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February 1995 – 1996 – NCGLE’s contributions to the final text of the Constitution

February 1995 – 1996 – NCGLE’s contributions to the final text of the Constitution There were limited efforts by conservative religious groupings to mobilise opposition to the sexual orientation clause. Submissions (in the form of petitions and individual submissions) to the constitutional assembly, revealed widespread support: There were 7 032 submissions in favour of retention …

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July 1991 – The sexual orientation clause is endorsed

July 1991 – The sexual orientation clause is endorsed OLGA went on to contact ten political parties and questioned them about their policy regarding the specific inclusion of sexual orientation as a protected category in the Bill of Rights. The Democratic Party responded affirmatively: “The Bill of Rights will guarantee all persons irrespective of sexual …

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“We’re here, we’re queer, we’re everywhere!” – Pride Marches

13 October 1990 – “We’re here, we’re queer, we’re everywhere!” – Pride Marches This route was chosen for its accessibility and because Hillbrow was the main centre of gay social life under apartheid. Some marchers were indeed targeted after being spotted at the march. Beverley Ditsie’s speech at the event was broadcast on television and …

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January to March 1990 – The lesbian and gay rights charter campaign

January to March 1990 – The lesbian and gay rights charter campaign At a workshop entitled ‘Lesbian and Gay Rights are Human Rights’ at the University of the Witwatersrand, activist and lawyer Edwin Cameron gave the keynote address which assisted community members and organisation members in understanding how the ANC constitution could be utilised to …

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GLOW’s expansion

GLOW’s expansion GLOW offered a range of resources and produced a monthly Glowletter featuring organisational updates, advertisements for pen pals, and international gay rights news. GLOW organised the continent’s first pride march, organised Miss Glow drag competitions and co-drafted the Lesbian and Gay Charter. GLOW’s Lesbian Forum was conceived of as a safe place for …

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24 November 1987 – The re-evaluation of ANC policy

24 November 1987 – The re-evaluation of ANC policy At Mbeki’s request, Tatchell distributed this letter far and wide and continued to engage with exiled ANC leaders in London, including Albie Sachs—then a member of the constitutional working committee. The ANC’s commitment expressed here helped pave the way for the inclusion of a ban on …

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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