The FW de Klerk Foundation's "South Africa First!" Petition Calls for Government Loyal to Constitution, Sets Out "Common Ground" Key Priorities

11 June 2024

The FW de Klerk Foundation’s “South Africa First!” petition calls for the new government (which is still to be formed) to consist of political parties loyal to the Constitution. The petition comes in light of continuing coalition talks amongst political parties, while South Africa’s next President must be elected this Friday, 14 June 2024. 

“The petition also sets out what the Foundation views must be the key priorities for such a coalition government – all of which should be common ground to political parties who are committed to lasting freedom, peace, progress and prosperity for all South Africans,” says Christo van der Rheede, Executive Director of the FW de Klerk Foundation.

Key priorities include economic growth, infrastructure development, youth employment, food production, law and order, building a professional, accountable and responsive public service appointed on merit (and not on racial classification or political allegiance) and fostering unity amongst South Africans. 

“Unity amongst South Africans is crucial for social cohesion. The new government must build on our shared national identity - based on our human rights culture of non-racialism, non-sexism, human dignity, equality and freedom. It must foster empathy, respect and honesty amongst South Africans versus sowing division,” van der Rheede expands. “Allowing us to be united in our diversity, part of a nation we can take pride in.”

Go to https://www.change.org/p/south-africa-first to sign the petition.

Issued by FW de Klerk Foundation, 11 June 2024