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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Breaking barriers at the Falling Walls science summit in Berlin
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, a pivotal moment in history that not only unified Germany but also marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War. In 2009, Falling Walls convened its first conference, establishing a global platform to foster collaboration among the world’s leading innovators in science and society. Since then, the summit has grown exponentially, creating a vast network of labs that support groundbreaking talent across various fields.
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Crime on the Cape Flats: WC minister has a plan
Crime in the Western Cape Province, especially on the Cape Flats in Cape Town, has become an increasing concern for community members, including politicians. Following the May 2024 election, the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Anroux Marais was appointed Provincial Minister for Police Oversight and Community Safety in the province. She previously served as WC Minister for Arts, Sport, and Culture. Leaving her previous ministry was not easy, but she is ready for the new challenge, Marais says.
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Review of the first 100 Days of the Government of National Unity
For the first time in 25 years, South Africa is governed by a coalition, with the African National Congress (ANC) holding 159 seats and the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 87 seats. The first 100 days have shown both opportunities and challenges. While the coalition has brought political stability, boosting investor confidence and strengthening the rand by 5.8%, it faces significant hurdles. Key issues like energy, infrastructure, and logistics reform remain unresolved.
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"You must understand your political competitor"
With South Africa being in a Government of National Unity (GNU), or essentially a coalition government, German Member of Parliament Carl-Julius Cronenberg from the Free Democratic Party (FDP) believes that much can be learned from Germany.
Cronenberg visited South Africa for the first time last week, where he engaged with various stakeholders, including the German Embassy and Democratic Alliance (DA) Members of the South African Parliament. He spent a few days in Johannesburg, where coalitions are unstable, and a few days in the best-run metropolitan city in the country, Cape Town. -
“I want education to get back to basics”
Politics is a bumpy and sometimes uncertain road. The story of Ciska Jordaan is a testament to this. Following the May 2024 elections Jordaan was elected as a Member of Parliament and now serves as a member of the Basic Education Portfolio Committee.
However, her journey into politics began much earlier. During her days at the University of Pretoria, she noted how active student politics was, but at the time, she had no interest. -
“I would choose politics again”
Since a young age, Karabo Khakhau has always been a voice for those who cannot speak up for themselves. Today, she is a member of Parliament and the spokesperson of the Democratic Alliance (DA). Being a woman in the political arena is no easy job, but if she could choose again, she would still choose politics. Khakhau’s journey in politics began during her university days at the University of Cape Town under the Democratic Alliance Students Organization (DASO). However, she says her mother always reminds her that she has been an activist since childhood.
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"I want people to be heard"
"I want Parliament to be a place where people can voice their concerns, a place where they can be heard," says Dr Annelie Lotriet, Parliament's newly elected Deputy Speaker. We meet in her office in Africa House, within the Parliamentary buildings in Cape Town. It's clear she's still settling into the space, but her work to make Parliament a voice for the people has already begun. Lotriet’s political journey began while she was a lecturer, balancing her career with being a mother and wife. "It's no easy task. You need to be a multitasker,” she says.
Social Media
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"I’m very grateful to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. I've had connections with the Foundation for quite some time. In fact, about ten or fifteen years ago, I attended a training session at their centre in Germany focused on leadership. At the time, I was the leader of the opposition, and I was pleasantly surprised when I learnt that the Foundation wanted to honour me. Moreover, I would be the first sitting President to receive this honour, as previous recipients were typically recognised while in opposition. I feel greatly honoured to be receiving the Africa Freedom Prize from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. I see this as an acknowledgment of the principles and beliefs I stand for, as well as a way to promote liberalism—even though liberalism sometimes carries a negative connotation. I was part of a movement that replaced a party in power for 43 years, and similarly, the ANC in South Africa lost its majority, reshaping the political landscape. Now we have a liberal government in Seychelles, and a liberal influence in South Africa and Zambia. People are increasingly recognising the value of liberalism. This prize is not only a recognition but also a reminder to keep working hard for our people and to remain true servants of the people. I’m both happy and grateful." President Wavel Ramakalwan. #FNFreedomPrize #Up4Democracy https://www.freiheit.org/sub-saharan-africa/intergenerational-co-leadership-and-future-freedom-africa
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Thank you to President Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles for joining us at Weber House today. President Wavel is in South Africa to receive the 2024 Africa Freedom Prize. The #FNFreedomPrize is currently LIVE here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/live/XUH6FpkHbUg?si=0tiV6yLWn_HbHN5P
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The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom's Sub-Saharan Africa regional office recently hosted a training session for National Unity Platform #Uganda 🇺🇬 trainers in Johannesburg. The "Promoting Civil Liberties in East Africa" publication sparked interest among the trainees. FNF is committed to advancing civil liberties and freedoms across Africa. You can find the publication here 👉 https://bit.ly/3YEUwzf
