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FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION CALLS FOR URGENT TRANSPARENCY ON ELECTORAL REFORM PROCESS
Issued by Daniela Ellerbeck on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation on 20/08/2026
The FW de Klerk Foundation has called on Parliament to provide urgent clarity regarding its consideration of the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel (“ERCP”) report, warning that continued uncertainty could jeopardise meaningful electoral reform before the 2029 national and provincial elections.
Established by law, the ERCP was tasked with reviewing South Africa’s electoral system and recommending reforms.
“Among the strongest public messages to the ERCP was the need for a system that makes politicians accountable to the voters, not a political party,” says Daniela Ellerbeck, an attorney and the FW de Klerk Foundation’s Constitutional Rights Programme Manager. “South Africa’s electoral system is responsible for this: It determines how our votes get used to decide how many seats in Parliament go to which political party and how those political parties decide which member to give that seat to.”
Although Parliament has had the ERCP report before it for more than six months, key aspects of the process remain unclear, including timelines, institutional arrangements, opportunities for public participation and decision-making milestones.
“We fully recognise the complexity and importance of electoral reform,” says Ellerbeck. “However, transparency, accountability and responsiveness require Parliament to communicate clearly how it intends to process the ERCP report. The public has a right to know how this time-sensitive matter, which goes to the heart of our constitutional democracy, will proceed.”
Parliament has also advised that its relevant Committees are also scheduled to meet on 28 August 2026, during which the matter may be considered.
“Electoral reform is not something that can be implemented overnight,” says Ellerbeck. “Legally, Parliament must consider the report,” Ellerbeck added. “The critical question is whether it will do so within a timeframe that gives effect to the purpose of the legislation and allows meaningful reforms to be implemented before the next national election.“
The Foundation has requested a substantive update on the status of the process, including any roadmap, anticipated timelines and plans for public participation, and remains committed to constructive engagement on this vital democratic issue.
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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.
A VISIT TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN CHILDREN’S HOME
On Tuesday, 20 October2026, a delegation of the FW de Klerk Foundation comprising of Deputy Chairperson Christina Teichmann and Legacy Manager Brenda Steyn visited the SA Children’s Home in Gardens, Cape Town, where they met with Nina Crawford and Dico van Eeden to learn more about the home’s history and mission.
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.