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.

• Strengthening democratic culture/good governance
• Violence prevention/Strengthening of the rule of law
• Increasing the level of knowledge about migration in Africa and the Middle East
• Promoting strategic long-term planning
• Building service capacities of the public administration
• Promoting dialogue on social and political issues
• Civic education
• Promoting sustainable economic development

Target groups:

• Political decision makers
• Administrative and judicial officials
• Universities, Think Tanks & Media
• Civil society

Project description:

Today HSF operates from its offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Since the end of Apartheid, the Foundation has been committed to the promotion of public awareness of the fundamental values of the South African Constitution, and to the strengthening of democratic values and the rule of law. Through its work, the Foundation aims to support the sustainable social and economic development of South Africa. An important aspect of the HSF project is to provide advice and research to Government, the Judiciary and the Police in combating crime.

Furthermore, the Foundation supports educational initiatives, research projects and civic society organisations in order to promote the national dialogue on pressing social, political and developmental issues.

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.

Follow our activities by reading articles in the News section of this website.