Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung South Africa

19/06/2026

Meet our exceptional Scholars! 🌟

Tyralee Gondwe and Khanyisile Marubelela!

During the KAS Scholar Day 2026, our scholars engaged in a rich and interactive programme in Cape Town, combining historical reflection and contemporary dialogue. Highlights included discussions on the fragility of democracy, creative exploration of identity through poetry, and sessions examining constitutional development and elections. Scholars also connected with peers and students on leadership and civic participation, participated in a guided exhibition visit, and ended the day with a career-focused dialogue on personal storytelling and professional growth.

18/06/2026

Meet our exceptional Scholars! 🌟

At KAS, we believe in fostering the next generation of leadership and innovation. We are absolutely delighted to introduce our exceptional scholars, Bongi Molefe and Kutloano Malahlela!

As part of their journey, our scholars recently took part in the KAS Scholar Day 2026 in Cape Town, a dynamic programme focused on democracy, leadership, and personal development. The day included a “Fragility of Democracy” workshop, sessions on identity and empowerment through poetry, and reflections on the Weimar Republic and democratic resilience. Scholars also engaged on leadership and future voters, explored the Holocaust & Genocide Centre exhibition, and concluded with a networking dinner on crafting personal narratives for professional success.

17/06/2026

50 years after the Soweto uprising and more than three decades after the end of apartheid: where does South Africa stand today?

In this interview, Gregor Jaecke, Resident Representative of KAS South Africa, shares insights into the country’s progress as a stable democracy and the persistent challenges of inequality, unemployment, and social division that continue to shape daily life.

Source: hr INFO: https://www.hr-inforadio.de/index.html

👉 Listen now to the full interview (in German).

16/06/2026

On Youth Day, we honour the courage of the young people who stood against injustice during the Soweto Uprising and celebrate the role of youth in shaping South Africa’s democratic future.

10/06/2026

✨ New face, new energy!

We are delighted to introduce Daniel Ghassemi, our new Research Assistant at KAS South Africa. Daniel is currently pursuing his research studies in South Africa, and we’re excited to have him bring his talent and dedication to our team.

Welcome to the team, Daniel!

09/06/2026

Was Germany’s failure to secure a UN Security Council seat only a diplomatic setback or something much deeper?

In this thought-provoking paper, Dr. Zimkhitha Manyana unpacks the outcome through a Structural Realist lens from the Global South, revealing how power, regional dynamics, and coalition politics shape outcomes at the UN.

🔍 Key insights:
•Why UNSC elections are not just about reputation or influence
•How regional coordination (like Africa’s bloc strategy) can outperform major powers
•What Germany’s loss tells us about global governance and representation
•The role of vote-trading, timing, and systemic constraints in UN politics

📖 Read the paper on the KAS Website:

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05/06/2026

On 27 May 2026, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), in partnership with CANRAD, hosted the final dialogue on “Voter Turnout among South African Youth: Opportunities and Challenges” at the South End Museum in Gqeberha.

Bringing together students from Nelson Mandela University, members of youth organisations from Uitenhage and Despatch, and learners from Kwezi Lomso High School, the dialogue created a vibrant platform for young people to engage on the future of democratic participation in South Africa.

Participants explored:
✅ Barriers to youth voter turnout
✅ The importance of civic responsibility
✅ Opportunities for stronger youth leadership and engagement
✅ Building trust in democratic institutions

Read the full report on kas website: https://www.kas.de/en/web/suedafrika/veranstaltungen/detail/-/content/voter-turnout-among-the-south-african-youths-challenges-and-opportunities

Youth perspectives on voter turnout and civic engagement before the 2026 Local Government Elections

04/06/2026

In May, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in cooperation with Deaf Empowerment Foundation and the IEC held voter readiness labs for the Deaf learners at:

·Filadelfia Secondary School Soshanguve
·Ekurhuleni School for the Deaf, Katlehong
·Sizwile School for the Deaf, Dobsonville

The aims of the workshops were:
·Equip Deaf voters with clear, accessible information on voter registration, voting procedures and electoral rights.
·Strengthen civic confidence among Deaf youth and first-time voters.
·Create safe, participatory spaces where Deaf participants can ask questions and engage directly with voter education content.
·Support inclusive democratic participation in line with South Africa’s constitutional and disability rights commitments.

The learners were actively engaged and excited about the upcoming Local Government Elections.

Read the full report:

Strengthen Inclusive Participation Ahead of Local Government Elections

04/06/2026

On 27 May 2026, the New South Institute (NSI), in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), hosted a timely seminar exploring the real-world implications of the Public Service Amendment Act, a reform NSI describes as South Africa’s “Third Transition”

This shift marks a critical step in strengthening the separation between political authority and administrative management. But as highlighted by leading academics, practitioners, and public officials, legislation alone is not enough.

🔍 Key insights from the discussion:
•Institutional capacity is critical: professionalisation requires more than policy reform.
•A demographic challenge looms: with ~76% of public servants in senior management over 50.
•Talent management gaps persist: compliance-driven systems are limiting effective workforce planning.
•State capability must be rebuilt: especially at local government level, where constraints are most visible.
•Governance reform must be intentional: addressing fragmentation and improving accountability will be essential.

The conversation reinforced a clear message: South Africa’s reform journey will depend on the state’s ability to attract, develop, and retain capable public servants while strengthening institutional systems.

📖 Access the full papers on the KAS website: https://www.kas.de/en/web/suedafrika/veranstaltungen/detail/-/content/south-africa-s-third-transition

01/06/2026

Migration, Rule of Law & Social Cohesion in Urban South Africa: Xenophobic Mobilisation as a Challenge to State Capacity

South Africa's cities are at a crossroads. Deepening unemployment, overstretched institutions, and contested notions of belonging have created fertile ground for xenophobic mobilisation, with real consequences for social cohesion, the rule of law, and democratic stability.

Our latest analysis explores the structural drivers behind xenophobic violence in urban South Africa, the growing influence of movements like Operation Dudula, and what is at stake for migration governance and state capacity when private actors begin filling the vacuum left by weakened institutions.

About the Author
This report was researched and written by Nadia I., our dedicated Research Assistant.

Read the full report:

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