30 Years Celebration – Free State Legislature

30th anniversary celebration of South Africa’s Constitution &
Nelson Mandela International Day 2026

Iphahamiseng Child and Youth Care Centre

The Free State Legislature successfully commemorated Nelson Mandela International Day through practical acts of service during a landmark provincial programme held under the theme: “It’s Still in our hands to combat Poverty and Inequality.”

Part A of the programme commenced with a meaningful humanitarian outreach at the Iphahamiseng Child and Youth Care Centre, where the leadership of the Free State Legislature, led by the Speaker, together with the Chairperson of Chairpersons, Joint Management, staff and members of the public, came together to observe the symbolic 67 Minutes dedicated to human rights, dignity, and justice.

The Speaker was joined by the Free State Legislature’s esteemed guest from the Thabo Mbeki School of Public and International Affairs, Adv. Sipho Mantula, who also delivered the keynote address during the afternoon programme marking the 30 years of the South Africa’s Constitution.

The visit reflected the true spirit of Madiba’s call for every citizen to dedicate time to improving the lives of others. The handover of donations, interaction with the children, and engagement with the Centre’s management demonstrated that constitutional values are not merely legal principles, but are expressed through compassion, dignity, care, and solidarity with the most vulnerable members of society.

A profound and historic moment unfolded in Waaihoek as various stakeholders gathered to reaffirm the sanctity of the South African Constitution.

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.

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