Media Statements

The HSF's response to the Civilian Secretariat for Police's call for comments on the Draft White Paper on the Police.

Last Friday (8 August 2014), the HSF brought an application to compel the Judicial Service Commission ("JSC’’) to release its recorded deliberations. This application is the preliminary part to the main application brought by the HSF, which is yet to be heard. This brief looks at last Friday’s case in review.

13 December 2013. The Helen Suzman Foundation ("HSF") notes the unanimous judgment of the Full Bench of the Western Cape Division of the High Court ("the High Court") in 'the matter of the Helen Suzman Foundation v the President of the Republic of South Africa and Others'.

The Helen Suzman Foundation records with sadness the death of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

Colin Eglin was a founder Trustee and one of the initiators of the Helen Suzman Foundation. During planning for the 1994 election with Colin, Zach de Beer, James Selfe, me and others, it was suggested that a Foundation be established as a vehicle for raising money abroad. The intention was that it would revert to a research organisation after the election, a task it has fulfilled admirably.

The Helen Suzman Foundation welcomes the President's decision to send the Protection of State Information Bill back to the National Assembly on the grounds that it would not pass constitutional muster. The Foundation remains concerned that the Bill contains many sections that are incoherent and impermissibly vague, and that there are sections in the Bill more devastating in their effect than those the President has drawn attention to.

It is with great sadness that the Helen Suzman Foundation notes the passing of former Chief Justice Pius Langa.

The Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) has launched legal action against the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in order to clarify the procedure and decision-making process relating to the nomination of persons for judicial office.

It is not for me to comment on the recent spat between the DA and the ANC regarding the use of the photograph of Nelson Mandela and Helen Suzman. The Foundation holds no copyright over this photograph. However, as the Director of the Foundation that bears her name, I wish to respond to aspects of the recent, ill judged statements by the ANC’s parliamentary spokesperson, Mr Moloto Mothapo, that were published by the Mail & Guardian (April 26 to May 2, 2013: p.34).

The Helen Suzman Foundation condemns the arrest of human rights lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa, and MDC affiliates in Zimbabwe.

The Helen Suzman Foundation has filed papers with the Constitutional Court to oppose the South African Police Service (SAPS) Amendment Act. The Foundation made its written submission to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for the Police on the SAPS Amendment Bill which was aimed at restructuring the Hawks. The HSF has been involved in this process since 2008 when we presented to Parliament opposing the dissolution of the Scorpions.