About the IGL

Why we exist

South Africa has no shortage of organisations committed to realising the promises of the Constitution. However, few organisations focus on enforcing what has already been settled: holding power to account for failing to uphold rights and duties that are not in dispute.

The Institute for Governance and Law aims to fill that gap.

Our founding purpose is to enable the lawful and effective functioning of the institutions necessary for public life. We will hold public and private bearers of power responsible when they fail to respect, protect, promote, or fulfil their constitutional obligations.

"Absent lawful, effective, and responsible State institutions — and without the defence and implementation of the Rule of Law — constitutional content cannot be made real." - IGL founding statement

What we believe

The rule of law is not an abstract ideal. It is a set of specific, enforceable obligations necessary for the relationship between the state and its citizens. When the rule of law lacks support, arbitrary abuses of power become more likely.

01 — Rights without enforcement are just words. South Africa's Constitution enshrines the dream of a sovereign, democratic state founded on dignity, equality, and human rights. Without lawful, functioning institutions to give it effect, that dream remains out of reach for most ordinary South Africans.

02 — The Constitution must be developed justly. Constitutional government develops through precedent, interpretation, and legislation. The IGL works to ensure that this development is just, equitable, and rational in South Africa.

03 — The rule of law is fundamental. When the rule of law is ignored, justice becomes arbitrary.  Office bearers in the Executive, the Legislature, the Courts, and state-owned enterprises must uphold the Constitution. Our commitment is to lawful, fair governance rather than the uncritical defence of authority.

Governance fails when the law is undermined. We exist to change that.