The name in 11 languages

Multi-coloured signage that spells out the Constitutional Court in all official languages. Tebogo Phalane

The use of colour is an extension of the judge’s intention ‘to put a smiling face’ on the justice system – imbuing the Court with an unexpectedly friendly and even delightful exterior. The use of colour contrasted with the architecture of apartheid which is often dark and intimidating. There are a number of schools around the Court and the colourful exterior of the Court catches the attention of passers-by, especially young children.

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