The National Party

In humble submission to Almighty God, we, the people of South Africa, declare that-

Whereas we wish to create an order in which all South Africans will be entitled to a common South African citizenship in a sovereign and democratic constitutional state based on justice and equality so that everyone else shall be able to enjoy and exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms;

And whereas we pursue national unity and harmony amidst the recognition of the diversity of our society and we wish to create an order in which common values and loyalties can be extended and promoted on the basis of the freedom and responsibility of every human being;

And whereas we wish to create an efficient and people- friendly system of government and build South Africa into a land in which everyone may dwell safely, peacefully and prosperously;

And whereas we wish to restructure and advance our society so that poverty can be eradicated, everybody can share equitably in our prosperity and can realise their potential through initiative, diligence and competitiveness;

Now therefore the following provisions are adopted as the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

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