CONSTITUTIONAL COMMENTARY AND EVENTS
ARTICLES AND STATEMENTS
COALITION STABILITY MUST NOT BECOME JOB SECURITY FOR MAYORS
As South Africa enters a new era of municipal coalition governance, political stability must not come at the expense of accountability and service delivery. The proposed Municipal Structures Amendment Bill seeks to limit frequent changes in mayoral leadership, but raises concerns about protecting underperforming mayors from scrutiny. Coalition stability must ultimately strengthen democratic oversight, ensure effective governance and hold municipal leaders accountable to the communities they serve.
COURT RATIONALISATION: BRINGING JUSTICE CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE
South Africa’s court rationalisation reforms aim to improve access to justice by bringing High Court services closer to communities, reducing travel costs and addressing case backlogs. This article examines the constitutional importance of court accessibility, judicial capacity, mandatory mediation, and the government’s plans to strengthen the justice system nationwide.
FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION CALLS FOR PEACEFUL LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
The FW de Klerk Foundation calls for peaceful local government elections and condemns violence and intimidation against candidates, campaigners and voters. Every citizen must be able to exercise their constitutional political rights freely and without fear. Political leaders, law enforcement and voters all have a role to play in protecting free, fair and peaceful elections.
PODCASTS
THE CONSTITUTION@WORK PRESENTS: GAUTENG’S 2026 STATE OF THE PROVINCE – TRACKING PROMISES FROM RHETORIC TO REALITY.
22 October 2026 @ 12:00 am – 11:59 pm –
On this episode the focus is on a deeply structural issue that affects millions of South Africans: housing and urban reform with Daneila Ellerbeck, Lusanda Mahkuntsu and Mpone Komako and together they unpack the Foundation’s key recommendations – looking at how housing reform can help build a more inclusive and equitable society.
THE CONSTITUTION@WORK PRESENTS: EDUCATION REFORM RECOMMENDATIONS
22 July 2026 @ 12:00 am – 11:59 pm –
On this episode the focus is on a deeply structural issue that affects millions of South Africans: housing and urban reform with Daneila Ellerbeck, Lusanda Mahkuntsu and Mpone Komako and together they unpack the Foundation’s key recommendations – looking at how housing reform can help build a more inclusive and equitable society.
THE CONSTITUTION@WORK PRESENTS: URBAN HOUSING RECOMMENDATIONS
14 July 2026 @ All Day. –
On this episode the focus is on a deeply structural issue that affects millions of South Africans: housing and urban reform with Daneila Ellerbeck, Lusanda Mahkuntsu and Mpone Komako and together they unpack the Foundation’s key recommendations – looking at how housing reform can help build a more inclusive and equitable society.
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
SUBMISSION URGENT REQUEST FOR CONFIRMATION OF PARLIAMENT’S TIMELINES, ROADMAP AND INSTITUTIONAL PRIORITIES FOR ERCP REPORT
The FW de Klerk Foundation’s urgent request for confirmation of Parliament’s timelines, roadmap and institutional priorities for ERCP Report
SPEECHES
DEALING WITH THE PAST
DEALING WITH THE PAST SPEECH BY FORMER PRESIDENT FW DE KLERK TO THE CAPE TOWN PRESS CLUB 1 OCTOBER 2020 It is once again a
THE CONSTITUTION, STATE CAPTURE AND THE WAY FORWARD
SPEECH BY FW DE KLERK, CHAIRMAN EMERITUS OF THE FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION TO THE FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION CONFERENCE, 2 FEBRUARY 2018 THE CONSTITUTION,
THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA AT 20: THE NEED FOR REAL TRANSFORMATION
SPEECH BY FORMER PRESIDENT FW DE KLERK TO THE FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION CONFERENCE ON THE NEED FOR REAL TRANSFORMATION, CAPE TOWN, 31 JANUARY 2014
EVENTS
COALITION STABILITY MUST NOT BECOME JOB SECURITY FOR MAYORS
As South Africa enters a new era of municipal coalition governance, political stability must not come at the expense of accountability and service delivery. The proposed Municipal Structures Amendment Bill seeks to limit frequent changes in mayoral leadership, but raises concerns about protecting underperforming mayors from scrutiny. Coalition stability must ultimately strengthen democratic oversight, ensure effective governance and hold municipal leaders accountable to the communities they serve.
COURT RATIONALISATION: BRINGING JUSTICE CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE
South Africa’s court rationalisation reforms aim to improve access to justice by bringing High Court services closer to communities, reducing travel costs and addressing case backlogs. This article examines the constitutional importance of court accessibility, judicial capacity, mandatory mediation, and the government’s plans to strengthen the justice system nationwide.
FW DE KLERK MEMORIAL LECTURE SPEAKER: DR NAKEDI MATHEWS PHOSA
FW DE KLERK MEMORIAL LECTURE SPEAKER: DR NAKEDI MATHEWS PHOSA Dr Phosa is a distinguished South African attorney, businessman, political leader, author and anti-apartheid activist
CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES
- Equality
- Non-racialism
- Gender Rights
- The Constitution
- The Rule of Law
- Multiparty Democracy
- Personal Rights
- Cultural, Religious and Language Rights
- Freedom of Expression and Political Rights
- Social and Economic Rights
- Property Rights
- Education
- Access To The Courts, Information And Fair Adminstration