Inscriptions on Parliament steps unveiled
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday unveiled the constitutional inscriptions on the steps of Parliament which officially closed the year-long commemoration of the 100-year birthday anniversaries of Nelson Mandela and activist Albertina Sisulu.
Delivering his keynote address during the unveiling ceremony in Parliament, Ramaphosa said: “The citizens of this country and their representatives who pass through these doors will be reminded of the fundamental principles upon which our society is founded. Each one of us will need to reflect on whether our daily actions advance or betray the cause of freedom and democracy.”
The event also recognised the role played by both “giants” of South Africa’s liberation struggle towards the attainment of a democratic South Africa and its constitution.
The ceremony took place as the country marked the 25th anniversary of democracy and the end of term of the fifth democratic Parliament.
“These are the principles for which many in our country fought and for which many lost their lives. The values that underwrite these inscriptions are reflected in the Freedom Charter.
“They are the fundamental values of our democratic society, articulated in our Constitution and celebrated every day in millions of different ways,” said Ramaphosa.
“These principles not only bind us together as a nation, but they bind us to the peoples of the world. It is significant that these principles are being inscribed on the steps of Parliament as we celebrate 25 years of a free and democratic South Africa.”
He said it was important that the unveiling was held in the week that marked Human Rights Day which is always celebrated on March 21. | African News Agency (ANA)