Cape Town / Johannesburg, South Africa
The Foundation's work in South Africa focuses on strengthening the rule of law, liberal democracy, and a social market economy. We support civil society organisations, think tanks, research institutions, and liberal-minded decision-makers in both the economy and society.
In Cape Town, the seat of the parliament, the foundation cooperates with the Democratic Alliance members of national and provincial parliaments, local government councillors, youth movements, and their support structures to strengthen leadership and improve their policy solutions. Through its work, FNF strengthens the rule of law, fosters an open society, and promotes sustainable development in South Africa.
News
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The South African 2026 Local Government Election
South Africa’s 2026 local elections could cement the country’s shift to coalition politics, with major metros fiercely contested and the ANC facing growing pressure nationwide.
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Mbali’s journey in politics
Mbali Mnaba reflects on finding her voice in politics, overcoming challenges as a young Black woman, serving her community and championing economic opportunity and dignity.
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DA manifesto blues
South Africa’s DA has launched its local election manifesto, promising working municipalities. But beyond service delivery, can liberal government create the conditions for communities themselves to thrive?
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South Africa’s struggle for functioning municipalities
South Africa’s local elections will test more than party support. As municipalities struggle to deliver basic services, can reform restore public trust and what lessons can Germany offer?
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Carried by community, driven by purpose
From New York in Paarl East to the Western Cape Government, Wendy Kaizer-Philander’s journey shows how community, dignity and shared responsibility can shape leadership and protect the vulnerable.
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South Africa as Germany’s anchor in Africa
South Africa is emerging as Germany’s key anchor in Africa, where trade, energy transition, diplomacy and democratic resilience converge in a deeper strategic partnership.
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Olayi has always been an activist
From grassroots activism to municipal leadership, Zintle Olayi’s journey is rooted in service. This Women’s Month, they reflect on politics, purpose and giving communities a stronger voice.
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Südafrika als Deutschlands Anker in Afrika
Südafrika ist Deutschlands Schlüsselpartner in Afrika. Die neue strategische Partnerschaft bündelt Handel, Energiewende, Rohstoffe und Diplomatie – so muss aus Nähe konkrete dauerhafte Politik werden.
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“Ethnic politics is dangerous” – Dr Allan Boesak
As ethnic politics and populism gain ground, Dr Allan Boesak warns that identity based division threatens reconciliation, social cohesion and South Africa’s democratic project.
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Caught between Deutsche Bahn and Metrorail
Germany and South Africa face the same infrastructure challenge: years of underinvestment. As Deutsche Bahn falters and Metrorail lies in ruins, both countries face urgent choices on transport.
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From Berlin to Kapstadt
Two young Europeans cycled from Berlin to Cape Town, discovering an Africa far removed from the myths. Their 306-day journey became a powerful lesson in openness, hospitality and human connection.
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Liberals gather in South Africa
Liberals from Europe and Africa came together in South Africa to attend the DA party congress, exchange experiences and gain fresh ideas for liberal governance.
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Learning from liberal practice
Young Liberals at the DA Party Conference in South Africa: insights into strategic liberalism, pragmatic politics and international cooperation under challenging conditions.
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2029's starting gun was sounded at Gallagher Estate
South Africa watched the Democratic Alliance Congress like never before. With Geordin Hill-Lewis elected leader, the DA now faces its real test: turning credibility into trust—and positioning itself for power in 2029.
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Südafrika und Deutschland stärken ihre Partnerschaft in der Landwirtschaft
Deutschland und Südafrika vertiefen ihre Zusammenarbeit in der Landwirtschaft. Im Mittelpunkt stehen gemeinsame Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung der Maul- und Klauenseuche sowie der Ausbau des Handels mit tierischen Produkten.
Social Media
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What does it take to find your voice in a political space where you’re young, female and often underestimated? Read Mbali’s story and discover why the next generation of women in politics matters: https://www.freiheit.org/liberal-workshop-south-africa/mbalis-journey-politics For Mbali Mnaba, politics is about more than holding office. It’s about solving problems, serving her community and showing other young women that they too belong at the decision-making table. From entering politics at just 24 to navigating the realities of being a young Black woman in local government, Mbali speaks openly about being underestimated, finding her confidence and the women who helped her along the way. At the heart of it all is service. As Mbali puts it, “I realised that this is more of a calling than anything else.” #WomenInLeadership #WomenInPolitics #YoungLeaders #Leadership #Democracy #ForFreedom
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What does leadership look like when you hear it from people doing the work in different parts of Africa? For this Vox On, Atanane Youssef 🇲🇦, Nganga Sene 🇸🇳, Ilze Le Minnie 🇿🇦 and Sakhile Mngadi 🇿🇦 share what stood out for them at the Naumann Academy of Politics, from building trust and shaping a clear political identity to learning from what works in other countries. Different experiences, different perspectives, but many of the same challenges. That is what makes the conversation worth having. #VoxOn #NaumannAcademy #LiberalLeadership #Africa #Democracy
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Imagine getting a red card in a football match but being allowed to finish the game, only to miss the next one? Strange, right? That is the question hanging over Venâncio Mondlane’s case in Mozambique. The court process is happening now, but could the real consequence be felt in 2029, if he is unable to contest the next election?
