Casac South Africa

01/09/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT
1 September 2026

CASAC welcomes Malema’s commitment to apologise to Judge Matojane

The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) welcomes the confirmation that Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader and Member of Parliament Julius Malema will comply with the National Assembly’s decision requiring him to apologise to Supreme Court of Appeal Justice Keoagile Matojane and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Mr Malema has informed Parliament in writing that he will tender the apology. Parliament’s Powers and Privileges Committee has now directed that the apology be made in the National Assembly no later than 30 September 2026.

For the full statement

CASAC is a project of progressive people who seek to advance the South African Constitution as the platform for democratic politics and the transformation of society. It embraces the contestation of ideas, and encourages debate on how best to build a just and equal society in which people can live s...

13/08/2026

CASAC weighs in on the ConCourt's Phala Phala ruling, Lawson Naidoo speaks to Newzroom Afrika

The Constitutional Court denied direct access to parties seeking to...

12/08/2026

Poor appointments, political interference and weak oversight are undermining our fight against corruption - Lawson Naidoo speaks to EWN

Lawson Naidoo of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution says poor appointments, political interference and weak oversight are undermining our fight against corruption.

27/07/2026

Lawson Naidoo discusses with Blaine Herman on SABC News the implications of the Western Cape High Court's ruling on the impeachment process.

A consequential courtroom ruling. The public impeachment process ag...

27/07/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
27 July 2026

JOHNSON’S DEPARTURE FROM IDAC MUST NOT INTERRUPT ACCOUNTABILITY OR INSTITUTIONAL REFORM

The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) notes that President Cyril Ramaphosa has agreed to the request from Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head, Advocate Andrea Johnson, to vacate office with immediate effect. Johnson’s request came as she was expected on Monday to continue her evidence before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry concerning serious allegations and questions relating to the conduct of IDAC and its personnel.

For full statement:

20/07/2026

CASAC has published its new report, The Constitution at 30: Proposals for Reform.

The report captures the main debates and reform proposals that emerged from our constitutional reform conference held in Johannesburg on 3 and 4 December 2025. It considers issues such as judicial governance, the criminal justice system, democracy and equality, socio-economic rights, Chapter 9 institutions, and land reform.

One of the report’s central themes is that many of South Africa’s most serious challenges do not arise only from the text of the Constitution itself, but also from failures of implementation, weak accountability, and institutional underperformance.

We hope the report contributes to a thoughtful and evidence-based public conversation about South Africa’s constitutional future.

https://casac.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Constitution-at-30-CASAC-Conference-Report-Final.pdf

16/07/2026

Media Statement: CASAC welcomes Parliament’s renewed consideration of the Kader Asmal Report.
The 2007 Asmal Report remains an important reference point for assessing whether these institutions supporting constitutional democracy are structured, funded and coordinated in a manner that enables them to fulfil their mandates effectively and independently. It addressed questions concerning funding, appointments, governance, parliamentary oversight, institutional coordination and public accessibility. It also advanced far-reaching proposals, including the establishment of a single human-rights institution.

13/07/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT

13 July 2026

CASAC calls for prompt rescheduling of Andrea Johnson’s evidence before the Madlanga Commission

The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) notes the postponement of the evidence of the head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Advocate Andrea Johnson, before the Madlanga Commission.

Advocate Johnson was scheduled to testify today in response to serious allegations concerning her handling of a criminal complaint against suspended Deputy Head of Crime Intelligence, Major-General Feroz Khan. Her legal representative informed the Commission that she had experienced a medical emergency and was being taken to hospital. A medical certificate was subsequently submitted, and her evidence was postponed to a date yet to be determined.

CASAC recognises that a genuine medical emergency may prevent any witness from appearing and wishes Advocate Johnson a speedy recovery. However, we note Justice Madlanga’s concern that the medical certificate provided no meaningful information to substantiate her inability to testify.

The Commission has heard evidence that material relating to Brigadier Leonora Phetlhe’s assault and intimidation complaint against Major-General Khan – including her statement, a medical report and an audio recording – was allegedly transmitted by Advocate Johnson through another Crime Intelligence officer and provided to Khan before he furnished his warning statement. Retired Hawks Colonel Kobus Roelofse testified that Khan’s prior access to this material risked compromising the investigation by enabling him to tailor his version to the information available. These allegations have not been determined, and Advocate Johnson must be afforded a fair opportunity to answer them fully before the Commission.

That opportunity should arise as soon as reasonably practicable. Advocate Johnson occupies a position of considerable public responsibility at the head of an institution entrusted with investigating serious corruption. Allegations concerning the conduct of IDAC’s leadership therefore have direct implications for public confidence in the institution and in South Africa’s broader anti-corruption system.

CASAC calls upon Advocate Johnson and her legal representatives to cooperate fully with any further directions issued by the Commission concerning her medical condition and her appearance. The Commission should announce a new date for her evidence as soon as she is medically fit to testify.

A fair opportunity to respond must be accompanied by accountability and reasonable expedition. The allegations must be tested openly, and the public must receive a clear and complete account.

ENDS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Enquiries: Lawson Naidoo - 0731585736

30/06/2026

The tragedy of these marches against “foreigners” taking place today is yet another instance of the poor being mobilised against the poor. They opportunistically channel legitimate anger about poverty, unemployment, crime and failing public services against those who are themselves among the most vulnerable, while allowing those really responsible to escape accountability.
Dr Russell Ally writes,

24/06/2026

Lawson Naidoo speaks to the SABC regarding the Speaker of the National Assembly's decision not to oppose the President seeking an interdict to prevent the Impeachment Committee commencing its work.

We are now joined via video link by Lawson Naidoo, Executive Secret...