CONSTITUTIONAL COMMENTARY AND EVENTS
ARTICLES AND STATEMENTS
CULTURAL RIGHTS MUST HAVE MEANING IN PRACTICE
Cultural rights have meaning when they are realised in practice. The FW de Klerk Foundation’s CRL Report Card 2026 examines key developments affecting cultural, religious and linguistic communities, from Khoi and San recognition to cultural participation and customary practices.
PROTECTING FREEDOM OF BELIEF IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa’s Constitution strongly protects freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion. Yet recent debates surrounding the CRL Rights Commission’s proposed self-regulatory framework for the religious sector have raised important questions about the relationship between accountability, religious autonomy and State involvement. This article examines the constitutional protections afforded to religious communities, the controversy surrounding the Section 22 process, and why safeguarding freedom of belief remains essential to South Africa’s democracy, diversity and human rights culture.
CORRUPTION WATCH V SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND OTHERS
The Constitutional Court’s judgment in Corruption Watch v Speaker of the National Assembly and Others confirms that meaningful public participation is a constitutional requirement in the appointment of Chapter Nine institution commissioners. The Court found that Parliament’s failure to provide adequate information, sufficient time and accessible avenues for public comment rendered the Commission for Gender Equality appointment process unconstitutional.
PODCASTS
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.
THE CONSTITUTION@WORK PRESENTS: DISCUSSION ON YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS
7 July 2026 @ All Day. –
In the latest episode of the Constitution@Work, Daniela Ellerbeck, Lusanda Mahkuntsu, Mpone Komako and Ismail Joosub discuss how South Africa’s Constitution shapes the real-world experience of rights and freedoms.
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
WHY THE BRONKHORSTSPRUIT WATER CRISIS VIOLATES THE CONSTITUTION
The FW de Klerk Foundation raises concern over the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis, warning that contaminated drinking water threatens constitutional rights, public health and human dignity. The Foundation calls for transparency, accountability and urgent reforms to address systemic weaknesses in South Africa’s water governance and infrastructure management.
CULTURAL RIGHTS MUST HAVE MEANING IN PRACTICE
Cultural rights have meaning when they are realised in practice. The FW de Klerk Foundation’s CRL Report Card 2026 examines key developments affecting cultural, religious and linguistic communities, from Khoi and San recognition to cultural participation and customary practices.
PROTECTING FREEDOM OF BELIEF IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa’s Constitution strongly protects freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion. Yet recent debates surrounding the CRL Rights Commission’s proposed self-regulatory framework for the religious sector have raised important questions about the relationship between accountability, religious autonomy and State involvement. This article examines the constitutional protections afforded to religious communities, the controversy surrounding the Section 22 process, and why safeguarding freedom of belief remains essential to South Africa’s democracy, diversity and human rights culture.
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