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
As first appeared in Sunday World. With local election turnout declining and youth disengagement deepening, too many South Africans remain disconnected from the ward councillors and municipalities that shape their daily lives. A new civic research initiative seeks to turn citizens’ experiences into evidence that can strengthen democratic participation, service delivery and municipal accountability ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
As South Africa approaches the 2026 local government elections, the growing role of artificial intelligence presents both democratic risks and democratic opportunities. While misinformation, synthetic media and declining public trust threaten electoral integrity, technology can also strengthen civic education, improve access to verified information and reconnect young people to democratic participation. The real challenge is therefore not whether technology can save democracy, but whether it can be responsibly used to strengthen constitutional resilience, public trust and active citizenship.
The FW de Klerk Foundation has expressed concern over the growing escalation of xenophobic mobilisation and anti-immigrant intimidation in parts of South Africa. While acknowledging legitimate concerns around undocumented migration and border management, the Foundation stresses that immigration enforcement must remain lawful, constitutional and state-led. The Foundation warns that vigilantism, collective punishment and hate-driven exclusion threaten human dignity, social cohesion and the rule of law.
The FW de Klerk Foundation’s Human Rights Report Card assesses South Africans’ enjoyment of constitutional rights and presents over 30 recommendations to strengthen human rights and freedoms.
The FW de Klerk Foundation’s Human Rights Report Card assesses South Africans’ enjoyment of constitutional rights and presents over 30 recommendations to strengthen human rights and freedoms.
The FW de Klerk Foundation’s Executive Director Christo van der Rheede addressed the G20 Interfaith Forum on the Challenges of Inequality: How Inequality is Understood, Challenges of Colonial and Political Legacies.
The FW de Klerk Foundations marks the 30th anniversary of the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
Viewed as the ‘biggest election year in history’, 2024 will witness a major test for liberal democracy – with some measures suggesting a great turn to authoritarianism is on the horizon for most of the world…
