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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Youth voices at the G20
Young South Africans see the G20 Summit as a chance to shape global debates, deepen ties with Europe, and push youth priorities like jobs, digital access, and democratic participation onto the world stage.
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Young perspectives on the summit
William Sezoe interviews Jakob Stirnadel of the Junge Liberale on Africa’s growing global role, the G20 in South Africa, and how young liberals can strengthen democracy and future cooperation.
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Brussels’ bet on Pretoria, and its payoffs
Europe’s full attendance at the Johannesburg G20 defies US pressure and signals a strategic bet on Africa. With Washington turning inward, Brussels sees the summit as a chance to assert autonomy, fill a leadership gap, and reset ties with the Global South.
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A focus on German and SA relations
As South Africa leads the G20 under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” its partnership with Germany takes centre stage driving trade, clean energy, and progress toward global development goals.
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Tax, democracy, and the TikTok generation
Youth unemployment in South Africa is 60%, but many now earn through TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. At the Daily Maverick’s Gathering, SARS’ Kieswetter affirmed: all income, even from content, is taxable.
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Germany’s Niklas Wagner on liberalism, youth activism, and South Africa’s lasting impact
Young liberal leaders from Germany and South Africa met through an FNF study tour, where Niklas Wagner joined DA Youth and DASO to discuss democracy, civic participation, and global cooperation.
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What is it like being queer in South Africa?
For Pride Month, FNF South Africa hosted KZN MEC Martin Meyer to discuss LGBTQI rights. He noted legal progress like marriage equality but stressed that real equality in daily life remains a challenge.
Social Media
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Dr Nasra Nassor Omar’s path has never followed a straight line. From treating patients in the clinics of Zanzibar to navigating the realities of grassroots politics, her journey shows what determination looks like when public service becomes a calling. In this conversation, Nasra reflects on her early inspiration to join politics back in 2015, her years volunteering at party level, and the lessons she learned as her party transitioned from CUF to ACT Wazalendo. She also speaks openly about the pressures young women face in Tanzania’s political environment, an environment where merit often takes a back seat to loyalty. Today, Nasra stands as a newly sworn-in Member of Parliament following the October 2025 elections. She shares what it means to step into this role while still holding her identity as a medical doctor, and how both worlds have shaped her leadership. Nasra is an alumna of the Africa Liberal Network’s inaugural Women Leadership Programme (2019) and the IAF Academy, experiences that broadened her exposure and deepened her belief in mentorship and intergenerational learning. Now, she is committed to using her platform to expand opportunities for women and youth, whether through economic empowerment, fair access to land and loans, or increased political participation. She also touches on Tanzania’s current political climate, her hopes for stability, and the responsibility she believes leaders carry in strengthening democracy. This is more than a political journey. It’s the story of someone choosing to stand in two worlds, medicine and politics, not because it is easy, but because her country needs both.
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At the end of August 2025, Candace Eslick stepped onto the Falling Walls Lab Cape Town stage and shared a project close to her heart: Breaking the Wall of Clean Cooking in Africa. Her passion and clarity earned her the top spot and a ticket to Berlin, where she joined young innovators from around the world on 6 November. In this video, Candace talks about what clean cooking really means for African families, why access to safe and modern cooking fuels matters, and how the experience of being surrounded by like-minded researchers opened her eyes to what’s possible. She also reflects on the value of genuine collaboration between Africa and Germany, and why African voices need to be part of the decisions shaping the future. You’ll also hear from other African participants speaking about the “walls” they are breaking in their own fields, from energy access and agriculture to women’s visibility in science. A reminder that breaking walls is not just about innovation, it’s about people, community, and creating space for new voices to be heard.
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Botswana’s diamonds shaped a nation, but what does responsible mining really look like in today’s ESG-driven world? 💎🌍 In this last episode of Season 6, we unpack the industry’s impact, the rising pressure for ethical sourcing, and what it means for Africa’s future. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://iono.fm/e/1622313
