The FW de Klerk Foundation is pleased to have Ismail Joosub, a law student from Mpumalanga, on board as an online research intern.

We recently sat down with him to learn more about his background and goals for the internship…

FWDKF: Why did you choose to intern with the FW de Klerk Foundation?

IJ: I wanted to play a role in advancing the values that the Foundation stands for, and – in doing so – to contribute to the betterment of my country.

Of these values, the protection of individual liberties, the promotion of democracy, and the advancement of the free market particularly stood out – and I was itching to lend a hand and leave a mark.

I was also highly impressed by the great influence that the Foundation has – not just in South Africa, but around the world. The FW de Klerk Foundation Chairman, Mr Dave Steward, is someone who I deeply admire and respect, and I see the Foundation as being a platform from which I can serve with enthusiasm and conviction.

FWDKF: What do you hope to learn or achieve during your internship?

IJ: During my time at the Foundation, I hope to achieve a sense of heightened awareness of the myriad problems that plague our country, and to learn from my excellent colleagues how best we can go about enlightening others about these problems so that meaningful solutions can be found.

Promoting a democratic South Africa and rooting out unconstitutionality through my work is my aim, and advocating for social justice is my ambition.

FWDKF: What is your background, country of origin and research focus?

IJ: I am originally from a small town in Mpumalanga called Ermelo. From an early age, I developed a passion for public speaking and reading, which was a springboard for me to study law.

As my first love, law taught me the means and mechanisms of affecting social justice, and I greatly enjoyed my time at the University of Pretoria, where I obtained my LLB degree, graduating in the top percentile of my class in 2021. Still passionate as ever, I then decided to pursue an LLM Masters Degree in International Law, owing to my interest in geopolitics, foreign policy and international affairs in 2022.

My areas of research are primarily Constitutional Law and International Law, with a specific focus on Human Rights. I have contributed to the 2022 FW de Klerk Foundation Human Rights Report Card, which focuses on the respect, protection, promotion and fulfilment of rights in the Bill of Rights.

FWDKF: What are your career ambitions for the next five years?

IJ: I intend on acquiring my admission to appear in the High Court of South Africa upon completion of my Articles of Clerkship at a law firm. In addition to this, I aim to complete my doctorate qualification, or LLD, and thus attain my third degree. I would then like to climb the corporate ladder and use my talents as a lawyer to strike out against injustice. I believe that the FW de Klerk Foundation serves as a necessary platform for my growth in this regard.

We can’t wait to see what Ismail is able to achieve during his time with us and beyond.