Media Statement

Justice Department and Stakeholders to commemorate signing into law of the Constitution and International Human Rights Day

09 December 2025

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, together with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights South Africa (OHCHR), the Constitution Hill (ConHill) and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), will on 10 December 2025, commemorate the signing into law of the Constitution and the International Human Rights Day at the Constitution Hill.

The 10th of December is a sacrosanct day on the calendar of South Africa in that, it is the day on which the Constitution of South Africa was signed into law and also the day on which International Human Rights Day is observed.

The South African Constitution was adopted by the Constitutional Assembly on 08 May 1996 and certified by the Constitutional Court in October 1996, former President Nelson Mandela signed the Constitution into law on 10 December 1996 and it came into effect on 4 February 1997.

The coming into effect of our democratic Constitution marked a decisive break with the apartheid era and ushered in a new South Africa based on democratic values for human dignity, non-sexism and freedom. Many gains have been realized since 1994 which have improved the lives of all who live in South Africa.

Organised under the theme: “Human Rights, Our everyday Essentials,” the commemoration seeks to underscore the principle of rule of law, which provides essential framework for human rights accountability through just law, transparent governance, an impartial judiciary and access to justice.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event as follows:
Date : 10 December 2025
Time : 09h30
Venue: The Constitution Hill, Johannesburg, Gauteng

Members of the media can contact Mr Mandla Mathebula for media attendance confirmations on 082 867 9824.

Media enquiries: Samuel Modipane, Director: Media Research and Liaison – 081 440 6179.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA