Cultural rights have meaning when they are realised in practice. The FW de Klerk Foundation’s CRL Report Card 2026 examines key developments affecting cultural, religious and linguistic communities, from Khoi and San recognition to cultural participation and customary practices.
South Africa’s Constitution strongly protects freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion. Yet recent debates surrounding the CRL Rights Commission’s proposed self-regulatory framework for the religious sector have raised important questions about the relationship between accountability, religious autonomy and State involvement. This article examines the constitutional protections afforded to religious communities, the controversy surrounding the Section 22 process, and why safeguarding freedom of belief remains essential to South Africa’s democracy, diversity and human rights culture.
South Africa’s Constitution guarantees extensive language rights, yet implementation remains inconsistent. This article explores how strengthening PanSALB’s enforcement powers could help promote linguistic diversity, improve accountability, and ensure that all language communities receive equal recognition and protection.
Diversity can be a mechanism for nation-building, because it can strengthen social cohesion and opens up economic value chains.
The FW de Klerk Foundation today released its CRL Rights Report Card for 2026, identifying significant developments affecting cultural, religious and linguistic rights while highlighting persistent implementation challenges across South Africa’s constitutional landscape.
The FW de Klerk Foundation today released its CRL Rights Report Card for 2026, identifying significant developments affecting cultural, religious and linguistic rights while highlighting persistent implementation challenges across South Africa’s constitutional landscape.
A guide for citizens on who does what in local government
Christo van der Rheede, Executive Director at the FW de Klerk Foundation was invited by the Remgro Foundation to speak at their annual leadership conference. His topic focused on education, the key to a better future.
The FW de Klerk Foundation today hosted a conference on achieving successful municipal service delivery, bringing together leaders from government and civil society in local government.
