About the Exhibition

The Centre for the Constitutional Transformation of South Africa

The FW de Klerk Foundation decided in 2021 to establish the Centre for the Constitutional Transformation of South Africa to provide an audio-visual presentation of the constitutional transformation of South Africa and to highlight the key importance, to all South Africans, of the 1996 Constitution. The exhibition was completed in 2024 and opened to the public in 2025.

The Centre's Goals:

Preserve, acquire, research and disseminate information relating to South Africa’s constitutional transformation;
Commemorate South Africa’s negotiated transformation from white minority rule to non-racial constitutional democracy;
Promote, advance and propagate the Constitution and the values on which it is based – particularly among young South Africans;
Provide a forum for the discussion of constitutional issues; and to
Share South Africa’s experience in conflict resolution and constitution-making.

Our Approach:

Objective: The Centre will provide an objective overview of the constitutional transformation process.
Online: The Centre’s audio-visual exhibition will be available online.
Youth-Oriented: The Centre will develop special programmes to inform young people about the Constitution, including its vision for South Africa.
Open: To small groups, students and scholars upon appointment and invitation.

Testimonials:

“I found my visit to the Centre for Constitutional Transformation especially worthwhile. The exhibits provide a thoughtful and engaging account of South Africa’s democratic transition, and I was particularly impressed by the quality of the video presentations, which bring this remarkable period of history to life in an accessible and compelling way. They serve as a fitting tribute to the leadership and vision that helped guide South Africa’s transition to democracy.” – Ambassador of the USA to South Africa: L Brent Bozell
An inspiring story of change! Thank you for an objective exhibition and making this story visible. Will definitely recommend to South Africans and non-South Africans! – German tourist
Well done for a very emotional and interesting story of our country’s history. Very informative. I learned so much. – Anonymous
A pivotal piece of fabric within the broader canvas. Thank you. – Anonymous
Thank you for this wonderful experience. Truly impactful. – The Nemickas Family
An inspiring story of change and hope. – UK tourist
Great experience being here. – WCED Social Sciences representative
Eye Opening! Thank you for this exhibition. – Tourist from Berlin
Brilliant presentation of our history (esp. considering as a young South African during these times, I was unaware of these events! (Embarrassingly). Every school matriculant should be exposed! – Anonymous
A must for every South African and all those who call this country home. Thank you for a very informative and objective exhibition. – Anonymous
Wat ’n voorreg! Dankie vir die leierskap. – Anoniem

Visit the CCTSA

The CCTSA exhibition is open to the public.

“The Foundation will do everything it can to preserve and promote the heritage of our negotiated transition from the injustices of minority racial domination to the vision of constitutional justice and freedom in our constitution. This was not a victory for this party or that party. It was a victory for us all. All of us played indispensable roles in achieving what was the most remarkable accomplishment in our long and troubled history.”

FW de Klerk – Cape Town Press Club, 1 October 2020