Cape Town
In South Africa, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom supports pioneering empirical research projects, publications and roundtable discussions that provide an alternative platform for debate and the free exchange of ideas.
These activities address the social and economic challenges facing South Africa as it continues to develop. They aim to offer practical policy recommendations and solutions.Well-researched studies and recommendations strengthen public awareness of issues concerning South Africa’s political and economic development.
An important part of the Foundation's work focuses on collaboration with the Democratic Alliance (DA) - South Africa's liberal voice.
News
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A new political era dawns
The election on May 29, 2024 marked a historic turning point in South Africa's young democracy: the African National Congress (ANC), the former party of freedom fighter Nelson Mandela, lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years. In future, South Africa will be led by a government of national unity. The agreement signed in the early hours of June 14 by the ANC, the liberal Democratic Alliance (DA) and the socially conservative Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) laid the foundations for a coalition government committed to constitutional fidelity, the rule of law, social justice and the fight against poverty. The spectre of a left-wing populist alliance between the ANC and the Marxist-Leninist Economic Freedom Fighters, which has unsettled the markets in recent weeks, has been banished for the time being.
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New dawn for South Africa
Last week South Africans went out in their numbers to cast their votes. Out of the more than 27 million registered voters, over 16 million participated, seeking change. This led to the African National Congress (ANC), Africa's oldest liberation movement and the party of Nelson Mandela, losing its majority for the first time in 30 years. This historic shift means the ANC is no longer the dominant force in terms of parliamentary seats, compelling all parties to engage in coalition talks—a first for South Africa at national level.
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Fateful elections in South Africa
On May 29, 2024, South Africa will head to the polls to decide the future composition of both the national parliament and provincial governments. This election is historically significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the first democratic elections and occurs amidst substantial political and social upheavals. For the first time in three decades of democracy, polls suggest that the ruling ANC, once famously led by Nelson Mandela, could lose its majority after 30 years of uninterrupted power.
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Giving a voice to the Cape Flats
On Wednesday, the 15th of May, the Liberal Workshop, in collaboration with the organization Cape Flats Stories, hosted a political debate in Mitchells Plain on the Cape Flats, Cape Town, in the run-up to the May 29th elections. The Cape Flats, located on the outskirts of the CBD of Cape Town, is commonly known as the dumping ground of Apartheid, a space where people of color were "dumped" during the oppressive regime.
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'Gauteng Can Work'
Last week the Daily Maverick kicked off its inaugural election debate at The Forum, in Johannesburg. The event sparked new hope among participants after an informative debate between candidates running for Premier in the province. The Gauteng premier candidates from the Democratic Alliance, ActionSA, Rise Mzansi and Build One South Africa all agree that the province’s infrastructure has been neglected over the years, crime and corruption have festered, and ethically compromised people have been appointed to key positions.
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In search of a political match
South Africa goes to the polls on May 29, 2024, as part of the upcoming parliamentary/National and provincial elections. After 30 years of government by Nelson Mandela's party, the African National Congress (ANC), and at the same time, 30 years after the first democratic elections, the party landscape appears more diverse and dynamic. The result of the polls is more uncertain than ever before.
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Women in Leadership Series Kicks Off in Cape Town
Last week The Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) in South Africa launched its first-ever Women in Leadership Networking Series at its Cape Town Office, the Liberal Workshop. This event hosted every First Thursday as part of Cape Town's vibrant cultural scene, aims to motivate and empower women of all ages across South Africa.