Cape Town
In South Africa, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom supports pioneering empirical research projects, publications and roundtable discussions that provide an alternative platform for debate and the free exchange of ideas. These activities address the social and economic challenges facing South Africa as it continues to develop. They aim to offer practical policy recommendations and solutions.Well-researched studies and recommendations strengthen public awareness of issues concerning South Africa’s political and economic development. An important part of the Foundation's work focuses on collaboration with the Democratic Alliance (DA) - South Africa's liberal voice.
News
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State of the Nation Address 2023
When he first stepped onto the stage as president he promised a “new dawn”. On Thursday Cyril Ramaphosa will rise to address a nation in crisis with very little hope of any light and in a temporary home. The power utility, ESKOM, is on the brink of collapse, and leaderless. South Africans are in the dark on a daily basis and will enter winter with the reality of at least 8 hours of electricity shortages (load-shedding/blackouts) per day. It is promised that this will only stop in two years if all goes to plan.
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Calling young innovators: Pitch your idea on a global stage
With her innovative research in these cells, Emmie Chiyindiko impressed the judges at the Falling Walls Lab Cape Town, co-hosted by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and the University of Cape Town. ‘Falling Walls Labs’ are events held around the world in which budding innovators have just three minutes to pitch a groundbreaking idea that stands to change the world for the better. The winners of these international labs come together in Berlin, Germany each year.
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Cry, the beloved country – South Africa’s shambolic vaccination situation
The second wave of the Corona pandemic has hit South Africa with full force. But the government has no plan for procuring vaccines, nor for distributing them. Mass vaccination requires months of preparation, the establishment of complex control systems, and the strategic deployment of resources. None of this necessary preparation has yet taken place.
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Omicron in South Africa: a sour note
“We are deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant. This is a clear and completely unjustified departure from the commitment that many of these countries made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. These restrictions are unjustified and unfairly discriminate against our country.”
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The story of Jacob Zuma and Al Capone
On Tuesday, South Africa’s apex court found former President Jacob Zuma to be in contempt of court and sentenced him to a term of 15 months imprisonment. The Constitutional Court’s decision is a resounding affirmation of the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law. The court’s message is crystal clear: all are equal before the law and subject to its sanctions, even a former president. Citizens have been wondering for a while whether Zuma would be jailed.
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Hanoi and Cape Town are not far away
Meeting virtually has become the new normal for people and organisations on earth. Face-to-face discussions became screen-to-screen. FNF Vietnam sees this as an opportunity for the foundation to grow as a global family.
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Official Observers to the Elections in South Africa
Elections are the expression of the will of the people and they determine the fate of a country’s political, social and economic growth. With this act, the Foundation is demonstrating its commitment to advancing the pillars that safeguard democracy in developing countries.
Social Media
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"The Wrong Side of Right, Counting the Cost for Whistleblowers." Welcome to Season 4 of the Let's Talk Human Rights podcast. In the first episode of the new season, host Masechaba Mdaka is joined by whistleblower Mathapelo More and Pusetso Morapedi of the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa. Why is it that whistleblowers bear the brunt by being crucified for the truth while the perpetrators of corruption enjoy the benefits of protection and impunity? Listen to Mathapelo More's story of courage in the face of agressive adversity here: https://iono.fm/e/1291652
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The FNF #Liberal Workshop in #CapeTown will be releasing a series looking at the history of the #SouthAfrican #HumanRightsDay in particular, drawing attention to the connection between this day and the history of #Langa township in Cape Town as it celebrates 100 years. #Langa100
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Africa Leadership Academy Model African Union 10th anniversary conference - “An inclusive Africa, a future for all.” The event will look at the future of Africa and how young people can intervene and inform how they want leadership should look like and for solutions to problems that will affect their future. In discussion are topics such as #energy #humanrights #education #innovation #ruleoflaw! FNF Africa is supporting two initiatives at the conference. The first one is titled “Africa’s New Age, the Energy Climate Conundrum” which is facilitated by specialist consultant in hydro-energy and environmental science Khanyiselo Khumalo. The second is on #humanrights and the African Courts. Expert Michael Gyan Nyarko unpacks the issues surrounding countries in conflict and framing motions to probe and propose ways and understanding individual country responses versus interstate mechanisms to resolve conflict.
