Fields of activity
The Hanns Seidel Foundation South Africa is a non-profit organisation with its head quarters in Germany. We started operating in South Africa in 1991 to support the democratic transition towards an all inclusive, non-racial democratic society. Today the Hanns Seidel Foundation is committed to promote the spirit and values of the South African constitution as well as to support the South African government in its efforts towards a more equitable and just society, sustainable development, and a vibrant democracy.
As such, we engage in training, research and dialogue progammes that are aimed at:
- Strengthening institutions and mechanisms that are key to a constitutional democracy
- Promoting human security
- Conflict prevention and peace building
- Promoting the spirit of a participatory multiparty democracy
- Strengthening the rule of law
- Enhancing responsible leadership and social accountability
- Improving public service delivery
- Enhancing economic growth
- Supporting sustainable development and natural resource conservation
- Raising public awareness about important socio-economic trends
We strongly believe in the need of science and applied research to inform and guide policy and seek opportunities to bridge existing gaps. We exercise our projects with respect for cultural and religious diversity. We are non-aligned politically and believe in supporting local ideas and initiatives. As such, we partner with policy makers, public administration, think tanks, research institutions, business representatives, and NGOs among others. The Foundation also lays emphasis on building networks of its partners in the southern African region.
The Foundation further seeks to ensure that our projects:
- have an ongoing capacity-building impact,
- have an emphasis on sustainability, and
- are mutually reinforcing wherever possible.
Examples of ongoing projects.
Markus Spiske; unsplash
Sustainable Development
South Africa’s energy sector forms a critical part of the country’s economy and relies heavily on its large coal deposits to generate energy and electricity for most of the country’s needs. more...
HypnoArt; CC0 Creative Commons; pixabay
Democracy & Dialogue
South Africa’s Constitution - admired and respected around the world for its pioneering approach to human rights - is the symbol of a remarkable negotiated transition, one that turned a country under apartheid into a modern and peaceful democracy. more...
Alex Knight; unsplash
Human Security
As opposed to the term “national security”, which refers to the state-level, “human security” focuses on the protection and development of the individual and the community. more...
markmags; CC0 Creative Commons; pixabay
Scholarships
The scholarship programme for foreign postgraduates and academics of the Hanns Seidel Foundation provides assistance to young scientists and postgraduates (primarily from developing countries) to undergo professional and scientific training at universities, universities of applied sciences and other scientific institutions in the Federal Republic of Germany. more...
PIRO4D; CC0 Creative Commons; Pixabay
Capacity Building
South African municipalities are faced with unique challenges related to the history of the country such as poverty and inadequate infrastructure, among other things. more...
