Support the work of the FW de Klerk Foundation
For more information regarding donations contact info@fwdeklerk.org or scan the QR code below
SONA SILENT ON ELECTORAL REFORM; CIVIL SOCIETY DEMANDS TIME‑BOUND ACTION BEFORE 2029
Issued by Daniela Ellerbeck on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation on 13/02/2026
One South Africa Movement (“OSA”), OUTA, the Center for Civic and Democracy Education, Project Youth South Africa, the FW de Klerk Foundation, the Independent Candidate Association South Africa (“ICA”), SoWeVote, Project Vote SA, and South African Youth Affairs note that last night’s State of the Nation Address contained no commitments to reform South Africa’s electoral system and call for a transparent, inclusive, time‑bound process to deliver changes well before the 2029 elections.
“South Africans want a system where politicians answer to them first. Reforms that put voter accountability ahead of party patronage are urgently needed, are non‑ partisan, and are a constitutional duty that strengthens Parliament’s hand against corruption,” the organisations said.
The Constitution requires “accountability, responsiveness and openness”. Civil society has consistently called for electoral reform to improve accountability; level the field between parties and independents; enhance transparency; and protect the value of each vote.
The Electoral Amendment Act, 2023 established the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel to advise on post‑2024 reform options and requires the Minister of Home Affairs to table a single report to Parliament for consideration. That report remains untabled, and SONA omission deepens concern that reform will not be delivered in time for 2029.
We, therefore, on the President, Cabinet and Parliament to immediately announce a transparent, inclusive, time‑bound process to consider electoral reform and the tabling of any necessary bills on a schedule that allows for demarcation and implementation ahead of 2029.
Issued by:
One South Africa Movement (NPC)
OUTA
Center for Civic and Democracy Education
Project Youth South Africa
FW de Klerk Foundation
Independent Candidate Association South Africa (NPC)
SoWeVote
Project Vote SA
South African Youth Affairs
FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION WELCOMES SPEAKER’S RESPONSE ON PARLIAMENTARY DISRUPTIONS
The FW de Klerk Foundation welcomes the Speaker of the National Assembly’s confirmation that its submission on parliamentary disruptions has been shared with the National Assembly Rules Committee. The Foundation’s research highlights both the constitutional and financial costs of disruptions that undermine Parliament’s oversight role. It calls for consistent enforcement of the rules, appropriate penalties and clear feedback on how its recommendations will be taken forward.
EKURHULENI MUST BE A TURNING POINT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST FEMICIDE
The discovery of women’s bodies across Ekurhuleni has once again brought South Africa’s crisis of gender-based violence and femicide into sharp focus. The FW de Klerk Foundation calls for effective investigations, stronger prevention measures and greater accountability from the institutions responsible for protecting women’s constitutional rights. Ekurhuleni must become a turning point where national commitments against femicide translate into meaningful protection, justice and support on the ground.
CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS AND LINGUISTIC RIGHTS REPORT CARD 2026 LAUNCH PHOTO GALLERY
The FW de Klerk Foundation today released its CRL Rights Report Card for 2026, identifying significant developments affecting cultural, religious and linguistic rights while highlighting persistent implementation challenges across South Africa’s constitutional landscape.