Parliament will unveil a bust of former President Nelson Mandela at Parliament on 28 April.
Parliament’s Presiding Officers - National Assembly Speaker Mr Max Sisulu, Deputy Speaker Ms NomaIndiya Mfeketo, National Council of Provinces Chairperson Mr Mninwa Mahlangu and Deputy Chairperson Ms Thandi Memela - and about 1 000 Members and guests will be present for the unveiling.
The bust – in bronze on a granite plinth – depicts a dignified, serene Mandela, smiling slightly and looking out over Stalplein to the Parliament gates leading to Plein Street, opposite the steps of the National Assembly building.
It is large enough to be seen from Plein Street – 2.28 metres high when placed on its plinth – but does not dominate the space.
Parliament’s decision to commission the bust and to erect it on the precinct at this time was motivated by the desire to commemorate our 20 years of a democratic Parliament, our democratic state and our first democratically elected President.
It is hoped that the bust will provide a place for people to gather when they visit Parliament and that it will inspire public memory about the long and bitter road we have travelled to democracy and what still remains to be achieved.
The bust cost R2.5 million.
Parliament will also use the occasion of the unveiling to provide details of its programme to commemorate 20 years of a democratic Parliament.
