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.
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.
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
In honour of Human Rights Day, the FW de Klerk Foundation’s Constitutional Rights Programme team will present the Foundation’s annual Human Rights Report Card which examines the extent to which the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Bill of Rights were practically enjoyed by all South Africans over the past year.
Christo van der Rheede discusses the recent concerning reports indicating that the state of Afrikaans (and multilingualism by extension) is in decline, the different links of the Afrikaans value chain and how these links must be rethought to strengthen the state of Afrikaans.
Op 24 September vier Suid-Afrikaners Erfenisdag – ‘n dag wat gestig is om erkenning te gee aan Suid-Afrika se ryk en diverse taal-, godsdiens- en kulturele erfenis.
The Protection of State Information Bill has been revived by the new Parliament. The Foundation shares president Ramaphosa’s reservations regarding the Bill’s constitutionality.
The FW de Klerk Foundation herewith releases its comprehensive assessment of whether parties’ conduct aligns with the Constitution’s values and the Bill of Rights.
Ismail Joosub, Legal Officer at the Foundation, explores the complexities of free expression during the electoral period, scrutinising recent developments like the FPB’s notice.
