The FW de Klerk Foundation notes National Treasury’s decision to withhold transfers to non-compliant municipalities and Parliament’s call for their urgent compliance. These developments confirm what has become crystal clear: Many municipalities across South Africa faces a deep and persistent governance crisis.
When Parliament is disrupted, taxpayers pay not only for lost time, but for weakened oversight and reduced accountability. This article argues that parliamentary disorder carries a measurable public cost, using official remuneration and budget figures to estimate what each wasted minute means in rands. It concludes that robust debate must be protected, but preventable obstruction should carry consequences that reflect the real cost to citizens.
Daniela Ellerbeck clarifies the, sometimes confusing, South African lawmaking process to empower each South African to be an active citizen.
The FW de Klerk Foundation welcomes the Cape Town High Court’s decision to disqualify Dr John Hlophe from serving on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
Daniela Ellerbeck recognises the agreement, reached this morning by Parliament’s legal services, regarding the President’s concerns about the unconstitutionality of the Protection of State Information Bill.
The FW de Klerk Foundation is concerned by the appointment of Dr John Hlophe, MP to serve on the Judicial Service Commission (“JSC”).
Today, the Constitutional Court ruled that Former President Jacob Zuma is ineligible to stand for Parliament.
The rule of law is one of the Constitution’s founding values. It is accordingly most disturbing to learn that one-third of magistrates were threatened or harmed in 2021/2022.
While South Africa is meant to be a participatory democracy, recent events have highlighted concerns about Parliament listening to the people.
