groups to Niel du Bois (cell phone 083 375 3984) by not later than Monday, 9 December at 14:00.
3. Scaffolding will be provided for the media in the stadium as a roped off area in front of the stage. The media position is between 5 m and 15 m from the stage. No roaming will be allowed outside the demarcated media area. Audio-feeds will be available for the electronic media.
4. For logistical and accreditation details, contact Niel du Bois (cell phone 083 375 3984 or 82 557 9221).
For other media enquiries, contact SARAH HETHERINGTON, at the Constitutional assembly, phone (021) 24-5031 or 083 305 9644.