CONSTITUTIONAL COMMENTARY AND EVENTS
ARTICLES AND STATEMENTS
FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION CALLS FOR URGENT TRANSPARENCY ON ELECTORAL REFORM PROCESS
The FW de Klerk Foundation has called on Parliament to provide urgent clarity on how it intends to process the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel (ERCP) report, warning that ongoing uncertainty could undermine meaningful electoral reform before the 2029 elections. The Foundation argues that transparency, accountability and public participation are essential to ensure that reforms aimed at strengthening voter accountability and South Africa’s constitutional democracy are considered and implemented within a realistic timeframe.
TAX, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND THE REAL CHALLENGE FACING SOUTH AFRICA
Data from international indices—including the OECD, Eurostat, PwC, and the World Bank—demonstrate that South Africans are subjected to a double financial burden through high taxes and private service costs.
MAY THE CAPE TOWN METROPOLITAN POLICE INVESTIGATE CRIME?
The ongoing crime crisis in South Africa, and particularly in Cape Town, has led to a constructive debate about the role and powers of municipal police services. While the South African Police Service (SAPS) is increasingly struggling to combat organized crime and violence effectively, the City of Cape Town has taken steps to establish its own investigative capacity.
PODCASTS
THE CONSTITUTION@WORK PRESENTS: INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES
15 March 2024 @ All Day. –
In this episode of The Constitution@Work, the FW de Klerk Foundation’s Constitutional Programmes team discuss challenges and opportunities surrounding our indigenous languages.
THE CONSTITUTION@WORK PRESENTS: CONSITUTIONAL CROSSFIRE
31 January 2024 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm –
In this episode of The Constitution@Work, Daniela Ellerbeck, Manager of Constitutional Programmes, Dave Steward, Chairperson Emeritus, and Ismail Joosub, Legal Officer of Constitutional Programmes at the FW de Klerk Foundation, delve into “The Constitutional Crossfire: A Critical Review of the Legislation that Unfolded in 2023.”
THE CONSTITUTION@WORK PRESENTS: 2023 CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS AND LINGUISTIC RIGHTS REPORT CARD
22 September 2023 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am –
In the latest episode of The Constitution@Work podcast, Tyla Dallas, FW de Klerk Foundation Manager of Constitutional Programmes, is joined by Foundation Chairman Dave Steward, Legal Officer Ismail Joosub, and Reseach Intern Liam Erasmus, to discuss the findings of the Foundation’s 2023 Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Report Card, which will be released this Friday, 22 September, in honour of Heritage Day.
SUBMISSIONS
SUBMISSION ON THE NHI FUND: PROPOSED GOVERNANCE REGULATIONS
The FW de Klerk Foundation’s submission regarding the NHI Fund: Proposed Governance Regulations.
SUBMISSION ON THE DRAFT TRANSFORMATION FUND CONCEPT DOCUMENT
The FW de Klerk Foundation’s submission regarding the Draft Transformation Fund Concept Document.
SUBMISSION ON THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT: MUNICIPAL STRUCTURES AMENDMENT BILL
The FW de Klerk Foundation’s submission regarding the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill.
SPEECHES
NUCLEAR WEAPONS: CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGERS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE
STATEMENT BY FORMER PRESIDENT F W DE KLERK TO THE 7TH WORLD SUMMIT OF NOBEL PEACE LAUREATES: ROME, 17 NOVEMBER 2006 : Second
DEMOCRATIC POPULISM, FREE MARKETS AND LONG-TERM WELL-BEING
OPENING STATEMENT BY FORMER PRESIDENT F W DE KLERK IN THE ASHBURTON DEBATE: JERSEY, 16 NOVEMBER 2006 THE ISSUE FOR DEBATE IS “THE SPEED
THE CONSTITUTION AND THE FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION CENTRE FOR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
STATEMENT BY F W DE KLERK ON THE LAUNCHING OF THE F W DE KLERK FOUNDATION CENTRE FOR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS: CAPE TOWN, 17 OCTOBER
EVENTS
FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION PROUDLY RELEASES THE POWER OF FINANCIAL POSSIBILITY MONEY GUIDE
The FW de Klerk Foundation proudly releases The Power of Financial Possibility: South Africa’s 2026 Constitutional Money Guide during Money Smart Week South Africa 2026. Available in full and condensed editions, the practical guide equips young South Africans to learn, earn, protect their money, build assets and understand how public finances shape their lives. It connects personal financial capability with constitutional citizenship, offering practical worksheets, official resources and a 30-day possibility sprint.
YOU CANNOT BUDGET AN INCOME YOU DO NOT HAVE
In the first of its Money Smart Week South Africa 2026 articles, the FW de Klerk Foundation confronts a difficult truth: You cannot budget an income you do not have. Against the backdrop of a 47,4% youth unemployment rate, the article examines the real costs of finding work, building a side hustle and managing a first salary. It argues that genuine financial empowerment requires not only personal discipline, but also fair markets, capable government and wider access to economic opportunity.
SUBMISSION ON PARLIAMENT’S INQUIRY INTO GANG-RELATED VIOLENCE
Submission to Parliament on gang related violence in the Cape Flats.
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