Media Statements

The Helen Suzman Foundation ("HSF") has approached the constitutional court for leave to appeal against an order of the Supreme Court of Appeal (“SCA”) upholding an order made on 12 February 2019 by the Pretoria high court. The high court order sanctioned an agreement (“the agreement”) between the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (“IPID”), Mr Robert Mcbride as then executive director of IPID, the Minister of Police (“The Minister”) and the portfolio committee on police on a mechanism for the renewal of the head of IPID’s term of office.

The Supreme Court of Appeal has handed down judgment in Helen Suzman Foundation v McBride and Others, a matter in which the Helen Suzman Foundation became involved to help strengthen the independence of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

The Chief Justice has issued directions pursuant to hearing the State Capture Commission’s application to declare former President, Jacob Zuma, in contempt of court.

Tomorrow – 25 March 2021 – the Constitutional Court will hear argument in the State Capture Commission’s contempt application concerning Mr. Zuma’s failure to appear and give evidence before the Commission in defiance of an order of the Constitutional Court.

The Helen Suzman Foundation has submitted its comments to Parliament in respect of the Notice of Intention to Introduce the Draft Disaster Management Amendment Bill, 2021.

The Helen Suzman Foundation has submitted its comments to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (“NERSA”) in respect of a determination by the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy to commence the process to procure new nuclear energy with a generating capacity of 2 500MW (“the ministerial determination”).

More than 20 civil society organisations fighting for social justice, supported by the Marikana Commission Chairperson Judge Ian Farlam, state that meaningful engagement with the new draft SAPS Bill is being undermined due to the 2018 report of the Panel of Experts on Policing being kept secret

The Helen Suzman Foundation calls for urgent action by the police and prosecuting authorities following a High Court judgment which set aside contracts for the sale of South Africa’s strategic crude oil reserves.

The Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) has approached the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in order to appeal an order of the High Court sanctioning the agreement between the Minister of Police, the Portfolio Committee on Police and Robert McBride, the head of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate. The appeal will be heard on Friday 6 November 2020.

It is with sadness that we have learned of the passing of Advocate George Bizos SC at the age of 92. George Bizos will forever be remembered as one of South Africa’s preeminent legal stalwarts, having dedicated his life to fighting for justice, human rights, and democracy.

The Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) has filed papers in the High Court, asking for an order directing both Parliament and the Executive to take immediate steps to ensure that they reclaim and restore the respective powers of Parliament and the Executive as envisaged in the doctrine of the separation of powers as embodied in the Constitution.

The Helen Suzman Foundation (“HSF”) has today written to the Minister of Police, the Portfolio Committee on Police, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (“IPID”), cautioning them not to proceed with the appointment process of a new Executive Director of IPID.