Promoting Democracy Under Law
• Advancing understanding of and respect for the Rule of Law • Litigating in relation to institutional conduct in conflict with the Rule of Law • Strengthening the independence of the judiciary • Supporting the legal profession in serving the courts • Enhancing understanding between legal role-players, the media and society at large • Furthering legal education appropriate to the needs of constitutional democracy • Protecting freedom of speech and freedom of the media concerning the administration of justice.
Our mission
FUL’s objectives are the promotion of democracy and the advancement of the Rule of Law and the principle of legality, understanding these to be the foundation for constitutional democracy in Southern Africa.
How we work
Litigation before the courts
Primarily, FUL uses litigation before the courts as its defining method of promoting and defending the Rule of Law and democracy across the region. The composition of its board affords it particular expertise and experience in this area.
Trial observation
However, litigation is not the only distinguishing feature of Freedom Under Law's approach. FUL also undertakes trial observation across the region and seeks to coordinate informed debate of topical regional legal issues.
Address threats to the Rule of Law
Recognising the importance of the criminal justice system to the Rule of Law and the realisation of any number of rights, FUL has since its inception sought to make this a particular focus area, although it directs its efforts wherever it believes it may effectively address threats to the Rule of Law.
It encourages the public and legal practitioners alike from across the region to make contact in the event that FUL can provide assistance.
Non-profit company
FUL is registered as a non-profit company and a public benefit organisation.
FREEDOM UNDER LAW NPC
REG.
NO. 2008 000 384 08
PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION
REF.
NO. 930031764
Board of Directors
Judge Johann Kriegler: Chair
After 25 years at the Bar and 10 on the Bench, Johann Kriegler served on the new Constitutional Court of
Elize Angula
Elize Angula is a director of AngulaCo Incorporated based in Windhoek, Namibia. She is a seasoned litigator, conveyancer, mediator and
Judge Azhar Cachalia
Recently retired as a judge of South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal, Azhar Cachalia remains committed to safeguarding constitutionalism, non-racialism
David Broodryk
A law graduate of the University of Port Elizabeth (now the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University), and the University of South
Professor Hugh Corder
Hugh Corder is a law graduate of Cape Town, Cambridge and Oxford. After starting his academic career lecturing at Stellenbosch
Ezra Davids
Ezra Davids, an alumnus of the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Harvard Law School Executive Programme, is Chairman and
Jeremy Gauntlett SC KC
Former chair of the Cape Bar and of the General Council of the Bar of South Africa, and vice-president of
Abdool Rahim Khan
Abdool Rahim Khan was admitted as an attorney in South Africa in May 1977 and in Botswana in June 1981.
Beatrice Mtetwa
Beatrice Mtetwa is a Zimbabwe-based lawyer who graduated from the then University of Botswana and Swaziland with an LLB degree
Service Providers
Freedom Under Law expresses its gratitude for the fully pro bono or subsidised professional expertise and time of these agencies. We would not be able to function without this invaluable support.
Ongoing Cases
Judge President Hlophe Matter
Gross misconduct, Judge President John Hlophe, Wester Cape High Court After a period of thirteen years since the then judges of the Constitutional Court directed a complaint
FUL’s Intervention in the Social Grants Crisis
The matter concerns the operation of a contract for the payment of social grants. A third of the country’s citizens are recipients of these grants.
Freedom Under Law v Motata
(33227/2020) [2021] ZAGPPHC 14 PDF Format IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA GAUTENG DIVISION, PRETORIA (1) REPORTABLE: YES / NO (2) OF INTEREST TO OTHER
Concluded Cases
Chief Justice Sandile Ncgobo
Confused by the judicial crisis gripping South Africa? Not quite sure why Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo is stepping down? Here are the answers you’ve been
FUL Supports Opening of Candidate Registration for Local Elections
Constitutional Court, Electoral Commission, Local Government Elections The Constitutional Court has recently been petitioned to make orders relating to the upcoming municipal elections. The latest application by
FUL’s Intervention in Application to Postpone Local Elections
Constitutional Court, Electoral Commission, Local Government Elections The Constitutional Court recently heard argument from a number of parties in a vigorously contested constitutional case. The Electoral Commission
Richard Mdluli
In September 2020, Richard Mdluli, former head of Crime Intelligence in the SAPS, was sentenced in the High Court, Johannesburg to an effective five years
Review of the Appointment of General Mthandazo Ntlemeza as Head of the Hawks
FUL together with the Helen Suzman Foundation brought an application to set aside the appointment of General Ntlemeza as the new head of the Hawks.
Review of Withdrawal of Charges against Former NDPP Nomgcobo Jiba
Following the appointment of Shaun Abrahams to the post of NDPP, Abrahams announced his withdrawal of perjury and fraud charges against Nomgcobo Jiba, a fomer
