Introduced on May 22, 2023, the Public Procurement Bill (B 18-2023) seeks to streamline South Africa’s public procurement framework. Concerns persist about its ability to ensure transparency and fairness. Urgent revisions are crucial to align the Bill with constitutional principles, upholding democratic values.
The statement highlights the revisions to the bill, specifically the removal of a contentious vetting clause for NGOs and religious bodies. Despite this positive change, the statement emphasizes persisting flaws, including vague definitions, threats to constitutional rights, and the absence of oversight mechanisms, indicating that GILAB continues to pose risks.
In a recent interview with the Vrye Weekblad, Elita De Klerk reflects on the period following the passing of former President FW de Klerk. She delves into the intricacies of navigating the profound grief of losing her husband while grappling with the pain experienced by others.
Thirty years have passed since the cold winter’s day in Oslo when Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
The chronic inefficiency plaguing the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the persistent delays in delivering judgments by our courts raises serious constitutional concerns, jeopardising the very essence of justice in our democratic society.
On 15 November 2023, Parliament’s second house of Parliament – the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) – passed the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill despite countless submissions from various stakeholders opposing the Bill’s clear curtailment of the constitutionally-entrenched right to freedom of expression. The Bill will now go to the National Assembly for concurrence.
The FW de Klerk Foundation supports the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in its campaign to mobilise South Africans to register for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections this weekend, 18 and 19 November.
On 26 October 2023, the National Assembly passed the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, which it believes will improve the quality of basic education received by the majority of South African learners by creating a more just and equitable education system.
Section 3 of the Constitution – ranking just after the rule of law and Constitutional supremacy – recognises the right of all citizens to citizenship. Its placement indicates its importance not only for equal entitlement to rights, privileges and benefits of citizenship, but also for the realisation of a “united and democratic South Africa.”
