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 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
The FW de Klerk Foundation proudly releases The Power of Financial Possibility: South Africa’s 2026 Constitutional Money Guide during Money Smart Week South Africa 2026. Available in full and condensed editions, the practical guide equips young South Africans to learn, earn, protect their money, build assets and understand how public finances shape their lives. It connects personal financial capability with constitutional citizenship, offering practical worksheets, official resources and a 30-day possibility sprint.
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.
Submission to Parliament on gang related violence in the Cape Flats.
The FW de Klerk Foundation is participating in Money Smart Week South Africa 2026 through a practical constitutional money guide, focused articles, short videos and in-person engagement. Its guide helps young South Africans learn, earn, protect and grow their money while understanding how public institutions shape financial opportunity. The initiative connects financial education with constitutional citizenship, individual responsibility and accountable governance.
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.
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.
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.
