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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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.
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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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From Cape Town to Berlin — Innovators called to break barriers
Falling Walls Lab Cape Town 2025 is calling South Africa’s next changemakers. Got an idea that breaks barriers—scientific, social, or environmental? Apply by 18 July at falling-walls.com.
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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.
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Trump’s Stage, Ramaphosa’s test
President Ramaphosa’s U.S. visit turned political theatre as Trump revived false claims of a “white farmer genocide” in South Africa — a myth disproven by data but still popular with his conservative base.
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‘South Africa still enjoys world-class Press Freedom’
For Freedom Month and World Press Freedom Day, FNF South Africa spoke with journalist Ferial Haffajee of the Daily Maverick on defending press freedom, exposing state capture, and advancing justice.
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DA vs ANC: VAT Strains the GNU
Tensions in South Africa’s Government of National Unity rise as the ANC pushes a VAT hike opposed by the DA, exposing deeper coalition strains and raising doubts about the GNU’s true balance of power.
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The deterioration of U.S.-South Africa relations
The 2025 expulsion of Ambassador Rasool after his remarks on U.S. race politics deepened tensions. U.S. officials’ misreading of South Africa’s reforms shows how race is weaponised in diplomacy.
Social Media
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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.
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Silence is not neutral. Not when rights are shrinking. Not when institutions are weakening. Uganda today. Someone else tomorrow. Watch our Regional Director unpack the reality on ENCA: https://youtu.be/IeOpMETcH5E Share widely. #3D #Avatar #fyp
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🌍✨ Meet Avatunia – here to give quick, smart and insightful updates on what’s happening across the region – all through a liberal lens. From policy shifts to social trends, Avatunia will make sure you’re in the know and maybe even see things from a fresh perspective. 👀 Expect: Bite-sized updates on politics, society and economics Thought-provoking takes grounded in liberal values Fun, interactive content made just for your feed 🚀 Stay tuned – Avatunia is dropping her first update soon and you won’t want to miss it! #Up4Democracy
