Panel of Independent Constitutional Experts

7 Members

An independent panel of constitutional experts consisting of seven members was set up to assist with conflict-resolution and to advise the Chairpersons and the CA. The members were: Prof MG Erasmus, Prof C Murray, Advocate I Semenya, Adv Z Yacoob, Prof J Kruger, MP Sedibe-Ncholo and Prof J Van der Westhuizen. This panel produced a document on the style and language of the new constitution and how much detail the constitution should contain.

EXPLORE THE ARCHIVE

Audio Visual

President Mandela gives his State of the Nation address in Parliament. Mandela ends his address with the words, “Let us all get down to work”.

“We must construct that people-centred society of freedom in such a manner that it guarantees the political and the human rights of all our citizens.”– President Mandela, extract from State of the Nation Address, 24 May 1994

President Nelson Mandela announces his cabinet. It includes members of the African National Congress, National Party and Inkatha Freedom Party.

“There was pride in serving in the first democratic government in South Africa, and then the additional pride of serving under the iconic leadership of Nelson Mandela … [He] represented the hopes of not just our country, but of oppressed, marginalised and the poor in the world.”– Jay Naidoo, then Minister of RDP housing
“We place our vision of a new constitutional order for South Africa on the table not as conquerors, prescribing to the conquered. We speak as fellow citizens to heal the wounds of the past with the intent of constructing a new order based on justice for all.”– President Nelson Mandela, 10 May 1994