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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What is it like being queer in South Africa?
To mark Pride Month, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in South Africa invited Martin Meyer, MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal, to share his thoughts on the state of LGBTQI rights in the country. Meyer acknowledged that while South Africa has made major legal and constitutional advances—such as marriage equality and representation in politics—lived experiences remain unequal. Many queer South Africans, especially outside urban areas, still face violence, rejection, and limited access to support. He reflected on his role as the first openly gay MEC in a conservative province as a milestone, but emphasised that true freedom must be felt by all. “If one of us is not free,” he said, “then none of us are free. And love is free.”
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Trump’s Stage, Ramaphosa’s test
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House this week to strengthen ties. Instead, the South African delegation faced a staged performance tailored for Trump’s domestic audience. In the lead-up, Trump and his allies reignited false claims of a “white farmer genocide” in South Africa — a narrative disproven by crime data and human rights groups. Still, the myth remains popular among Trump’s conservative base, serving as a convenient but harmful political tool in U.S. discourse.
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‘South Africa still enjoys world-class Press Freedom’
In celebrating Freedom Month in April and World Press Freedom Day in May, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in South Africa sat down with one of the country’s renowned journalists, Ferial Haffajee. She is an Assistant Editor at the Daily Maverick, one of the FNF’s long-standing partners. She was previously the first female editor of several mainstream newspapers in the country, played a key role in exposing state capture, and is a defender of freedom, particularly press freedom, while also advancing social justice in the country.
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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 key test as ANC–DA tensions grow over a proposed VAT rise. While framed as a tax issue, it reflects deeper coalition strains. The DA, feeling sidelined, warns a VAT hike would hurt the vulnerable and urges better spending and anti-corruption. The clash raises doubts about whether the GNU is a true partnership or ANC-led façade.
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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.
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