President Nelson Mandela signed the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 into effect on December 10, 1996, at Sharpeville. The symbolism of the choice of venue was lost on no one, says the writer. Picture: Christie Nesbitt/African News Agency Archives The perils of ignoring court orders By Opinion Karthy Govender President Nelson Mandela signed the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 into effect on December 10, 1996, at Sharpeville. He brought into effect, as he put it, “a text which embodies our nation’s highest aspirations”. The symbolism of the choice of venue was lost on no one. The president was acknowledging an ineradicable nexus between the sacrifices of those that fought against apartheid and the new Constitution which embodied principles on which an open and democratic society, based on human dignity, equality and freedom, was to be created. Respect for the values and foundational principles would ensure that the sacrifices of so many would not be in vain.