My name is Susanna and I grew up in the north of Germany, in Lübeck. My home city is not only famous for the Nobel laureates that hail from there, such as Thomas Mann, but especially for its delicious Marzipan.
I have just graduated with an LL.B. in law and business administration from the University of Mannheim and now have the opportunity to delve deeper into my interest for international politics during my internship here at KAS in Cape Town. When I’m not reading up on the news, I love cooking with friends and playing tennis.
During my time here at KAS, I am hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the voter dynamics that created the historic outcome in the 2024 national elections in conducting my own project. At the same time, I am looking forward to gaining some insight into the workings of a political foundation that strives to promote democratic values.
My interest in South Africa developed both as a result of personal experiences and interest in democratic dynamics: South Africa is a relatively young democracy with a very impressive history of the liberation from the Apartheid regime and the subsequent creation of a democracy. I came to South Africa earlier this year to volunteer in the conservation department of a game reserve and was taken in both by the beauty of the country and the many challenges it faces. In conjunction with my interest in democratic dynamics, this was the starting point for my particular interest in South Africa.
I came across the work of KAS as a result of knowing many scholarship holders who told me about their experiences with the foundation and its work to promote democratic values.
