Program Director
Executive Mayor
MMC’S Present
Councillors Present
Community Leaders Present
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
From the outset let me state unequivocally that the celebration of any watershed moment in the history of a nation cannot be meaningful and relevant if the true narrative that led to the defining moment is not reflected on.
The signing of the South African constitution is one of the climaxes in the narrative as much as the exercising of the suffrage by all regardless of race or religion on 27 April 1994 is another. But all these moments are underpinned by the sad story of the people, once oppressed and discriminated, fought with fortitude for the freedom of their country, South Africa and her people.
Prior to reaching the beautiful climax of our political narrative, battles were fought, campaigns waged and ultimate sacrifices made by those determined to end the false notion of white supremacy and oppression in this country. As a result, the country in the 80’s was plunged into years of protracted civil disobedience and political turbulences which eventually saw the people’s determination triumphed over apartheid forces.
It was the triumph of the people’s will that forever change the cause of our country’s history. Today, we gather here to celebrate this victory under the theme “South African Constitution: Ushering freedom, democracy and hope to the sub-continent”. This is an appropriate theme because the constitution is the paramount symbol of all that we fought for. It was the inevitable product of the blood spelt, incarceration suffered and exile endured by all those who saw it fit to stand up and fight rather than suffer in silence and timidity.
When the constitution was signed it heralded the rising sun of freedom, democracy and hope for humanity. Its rays shone all over the world spreading the glowing light of hope and tolerance. It brought hope not only to the people of South Africa but the world. It confirms that the sacrifices made were not in vain.
In essence, such achievement demonstrates the inherent capacity of human beings to overcome their differences by showing willingness to embrace one another as equals proud to live freely in a country devoid of prejudice, oppression, exploitation and racism.
It is in this light that the supremacy of our constitution and the rule of law will remain overarching. So when we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the signing of the South African constitution we must not lose sight of our political narrative and its protagonists who upheld democratic values. The values on which our constitution is founded. The values and principles of freedom, equality, justice and unity that our forebears stood for. It is the legacy that today we must fight to promote and defend without any doubt.
This may sound difficult to understand in the light of the inequalities that we still experience. Many of our people still feel excluded from economic opportunities and benefits. Many of our people are still trapped in poverty and suffer from hunger. Many of our people remain unemployed and vulnerable to all kinds of exploitation. But we must remain focused and work together to find solutions to these challenges. Change may not come now but it is bound to occur if all of us just like when we fought apartheid injustices work together as a united force.
This celebration should therefore serve to remind us of our responsibility to the country and the nation. It should remind us that we cannot be totally free as long as some of the inequalities remain. It provides us with an opportunity to recommit ourselves to serving our country with diligence and determination.
I therefore hope and trust that together we are going to work towards total eradication of poverty, hunger and joblessness.
We are going to bring hope to all those who have none.
Dankie. Ngiyabonga.
Province
