This resource is hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, but was compiled and authored by Padraig O’Malley. It is the product of almost two decades of research and includes analyses, chronologies, historical documents, and interviews from the apartheid and post-apartheid eras.
Schedule 3 - Oaths Of Office And Solemn Affirmations
Oath of office or solemn affirmation of President and Acting President
In the presence of those assembled here and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as President/Acting President in the service of the Republic of South Africa I, A.B., do hereby swear/solemnly affirm to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and do solemnly and sincerely promise at all times to promote that which will advance and to oppose all that may harm the Republic; to obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other Law of the Republic; to discharge my duties with all my strength and talents to the best of my knowledge and ability and true to the dictates of my conscience; to do justice to all; and to devote myself to the well-being of the Republic and all its people.
(In the case of an oath: So help me God.)
Oath of office or solemn affirmation of Executive Deputy Presidents
In the presence of those assembled here and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as Executive Deputy President in the service of South Africa I, A.B., do hereby swear/solemnly affirm to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and do solemnly and sincerely promise at all times to promote that which will advance and to oppose all that may harm the Republic; to obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other Law of the Republic; to discharge my duties with all my strength and talents to the best of my knowledge and ability and true to the dictates of my conscience; to do justice to all; and to devote myself to the well-being of the Republic and all its people.
(In the case of an oath: So help me God.)
Oath of office or solemn affirmation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers
I, A.B., do hereby swear/solemnly affirm to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and undertake before those assembled here to hold my office as Minister/Deputy Minister with honour and dignity; to respect and uphold the Constitution and all other Law of the Republic of South Africa; to be a true and faithful counsellor; not to divulge directly or indirectly any matters which are entrusted to me under secrecy; and to perform the duties of my office conscientiously and to the best of my ability.
(In the case of an oath: So help me God.)
Oath of office or solemn affirmation of Premiers and members of Executive Councils
I, A.B., do hereby swear/solemnly affirm to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and undertake before those assembled here to hold my office as Premier/Member of the Executive Council of my province with honour and dignity; to respect and uphold the Constitution and all other Law of the Republic of South Africa; to be a true and faithful counsellor; not to divulge directly or indirectly any matters which are entrusted to me under secrecy; and to perform the duties of my office conscientiously and to the best of my ability.
(In the case of an oath: So help me God.)
Oath of office or solemn affirmation of members of National Assembly, Senate or provincial legislature
I, A.B., do hereby swear/solemnly affirm to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and solemnly promise to perform my functions as a member of the National Assembly/Senate/provincial legislature to the best of my ability.
(In the case of an oath: So help me God.)
Oath of office or solemn affirmation of Judges
I, A.B., do hereby swear/solemnly affirm that I will in my capacity as Judge of the Supreme Court/Constitutional Court of the Republic of South Africa uphold and protect the Constitution of the Republic and the fundamental rights entrenched therein and in so doing administer justice to all persons alike without fear, favour or prejudice, in accordance with the Constitution and the Law of the Republic.
(In the case of an oath: So help me God.)
Oath of office or solemn affirmation of Attorneys-General
I, A.B., do hereby swear/solemnly affirm that I will in my capacity as Attorney-General uphold and protect the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the fundamental rights entrenched therein and in so doing enforce the Law of the Republic without fear, favour or prejudice, in accordance with the Constitution and the Law of the Republic.
(In the case of an oath: So help me God.)