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Issued on 12/11/2026
The Memorial Lecture is one of the ways in which the FW de Klerk Foundation honours its founder, President FW de Klerk. It is held annually on 11 November, the anniversary of his passing, in commemoration of his life and enduring legacy.
Dr Nakedi Mathews Phosa, distinguished South African lawyer, political leader and former Premier of Mpumalanga, delivered the Fifth FW de Klerk Memorial Lecture, held in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung,
In his address, titled “The Enduring Promise of Constitutional Democracy”, Dr Phosa reflected on the courage and leadership that made South Africa’s democratic transition possible. Drawing on his own experience of the negotiations, he acknowledged Mr De Klerk’s decision in 1990 to initiate the process of political transformation, emphasising the importance of courage, compromise and placing the interests of the nation above individual political interests.
Dr Phosa then turned to the challenges facing South Africa today, highlighting the need for ethical and accountable leadership, effective governance and a renewed commitment to the principles and promises of our Constitution. He called for a serious national conversation about constitutional and institutional reform to strengthen accountability, improve government efficiency and ensure better service delivery.
He also emphasised the importance of reclaiming the spirit of reconciliation and nation-building, reminding us that South Africa’s diversity should be a source of strength and that our shared future depends on building bridges rather than deepening divisions. He concluded with a call for courageous leadership, collective responsibility and renewed commitment to restoring public confidence and fulfilling the promise of freedom.
We would like to thank Dr Phosa for delivering this thought-provoking address, as well as all those who joined us at the event and those who watched the livestream online.
Thank you for helping us honour the life and legacy of President FW de Klerk and reflect on the enduring promise of constitutional democracy.
THE FIFTH MEMRORIAL LECTURE 2026 PHOTO GALLERY
The Memorial Lecture is one of the ways in which the FW de Klerk Foundation honours its founder, President FW de Klerk. It is held annually on 11 November, the anniversary of his passing, in commemoration of his life and enduring legacy.
Dr Nakedi Mathews Phosa, distinguished South African lawyer, political leader and former Premier of Mpumalanga, delivered the Fifth FW de Klerk Memorial Lecture, held in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung,
THE FIFTH FW DE KLERK MEMORIAL LECTURE
The Memorial Lecture is one of the ways in which the FW de Klerk Foundation honours its founder, President FW de Klerk. It is held annually on 11 November, the anniversary of his passing, in commemoration of his life and enduring legacy.
COALITION STABILITY MUST NOT BECOME JOB SECURITY FOR MAYORS
As South Africa enters a new era of municipal coalition governance, political stability must not come at the expense of accountability and service delivery. The proposed Municipal Structures Amendment Bill seeks to limit frequent changes in mayoral leadership, but raises concerns about protecting underperforming mayors from scrutiny. Coalition stability must ultimately strengthen democratic oversight, ensure effective governance and hold municipal leaders accountable to the communities they serve.