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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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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South Africa and Germany strengthen agricultural partnership
Germany and South Africa are deepening agricultural cooperation following a high level visit by Germany’s agriculture minister, with new collaboration to tackle foot-and-mouth disease and strengthen trade in animal products.
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When women are at the table, democracy is stronger
As the world marks International Women’s Day, Professor Nomafrench Mbombo reflects on leadership, public service, and why women’s voices strengthen democracy, shape policy, and connect communities to opportunity.
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Young people need direct opportunities in SA
Eastern Cape activist Euzelle Ruiters says young South Africans must move from observers to decision-makers, arguing that real change requires youth participation in politics and direct access to opportunities.
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The DA’s view on human rights and foreign policy
South Africa’s China-led naval drills with Iran have sparked debate over Pretoria’s foreign policy direction. The DA’s Ryan Smith weighs in on human rights, BRICS+ alignment and repairing strained US–South Africa relations.
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A “Coalition Budget” for South Africa
South Africa’s 2026 Budget signals cautious progress under the GNU, with tax relief, support for small businesses, and debate over the DA’s role in driving reform and economic stability.
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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.
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Zille, a liberal stalwart running for Africa’s powerful commercial hub
Helen Zille, federal chair of the Democratic Alliance, is running for mayor of Johannesburg, vowing to fix water, power and infrastructure while breaking the DA beyond the Western Cape stronghold.
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Cilliers Brink on stability, reform and the future of Tshwane
Pretoria’s Tshwane Metro is a key battleground ahead of local elections. Former mayor Cilliers Brink warns instability, failing infrastructure and weak coalitions threaten services, urging voters to back stability.
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Between caution and confidence
Ramaphosa’s SONA signalled cautious progress: growth returns, reforms take hold and loadshedding eases. Now South Africans want proof that stability delivers jobs, relief and real opportunity.
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SONA must be a reform declaration, not a reassurance ritual
SONA must ditch comfort talk and declare real reform: fix infrastructure, professionalise the state, fight crime with consequences, and unlock growth, or risk stabilising stagnation.
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Speech(less) promises worth a skip
SONA returns with promises of growth and jobs, but youth unemployment sits at 41.6% and hope is fading. Has the Government of National Unity really delivered, or just changed the script?
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Cycling is a powerful expression of freedom – Winde
From bike shop owner to Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde’s lifelong love of cycling shapes his leadership. A personal story of freedom, loss and why mobility matters for South Africa’s cities.
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Gogo Zille, Jozi, and a fight for liberal democracy
South Africa heads into crucial local elections as Johannesburg teeters on coalition chaos. With Helen Zille eyeing a comeback, can experience and liberal leadership rescue a city in deep crisis?
Social Media
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“Was wir in Südafrika gesehen haben, macht Mut 🇩🇪🇿🇦 Die Democratic Alliance zeigt, wie moderner Liberalismus Wahlen gewinnen kann. Der Austausch mit der hochmotivierten Parteiführung der DA und deren Wahlkämpfern hat uns gezeigt, wie es funktionieren kann. Danke a die Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für den Austausch. Ich habe unglaublich viel für die Zukunft des Liberalismus in Deutschland gelernt,” – Jelger Tosch, Junge Liberale.
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Liberals leading governments in South Africa engage with liberal counterparts from Europe and across Africa, exchanging insights on advancing liberal policies, strengthening democracy, and driving meaningful governance reform.
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"Democracy is stronger when we learn from one another." 🇰🇪🇿🇦 We were honored to facilitate a study tour for Kenyan political actors to witness South Africa’s democratic crossroads firsthand. From the discipline of party organisation to the focus on service delivery, FNF Kenya project manager Judie Kaberia captures the heart of this exchange and what it means for the future of liberal politics in Kenya. Check out the story here: https://www.freiheit.org/sub-saharan-africa/inside-south-africas-democratic-alliance-its-democratic-rise-and-lessons-kenya
Focus
Most popular
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Graphic Design Services
Call for Proposal -
Hungary’s Political Earthquake: The End of Orbán and the Rise of Magyar
HUNGARY ELECTIONS -
In memory of Denise Dittrich
Condolence Book -
Global Competition for Talent: How Indian Students and Professionals Choose Their Destination Countries and Where Germany Stands
Call for Proposals