CONSTITUTIONAL COMMENTARY AND EVENTS
ARTICLES AND STATEMENTS
FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION CONGRATULATES THE CLASS OF 2024 ON HISTORIC MATRIC RESULTS
The FW de Klerk Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 for their outstanding achievement in the National Senior Certificate (“NSC”) examinations.
THIRTY YEARS INTO DEMOCRACY: SHOULD RACE, NATIONALITY AND GENDER STILL BE REQUIRED FOR LAND AUDITS?
Ismail Joosub reviews the Deeds Registries Amendment Act and considers whether the collection of personal information in accordance with the Act is Constitutionally valid.
PRESIDENTIAL POWER TO REFER BILLS TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT – A CASE STUDY OF THE REFERRAL OF THE COPYRIGHT AND PERFORMERS’ PROTECTION BILLS
Daniela Ellerbeck and Alfred Mahkuntsu outline presidential powers and the progress of the Copyright Amendment Bill and Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill.
PODCASTS
SUBMISSIONS
ARTICLE: 75 YEARS AFTER THE END OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR: PART I 1945‐1994
The 75 years since the end of World War II in Europe have been the most remarkable period in human history. They have witnessed unimaginable economic growth; an explosion in technology; and an enormous expansion of our understanding of the universe, of life and of ourselves. The human condition has improved more rapidly than at any time in history – whether measured by economic wellbeing, longevity, education or freedom.
They have also changed South Africa beyond all recognition.
ARTICLE: AN UNFETTERED LOCKDOWN WILL DRAG US FURTHER INTO AN ECONOMIC MORASS
No right-thinking South African doubted the necessity of the lock-down for the past three weeks. President Ramaphosa was widely lauded for his decisive and clear leadership. The majority of South Africans adhered to the regulations of the past three weeks, because we believed that the infection curve would flatten and that lives would be saved. Many excused the unintended consequences of police and defence over-reaction, and even understood that the curtailment of basic human rights may be necessary for the greater good. When our president announced a two-week extension of the lock-down, he was emphatic that some regulations would be relaxed in due course. Most of us understood the need for the extension, and we welcomed the prospect of the relaxation of the regulations to help the economy’s recovery.
ARTICLE: THE MAKANA JUDGEMENT – A SMALL NEW DAWN FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES?
The shocking state of local government finances and service delivery is well known. The 2019 Auditor-General’s report on the state of local government finances showed that more than a third of the 257 municipalities and 21 municipal entities were dysfunctional. Only 8% received a clean audit (versus 14% in 2016/17). When traveling in the north of the country, especially in the countryside, the decline of smaller towns in terms of maintenance of roads, water and sewage is evident. Standerton (Lekwa) was in the news last year when the municipality, which is only a few kilometres from the Vaal River and the Grootdraai Dam, was unable to supply water to the Astral Foods plant.
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
SPEECH: 2 SEPTEMBER 1997, PRINCIPLES OF FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION
SPEECH: 2 SEPTEMBER 1997, PRINCIPLES OF FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION This great cathedral is a most fitting venue for the consideration of questions relating to forgiveness and
EVENTS
CHRISTO VAN DER RHEEDE’S HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT CARD LAUNCH WELCOME ADDRESS
Christo van der Rheede’s address at the FW de Klerk Foundation Human Rights Report Card for 2024.
FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION STATEMENT ON THE 2025 BUDGET SPEECH
The FW de Klerk Foundation acknowledges the 2025 Budget Speech delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and comments on the fiscal decisions that have been made.
ASSESSING THE REAL-WORLD IMPACT OF EDUCATION BUDGET CUTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Ismail Joosub outlines the cost of postponing the National Budget Speech for schools and the deterioration the nation should expect if education funding shortfalls continue.
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