CONSTITUTIONAL COMMENTARY AND EVENTS
ARTICLES AND STATEMENTS
WHO WATCHES THE WATCHDOG? CURB ABUSE, NOT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
In this article, the FW de Klerk Foundation argues that South Africa must confront abuse in religious communities without placing lawful belief under state supervision. Existing criminal, tax and nonprofit laws should be enforced properly, while faith communities strengthen voluntary safeguards and accountability. Protecting congregants must never make the exercise of religious freedom dependent on official approval.
FREEDOM SHOULD NEVER BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED
Freedom forms one of the most important cornerstones of South Africa’s constitutional democracy. The Constitution guarantees a series of fundamental freedoms that enable every citizen to reach their full potential. This includes, among others, freedom of belief and conviction, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration
WHEN PUBLIC MONEY FAILS, FAMILIES PAY TWICE
In this second instalment of the FW de Klerk Foundation’s Money Smart Week South Africa 2026 series, the focus shifts from personal income to the public money that determines how far it can stretch. When services fail, families pay twice: first through taxes, tariffs and charges, and again to replace essential services privately. The article explains why following the rand, demanding accountability and participating in public processes are essential acts of constitutional citizenship
PODCASTS
THE CONSTITUTION@WORK PRESENTS: ELECTORAL REFORM PODCAST #2
29 November 2024 – 30 November 2024 @ All Day. –
In this episode of The Constitution@Work, Daniela Ellerbeck, Ismail Joosub, as well as Alfred Sibusiso Mahkuntsu of the FW de Klerk Foundation are joined by esteemed guests Mmusi Aloysias Maimane (Leader of Build One South Africa, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Appropriations and the previous Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly) and Michael Atkins (Election Analyst, Author of Expert Reports which challenge the Electoral Amendment Act and an Advocate of accurate and transparent processes during elections) to discuss electoral reform.
THE CONSTITUTION@WORK PRESENTS: ELECTORAL REFORM PODCAST #1
6 December 2024 @ All Day. –
In this episode of The Constitution@Work, Daniela Ellerbeck, the FW de Klerk Foundation Constitutional Rights Programme Manager, is joined by acclaimed guests Michael Louis (Attorney, CEO of the Louis Group and Chairman of both One South Africa Movement and the Independent Candidate Association South Africa), Jan Gerber (News24 Parliamentary Journalist) and RW Johnson (Political Scientist, Lecturer at Oxford University and the Director of the Helen Suzman Foundation) to discuss electoral reform.
THE CONSTITUTION IN ACTION PODCAST: SOUTH AFRICA’S ECONOMY
14 August 2024 @ All Day. –
Ismail Joosub and Ezra Mendel are joined by Prof Haroon Bhorat and Pieter Scribante in a discussion about South Africa’s economy and the intersections it has with the legal, economic and social, through the lens of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
SUBMISSIONS
SUBMISSION ON NOTICE TO INTRODUCE CONSTITUTION TWENTY-SECOND AMENDMENT BILL (PMB BY BREYTENBACH, DA MP)
The FW de Klerk Foundation’s submission regarding the notice to introduce Constitution Twenty-Second Amendment Bill by Honourable Adv Glynnis Breytenbach of the DA Party.
SUBMISSION ON CONSTITUTION 22ND AMENDMENT BILL (PMB BY MANYI, MK MP)
The FW de Klerk Foundation’s submission regarding the proposed Constitution Twenty-Second Amendment Bill by Honourable Mzwanele Manyi of the MK Party.
RESTORING LOCAL GOVERNMENT: THE FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION’S CALL FOR CONSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Daniela Ellerbeck outlines the Foundation’s recent submission on the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs’ Discussion Document on the Review of the White Paper on Local Government.
SPEECHES
AFRIKAANS: SECOND NATIONAL LANGUAGE CONFERENCE
TOESPRAAK OP 23 FEBRUARIE DEUR MNR F W DE KLERK BY DIE NASIONALE FORUM VIR AFRIKAANS SE TWEEDE NASIONALE TAALBERAAD Die oorkoepelende tema van
THE STATE OF AFRIKAANS IN 2007
TOESPRAAK OP 23 FEBRUARIE DEUR MNR F W DE KLERK BY DIE NASIONALE FORUM VIR AFRIKAANS SE TWEEDE NASIONALE TAALBERAAD Die oorkoepelende tema van hierdie
THE GLOBAL FORUM FOR NEW DEMOCRACIES
REMARKS BY FORMER PRESIDENT F W DE KLERK DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE INITIATING MEETING OF THE GLOBAL FORUM ON NEW DEMOCRACIES, TAIPEI 26
EVENTS
THE CCTSA WINS CULTURAL AWARD
The Centre for the Constitutional Transformation of South Africa (CCTSA) is delighted to announce that it was named winner of the Heritage, Memory and Identity category at this year’s Western Cape Cultural Affairs Awards, held in Cape Town on 9 September 2026. The CCTSA is dedicated to telling the story of South Africa’s constitutional journey. The awards, hosted annually by the Western Cape Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, recognise individuals and organisations that make a meaningful contribution to the cultural, linguistic and heritage life of the province.
STATE CAPTURE IS HOLDING BACK SOUTH AFRICA
After Nelson Mandela was elected in 1994 his government abolished racially segregated local authorities, creating ostensibly integrated municipalities. Today these range in size from Johannesburg, the commercial capital, to units like Mpofana that comprise a small town and rural areas. All are supposed to fund themselves through property taxes, business rates and charges for water, electricity and waste collection. The poorest also get a grant from the central government to fill any gap between revenue and expenditure.
WHO WATCHES THE WATCHDOG? CURB ABUSE, NOT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
In this article, the FW de Klerk Foundation argues that South Africa must confront abuse in religious communities without placing lawful belief under state supervision. Existing criminal, tax and nonprofit laws should be enforced properly, while faith communities strengthen voluntary safeguards and accountability. Protecting congregants must never make the exercise of religious freedom dependent on official approval.
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