CONSTITUTIONAL COMMENTARY AND EVENTS
ARTICLES AND STATEMENTS
FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION RELEASES DOWNLOADABLE PDF VERSION OF “WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT ANYWAY?” – THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION GUIDE 2026
The FW de Klerk Foundation and its partners have released the free downloadable PDF version of Whose Responsibility Is It Anyway? The Local Government Election Guide 2026. Written in clear and accessible language, the guide explains local government, voter registration, municipal accountability and the importance of participating in the 2026 local elections. It is the first instalment of a three-part civic-education series designed to help South Africans move from registration to informed participation and continued accountability.
THE WARD COUNCILLOR YOU’VE NEVER MET IS MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR LIFE
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.
ABDULLAH IBRAHIM: A JAZZ ICON OF INTERNATIONAL STATURE
Abdullah Ibrahim’s influence extends far beyond the distinctive sounds of District Six, the townships, and the broader narrative of Africa’s struggle against injustice. Through his compositions, he endowed African jazz with symphonic depth and elevated it to the international stage. His legacy lives on in the communities where he laid the groundwork for the next generation of jazz musicians. It lives on across both local and international stages. It lives on in every musician who pays tribute to him by interpreting his music as their own.
PODCASTS
SUBMISSIONS
BELA BILL ORAL SUBMISSION TO PARLIAMENT
On 7 March, Ismail Joosub, the FW de Klerk Foundation’s Legal Officer, made an oral submission to Parliament on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill (the BELA Bill).
GAS GOVERNANCE: FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION RAISES CONCERNS ON GAS AMENDMENT DRAFT BILL
The FW de Klerk Foundation has submitted detailed comments on the Gas Amendment Draft Bill to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
EXTENSION GRANTED TO AD HOC COMMITTEE ON GENERAL INTELLIGENCE LAWS AMENDMENT BILL
The Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee working on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill (“the GILAB”) has been granted an extension until 22 March 2024.
SPEECHES
TRANSFORMATIVE JUSTICE: FROM CONFLICT TO RESOLUTION AND HEALING
SPEECH BY FORMER PRESIDENT F W DE KLERK TO THE CONFERENCE ON TRANSFORMATIVE JUSTICE: FROM CONFLICT TO RESOLUTION AND HEALING; BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA; 17 APRIL
COMBATTING THE AIDS PANDEMIC
STATEMENT BY MR F W DE KLERK; ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL, JOHANNESBURG, 6 DECEMBER 2000 I have been asked to say a few words about
THE PLIGHT OF THE CHILDREN OF AFRICA
MEMORIAL LECTURE BY FORMER PRESIDENT F W DE KLERK TO THE OSIGWE ANYIAM – OSIGWE FOUNDATION, LAGOS, 30 NOVEMBER 2000 ‘LEADERSHIP AND ITS
EVENTS
THE YOUTH HAVE REGISTERED. NOW GIVE THEM A REASON TO VOTE
Young South Africans responded strongly to the first voter-registration weekend, with people aged 16 to 29 accounting for 80% of all new registrations. But registration does not automatically translate into trust or turnout, particularly when young citizens face severe unemployment, declining services and limited confidence in local government. Political parties must now earn their votes through credible candidates, measurable ward-level commitments and transparent accountability.
XENOPHOBIA IS NOW A TRADE POLICY PROBLEM, NOT JUST A LAW-AND-ORDER ONE
Xenophobic violence is no longer only a domestic law-and-order concern; it is placing South Africa’s regional trade relationships, diplomatic credibility and continental standing at risk. With billions of dollars in trade flowing between South Africa and its neighbours, even limited disruption caused by consumer backlash, logistical delays and declining trust could carry serious economic consequences. South Africa must therefore combine lawful migration enforcement with decisive prosecutions, diplomatic engagement and firm protection of constitutional order.
THE STATE CANNOT FIX MUNICIPALITIES WHILE REFUSING TO PAY THEM
Provincial departments owed municipalities R14,9 billion by December 2025, placing further pressure on already fragile local government finances. This persistent non-payment undermines service delivery, violates the principles of cooperative government and forces municipalities to finance provincial operations through unpaid accounts. National Treasury should enforce accountability and establish a targeted mechanism to deduct verified municipal debts from provincial allocations.
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