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FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION CALLS FOR TRANSPARENT MUNICIPAL RECOVERY PLANS AMID R400 BILLION WATER INFRASTRUCTURE BACKLOG

South Africa faces an estimated R400 billion backlog to repair and upgrade ageing water infrastructure across 107 water services authorities. The FW de Klerk Foundation calls for transparent, municipality-specific recovery plans with clear deadlines, measurable milestones and accountable authorities. Reliable access to water is a constitutional right, and infrastructure spending must translate into measurable improvements in service delivery.

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RED FLAG: NO OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS ON FINAL VERSION OF ELECTORAL REGULATIONS.

The FW de Klerk Foundation has raised concerns about a change introduced into the final Municipal Electoral Regulations that was not included in the draft published for public comment. The Foundation argues that the addition of a sworn-statement requirement for election objections raises important questions about meaningful public participation, electoral transparency, and compliance with Constitutional Court principles governing post-consultation amendments.

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GAUTENG EDUCATION: AMBITIOUS PROMISES, VAGUE COMMITMENTS

Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s 2026 State of the Province Address highlighted Gauteng’s education achievements, including strong matric results and plans for new schools, AI initiatives and improved admissions systems. However, a closer examination of the Gauteng Budget, Department of Education Annual Report and Auditor-General findings reveals ongoing challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, infrastructure backlogs, admissions delays and governance concerns. This analysis explores whether the province’s education commitments are specific enough to ensure transparency, accountability and measurable progress.

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CULTURAL RIGHTS MUST HAVE MEANING IN PRACTICE

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.

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PROTECTING FREEDOM OF BELIEF IN SOUTH AFRICA

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.

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CORRUPTION WATCH V SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND OTHERS

The Constitutional Court’s judgment in Corruption Watch v Speaker of the National Assembly and Others confirms that meaningful public participation is a constitutional requirement in the appointment of Chapter Nine institution commissioners. The Court found that Parliament’s failure to provide adequate information, sufficient time and accessible avenues for public comment rendered the Commission for Gender Equality appointment process unconstitutional.

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WHY SAHRC V MALEMA MATTERS

Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of South Africa’s democracy, but it is not unlimited. The SAHRC v Malema case highlights where the law draws the line between protected political speech and hate speech, offering important lessons for politicians, voters and constitutional democracy.

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FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION WELCOMES STRONGER OVERSIGHT UNDER NEW PSC ACT

The FW de Klerk Foundation welcomes the Public Service Commission Act 8 of 2026 as an important step towards stronger, independent oversight of South Africa’s public administration. The expanded mandate of the Public Service Commission, including future oversight of municipalities and public entities, can strengthen accountability, professionalisation and service delivery. Effective implementation will require adequate resources, protection from political interference and clear evidence that PSC findings lead to meaningful corrective action.

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