CONSTITUTIONAL COMMENTARY AND EVENTS
ARTICLES AND STATEMENTS
THE RIGHT TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT: PROTECTING PEOPLE AND THE PLANET
The Constitution guarantees everyone the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being, and to have the environment protected for present and future generations. Yet, the FW de Klerk Foundation’s latest Human Rights Report Card ranks the right to a healthy environment as the eighth most threatened right in South Africa.
GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT: SOUTH AFRICA’S CRISIS IN HEALTH, FOOD, WATER AND SOCIAL SECURITY
South Africa’s Constitution guarantees every person the right to have access to health care, to sufficient food and water and to social security. Yet, persistent systemic failures continue to limit access to essential services. For this reason, the FW de Klerk Foundation’s latest Human Rights Report Card rated the enjoyment of these socio‑economic rights as very poor and continuing to deteriorate.
ECONOMIC FREEDOM UNDER STRAIN: ACCESS TO WORK IN SOUTH AFRICA
The Constitution guarantees citizens the right to choose their trade, occupation or profession. However, the FW de Klerk Foundation’s latest Human Rights Report Card rated the enjoyment of this right as poor and deteriorating. Daniela Ellerbeck and Lusanda Mahkuntsu detail why in this article.
PODCASTS
SUBMISSIONS
ARTICLE: PERSONAL REFLECTIONS ON FREEDOM DAY IN SOUTH AFRICA
My starting point in writing this was when I lost my husband on 11 November 2021. Then I
encountered a lot of mixed messages – many were full of hatred. At the time, I was aware I had to
personally walk through my pain, and not try to avoid it. Face it, head on.
ARTICLE: SUBMISSION ON THE ELECTORAL AMENDMENT BILL (B1 -20220)
Yesterday the FW de Klerk Foundation submitted its comments on the Electoral Amendment Bill to the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee.
SUBMISSION ON THE ELECTORAL AMENDMENT BILL
SUBMISSION ON THE ELECTORAL AMENDMENT BILL (B1 -20220) Yesterday the FW de Klerk Foundation submitted its comments on the Electoral Amendment Bill to the Home
SPEECHES
EVENTS
DID THE RECENT CONCOURT JUDGMENT RENDER THE SAHRC TOOTHLESS?
A recent Constitutional Court judgment has clarified that the South African Human Rights Commission may investigate rights violations and make recommendations, but cannot itself impose legally binding remedial action. While some may view this as weakening the Commission, the judgment instead reinforces the constitutional principle that final coercive power belongs to the courts. The ruling therefore draws an important line between protecting human rights effectively and ensuring that all public power remains subject to the rule of law.
SOUTH AFRICA FINALLY HAS AN AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES. NOW WHAT?
South Africa’s appointment of Roelf Meyer as ambassador to the United States marks more than a routine diplomatic posting – it signals the restoration of constitutional statecraft at a time of strained bilateral relations.
THE FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION CONGRATULATES ROELF MEYER ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS US AMBASSADOR
The FW de Klerk Foundation congratulates Roelf Meyer on his appointment as US Ambassador. In Roelf Meyer, the administration has found an individual who embodies the very essence of a “fit and proper” ambassador.
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