The FW de Klerk Foundation’s Annual Conference, in collaboration with Konrad Adenauer Foundation, took place at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town on 2 February 2024. Held in commemoration of the 34th anniversary of the speech by FW de Klerk that initiated South Africa’s constitutional transformation process, the theme of this year’s event was “South Africa at 30: Looking Back, Looking Around and Looking Forward”.
Former President FW de Klerk died peacefully at his home in Fresnaye on 11 November 2021 following his struggle against mesothelioma cancer. This is his final message of farewell to all South Africans.
The SOE Bill proposes a significant structural change to address challenges in South Africa’s strategic State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). While aiming to provide a unified oversight structure, concerns linger about its effectiveness.
Introduced on May 22, 2023, the Public Procurement Bill (B 18-2023) seeks to streamline South Africa’s public procurement framework. Concerns persist about its ability to ensure transparency and fairness. Urgent revisions are crucial to align the Bill with constitutional principles, upholding democratic values.
The statement highlights the revisions to the bill, specifically the removal of a contentious vetting clause for NGOs and religious bodies. Despite this positive change, the statement emphasizes persisting flaws, including vague definitions, threats to constitutional rights, and the absence of oversight mechanisms, indicating that GILAB continues to pose risks.
The FW de Klerk Foundation takes great pleasure in announcing that Khaya Lam, meaning “my home”, will be the recipient of its 2023 FW de Klerk Goodwill Award.
In a recent interview with the Vrye Weekblad, Elita De Klerk reflects on the period following the passing of former President FW de Klerk. She delves into the intricacies of navigating the profound grief of losing her husband while grappling with the pain experienced by others.
Thirty years have passed since the cold winter’s day in Oslo when Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. It was a time of great excitement, of great optimism and great trepidation. In South Africa negotiators were putting the final touches to the 1993 Constitution – in terms of which the first fully inclusive democratic elections would be held on 27 April 1994.
Thirty years have passed since the cold winter’s day in Oslo when Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
