Representatives from across the province demonstrated their commitment to the nation’s foundational values by signing a pledge to respect and protect the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. The pledge was read out by the Acting Secretary to the Free State Legislature, Ms. Connie Sefo. This significant event took place at the historic Waaihoek Wesleyan Church in Bloemfontein, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

The ceremonial signing sequence was undertaken by:

Honourable MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, Premier of Free State Provincial Government

Honourable Mxolisi Dukwana, Speaker of the Free State Legislature

Cllr. Gregory Nthatisi, Executive Mayor of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality

Mr. Tiisetso Mahlatsi, Provincial Secretary for the Congress of South African Trade Unions.

Ms. Mpho Mndaweni – Deputy Speaker of 2025/26 Youth Parliament Free State

The occasion was further elevated by its timing, as it coincided with International Nelson Mandela Day. This day was officially declared by the United Nations to honor the birthday of South Africa’s first democratically elected President and is observed annually on July 18. It was President Mandela who served as the first signatory to the final draft of the Constitution, signing it into law on December 10, 1996, in Sharpeville. The Constitution came into effect on 4 February 1997, replacing the Interim Constitution of 1993 to become the supreme law of the country.