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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A Bold move or the end? The DA, the ANC, and the Value Added Tax (VAT) strains on the Government of National Unity
South Africa’s Government of National Unity faces a critical test as tensions rise between the ANC and the DA over a proposed VAT increase. While the dispute centres on tax policy, it reflects deeper frustrations within the coalition. The DA, increasingly marginalised on key reforms, argues that a VAT hike would harm the most vulnerable and calls instead for better spending and anti-corruption measures. This confrontation raises doubts about whether the GNU is a true partnership or a façade for ANC dominance. As South Africa navigates its young coalition culture, the outcome could shape its political future. — writes Wayne Alexander of the Cape Town Liberal Workshop of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.
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The deterioration of U.S.-South Africa relations
The expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool in March 2025, after remarks on U.S. racial politics, marked a low in relations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Rasool a “race-baiting politician,” highlighting tensions. The conflict reflects deeper ideological and policy differences, particularly on racial redress. U.S. officials have misrepresented South Africa’s economic and land reforms as discriminatory. This weaponisation of race has strained ties, underscoring the need to move beyond racial narratives in foreign relations, writes Kwezi Sogoni.
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Young voices in parliament
South Africa is grappling with a severe unemployment crisis, particularly among young people, with over 40% of youth unable to find jobs. In response, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has implemented policies aimed at job creation, particularly in the Western Cape where it governs, and more recently through the Government of National Unity (GNU). These efforts reflect the DA’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment through economic growth and opportunity. William Sezoe had the chance to sit down with three dynamic young members of the National Parliament to explore their vision, strategies, and plans to champion the needs and aspirations of South Africa’s youth.
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Principle before Politics for KZN MEC
When Francois Rodgers assumed his role as KwaZulu-Natal’s new MEC for Finance, he faced numerous challenges, from addressing wasteful expenditure to combating entrenched corruption. Determined to bring change to a province long troubled by mismanagement, Rodgers transitioned from years on the opposition benches to a key government position. Known for his humility and focus, he prioritises transparency and fiscal discipline in governance, playing a pivotal role in the unprecedented coalition government formed after the May 2024 elections. -
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.
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Getting young people into business
"When young people and young girls look at me, I want them to see what is possible," says Deidre Baartman, the Minister for Finance in South Africa's Western Cape Province. As I enter her office, her welcoming smile and confident demeanour immediately set the tone. Dressed in all black, she emanates a presence that speaks of both authority and approachability.
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Restoring dignity in the Eastern Cape
In South Africa and across the world, women make up the largest population group in society, yet women are not equally represented in structures like Parliament, Caucuses, Legislatures, or leadership in general. Annually, the 9th of August is dedicated to commemorating the struggle of women and celebrating their achievements across all sectors in South Africa. This month, the FNF in South Africa puts the spotlight on nine liberal women in politics, kicking off with Chantel King.
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Why the former archenemies could help the country move forward
South Africa already has experience with governments of national unity: the first democratically elected government in post-apartheid South Africa 30 years ago.
It was led by the African National Congress (ANC) under President Nelson Mandela and formed a coalition with the National Party (NP), which represented the interests of a right-wing conservative white population, and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), which fights for the Zulu ethnic group at a political level.
Now the time has come again. -
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.
Social Media
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Rising US tariffs are reshaping global trade. As SADC Chair, Zimbabwe suspended duties on American imports after Washington imposed an 18% tariff on its goods — exposing Africa’s lack of a united trade front. With the US turning inward and China deepening its reach, Europe has a narrow window to offer a fair, rules-based alternative. The 90-day tariff pause calls for vision and urgency, not silence. Read the full analysis by Christopher Mugaga, Chief Executive at Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce.
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Experience the German Parliament First-Hand! 🇩🇪 Are you a politically engaged young leader from Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda? The International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) for African Countries offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Germany’s parliamentary system. ✅ 4-week intensive programme in Berlin ✅ Work placement with a Bundestag Member ✅ €700 stipend + free accommodation & travel costs covered Eligibility: 🔹 Under 30 years old 🔹 University degree 🔹 B2-level German proficiency 🔹 Passion for politics & civic engagement 📌 Apply now! More details: www.bundestag.de/ips_afrikanisch 📩 Submit your application to the German diplomatic mission in your country. For queries, contact: ips-afrika@bundestag.de
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