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 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.
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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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From Cape Town to Berlin — Innovators called to break barriers
Sekelo Shude’s plastic-to-bricks project, born in Durban and pitched in Berlin, showed the power of grassroots innovation. Now, Falling Walls Lab Cape Town 2025 is calling for South Africa’s next changemakers. If you have an idea that breaks barriers—scientific, social, or environmental—apply now. Finalists will pitch in Cape Town, with a chance to compete globally in Berlin. Apply by 18 July at falling-walls.com.
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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.
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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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"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.
Social Media
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🎧 Afrikas digitale Revolution ist da – leise, kreativ und transformativ. 💡 In der neuen Episode von „The Unfiltered“ mit Nyima Jadama erzählt Itu Mamasedi, Gründer von Eyam Skincare & Wellness SA, wie künstliche Intelligenz und afrikanische Kreativität zusammenkommen, um Schönheit und Technologie neu zu definieren. 🌍 Erleben Sie, wie Afrika die Zukunft der Innovation gestaltet – authentisch, inklusiv und selbstbestimmt. 📺 Jetzt ansehen, wenn die Episode gleichzeitig auf Alex Berlin 91.0, Unfiltered Podcast und den FNF-Plattformen Premiere feiert: https://youtu.be/JhSevAQVqKA 👉 Lesen Sie auch den Artikel: https://www.freiheit.org/de/subsahara-afrika/schoenheit-und-technologie-durch-ki-afrikas-digitaler-wirtschaft-neu-erfinden Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit #NewImageOfAfrica
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🌍 Call for Creators! 🎥✨ FNF South Africa is looking for bold storytellers and digital creators to pitch ideas for #BridgingWalls, a campaign following African innovators on their journey to Berlin’s Falling Walls Summit 2025. Show how freedom, innovation, and collaboration connect Africa and Germany in shaping a shared future. 🗓️ Submit by 31 October 2025
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🎙️ “Independent journalists are the cornerstone of any free, democratic society.” Miklos Romandy of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation shares why supporting and training journalists remains vital to strengthening democracy, speaking at the end of day 1 of the South African Media Summit 2025. #NoPressNoFreedom #SaveTheMedia
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