CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS AND LANGUAGE DIVERSITY
The Foundation supports all the rights and freedoms in the Constitution that protect the complex cultural, religious and linguistic diversity of South Africa’s multicultural, multi-religious and multilingual society.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS THAT PROTECT DIVERSITY
- Section 6 (1) – Official languages
- Section 6(2) – Development of indigenous languages
- Section 6(3)(a) – Use of official languages by municipalities
- Section 6 (3)(b) – Use of official languages by national and provincial governments
- Section 6 (4) – Regulation official languages and parity of esteem
- Section 6 (5) – The Pan-South African Language Board
- Section 15 – Freedom of religion, belief and opinion
- Section 29 (2) – Education in the official language of choice
- Section 29 (3) – The right to establish independent educational institutions
- Section 30 – The right to use the language and participate in the culture of choice
- Section 31 – The rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities
- Section 185 – Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities
- Section 235 – Self-determination
MONITORING CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS AND LANGUAGE RIGHTS
The Foundation monitors compliance with cultural, religious and language rights by means of its
Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Report Card.
It participates in the national debate on culture, religion and language by writing articles and submissions to Parliament,
by making speeches on these topics and by hosting conferences and seminars.
2022 CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS AND LINGUISTIC RIGHTS REPORT CARD
2023 CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS AND LINGUISTIC RIGHTS REPORT CARD
COMMENTARY AND EVENTS
ARTICLES AND STATEMENTS
FREEDOM SHOULD NEVER BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED
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
WHEN PUBLIC MONEY FAILS, FAMILIES PAY TWICE
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
SUBMISSIONS
SUBMISSION ON PARLIAMENT’S INQUIRY INTO GANG-RELATED VIOLENCE
Submission to Parliament on gang related violence in the Cape Flats.
SUBMISSION URGENT REQUEST FOR CONFIRMATION OF PARLIAMENT’S TIMELINES, ROADMAP AND INSTITUTIONAL PRIORITIES FOR ERCP REPORT – FOLLOW-UP
Follow-up on The FW de Klerk Foundation’s urgent request for confirmation of Parliament’s timelines, roadmap and institutional priorities for ERCP Report
SPEECHES
2025 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT CARD LAUNCH
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.
FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION LAUNCHES 2025 REPORT CARD ON CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS AND LANGUAGE RIGHTS
The FW de Klerk Foundation, in celebration of Heritage Day, proudly launched its Cultural, Religious and Language Rights 2025 Report Card today.
EVENTS AND CONFERENCES
FREEDOM SHOULD NEVER BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED
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
MEET OUR INTERN: ALIA KHAN KOUMANTARAKIS
The FW de Klerk Foundation is pleased to have Alia Khan Koumantarakis on board as an intern.
Categories
- Language Rights
- The Right to Mother-tongue Education
- Cultural Rights
- Religious Rights
- Race Relations