Free SA has drafted its proposed Power to the People Constitutional Amendment Bill which is to be submitted to Parliament at the end of May. This is in response to Parliament’s call for proposed amendments to be submitted until 31 May 2025. Free SA is calling on all South Africans to support its bold, practical proposal to fix our broken system of governance. The Amendment, which can be supported online here, tackles three fundamental flaws in South Africa’s political structure: an oversized and unaccountable Cabinet, state-owned monopolies choking the economy, and centralised policing that leaves communities unsafe and unheard.
“This is a historic opportunity for citizens to take back control,” said Reuben Coetzer, spokesperson for Free SA. “Our Amendment puts power where it belongs — with the people, not politicians and bureaucrats.”
A Smaller Cabinet for a Leaner State
The proposed amendment limits the national Cabinet to no more than 15 Ministers and 15 Deputy Ministers, ending the ballooning Executive that drains the fiscus. With over R1 billion spent annually on salaries, security, and perks, the current Cabinet is one of the most bloated in the world. “If government truly serves the people, it should lead by example. Trimming the Cabinet isn’t just about saving money — it’s about restoring accountability and trust in leadership,” said Coetzer.
Police Services That Answer to Communities, Not Pretoria
Under the new amendment, provinces will be empowered to establish their own provincial police services, ensuring that law enforcement is responsive, locally accountable, and able to address the unique safety needs of each community. National police services will retain responsibility for intelligence, cross-border crime, and national standards — but local control will finally be put in local hands.
“The current top-down model has failed to protect our communities,” said Coetzer. “This amendment creates a framework for safer streets, community trust, and better outcomes for all,” he added.
Ban State Monopolies and Open the Economy
The amendment also prohibits monopolies by state-owned enterprises (SOEs), unless approved by a 75% supermajority in Parliament on national security grounds. This ends the culture of protected inefficiency and opens vital sectors to real competition and innovation.
“Our economy is suffocating under failing monopolies that block entrepreneurs and burden taxpayers,” said Coetzer. “No state-owned entity should enjoy special privileges at the public’s expense.”
Free SA is calling on citizens, business leaders, civil society organisations, and provincial governments to endorse the Power to the People Amendment, and to play their part in real change for a better South Africa. Click here.
