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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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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Between Washington and Brics — SA’s strategic squeeze
SA’s Brics+ naval drills aren’t a reckless pivot but a hedge in a fractured world order. As US pressure grows, Pretoria is diversifying partners while urging deeper, values-based ties with Europe.
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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?
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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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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.
Social Media
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This Valentine’s Day, we’re not taken… we’re committed. To freedom of thought, bold conversations and ideas that actually last. No roses. No chocolates. Just values that don’t ghost you. Happy Valentine’s Day from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. #3D #Avatar #FYP
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On 11 February, MEP Jan-Christoph Oetjen spoke in the European Parliament on #Uganda’s post-election crisis, condemning what he described as a state-led manhunt against opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). Lawmakers pointed to escalating violence, arrests and intimidation of activists. The message from Brussels: end the crackdown, protect civil society, and uphold democratic freedoms. Watch the video to hear his full remarks and the Parliament’s call for accountability and democratic freedoms. Very shortly, there will be a motions for resolutions on post-election situation in Uganda and threats against opposition leader Bobi Wine at European Parliament. #Up4Democracy #Uganda #BobiWine #NUP
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South Africa’s strategic foreign policy is under pressure. In this latest Business Day op-ed, FNF's Liberal Think Tank Project Manager, Kwezi Sogoni explores the squeeze Pretoria faces between Washington’s demands and BRICS dynamics and what this means for middle powers navigating a fragmented global order.
