Articles Archives - FW de Klerk Foundation

STATE CAPTURE IS HOLDING BACK SOUTH AFRICA

2026-09-08

After Nelson Mandela was elected in 1994 his government abolished racially segregated local authorities, creating ostensibly integrated municipalities. Today these range in size from Johannesburg, the commercial capital, to units like Mpofana that comprise a small town and rural areas. All are supposed to fund themselves through property taxes, business rates and charges for water, electricity and waste collection. The poorest also get a grant from the central government to fill any gap between revenue and expenditure.

WHO WATCHES THE WATCHDOG? CURB ABUSE, NOT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

2026-09-08

In this article, the FW de Klerk Foundation argues that South Africa must confront abuse in religious communities without placing lawful belief under state supervision. Existing criminal, tax and nonprofit laws should be enforced properly, while faith communities strengthen voluntary safeguards and accountability. Protecting congregants must never make the exercise of religious freedom dependent on official approval.

FREEDOM SHOULD NEVER BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED

2026-09-02

Freedom forms one of the most important cornerstones of South Africa’s constitutional democracy. The Constitution guarantees a series of fundamental freedoms that enable every citizen to reach their full potential. This includes, among others, freedom of belief and conviction, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration

WHEN PUBLIC MONEY FAILS, FAMILIES PAY TWICE

2026-08-28

In this second instalment of the FW de Klerk Foundation’s Money Smart Week South Africa 2026 series, the focus shifts from personal income to the public money that determines how far it can stretch. When services fail, families pay twice: first through taxes, tariffs and charges, and again to replace essential services privately. The article explains why following the rand, demanding accountability and participating in public processes are essential acts of constitutional citizenship

YOU CANNOT BUDGET AN INCOME YOU DO NOT HAVE

2026-08-26

In the first of its Money Smart Week South Africa 2026 articles, the FW de Klerk Foundation confronts a difficult truth: You cannot budget an income you do not have. Against the backdrop of a 47,4% youth unemployment rate, the article examines the real costs of finding work, building a side hustle and managing a first salary. It argues that genuine financial empowerment requires not only personal discipline, but also fair markets, capable government and wider access to economic opportunity.

TAX, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND THE REAL CHALLENGE FACING SOUTH AFRICA

2026-08-20

Data from international indices—including the OECD, Eurostat, PwC, and the World Bank—demonstrate that South Africans are subjected to a double financial burden through high taxes and private service costs.

MAY THE CAPE TOWN METROPOLITAN POLICE INVESTIGATE CRIME?

2026-08-17

The ongoing crime crisis in South Africa, and particularly in Cape Town, has led to a constructive debate about the role and powers of municipal police services. While the South African Police Service (SAPS) is increasingly struggling to combat organized crime and violence effectively, the City of Cape Town has taken steps to establish its own investigative capacity.

INTRODUCING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPORT CARD 2026

2026-08-17

The Local Government Report Card 2026 provides an independent assessment of 50 municipalities across all nine provinces, measuring performance against five pillars of constitutional local government. The findings reveal a sharply uneven picture, with strong institutional leadership and sound financial management consistently linked to better service delivery and public accountability. By presenting clear evidence of what works, what fails and where improvement is possible, the Report Card equips residents, councillors and policymakers to demand practical, measurable change.

MUNICIPAL FAILURE IS NOT INEVITABLE AND THIS REPORT PROVES IT

2026-08-13

The FW de Klerk Foundation’s Local Government Report Card 2026 argues that municipal failure is not inevitable, but the result of identifiable institutional weaknesses that can be measured and addressed. Assessing 50 municipalities against 100 objective tests, the report highlights where local government is improving, where it is failing and what distinguishes high-performing municipalities from those in decline. It offers practical, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen constitutional governance, improve service delivery and make municipal recovery measurable.

View Archived Content

STATE CAPTURE IS HOLDING BACK SOUTH AFRICA

WHO WATCHES THE WATCHDOG? CURB ABUSE, NOT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

WHEN PUBLIC MONEY FAILS, FAMILIES PAY TWICE

YOU CANNOT BUDGET AN INCOME YOU DO NOT HAVE

TAX, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND THE REAL CHALLENGE FACING SOUTH AFRICA

MAY THE CAPE TOWN METROPOLITAN POLICE INVESTIGATE CRIME?

INTRODUCING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPORT CARD 2026

MUNICIPAL FAILURE IS NOT INEVITABLE AND THIS REPORT PROVES IT

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