New Democratic Constitution
South Africa, Cape Town · 1996-08-01
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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front
postmark detail
This cover was postmarked on 1 August 1996 and catalogued as SAPO 6.37. It commemorated the adoption of South Africa's new democratic Constitution and marked a defining moment in the country's transition away from apartheid. Its cachet featured the Houses of Parliament in Cape Town where the Constitution was formally adopted on 8 May 1996. It was signed into law by President Nelson Mandela just months later that December.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet is built around a large, softly rendered black and white photograph of the South African Parliament building in Cape Town, its columned facade and pediment stretching diagonally across the left half of the cover. Below it, the words "New Democratic Constitution" appear in bold red script, angled to follow the same diagonal line as the building above. The postmark itself carries its own small cachet too, a row of linked figures beneath a triangular roof, echoing the design used across the stamps.
Information Card
No info card.
Theme: National Events
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
SG reference: 925-929
SAPO serial number: 6.37
Estimated value: ~US$1.86
This is a high-level, subjective estimate only, not a professional appraisal.
This first day cover (FDC) is part of Southern Covers, a private collection of 209 first day covers documenting the postal history and philately of South Africa and the homeland states. New to first day cover collecting? Read the guide to learn about cachets, postmarks, and stamp collecting terms, or browse the whole collection of Southern African FDCs.
