Welcome
Freedom, justice and solidarity are the basic principles underlying the work of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS). The KAS is a political foundation, closely associated with the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU). As co-founder of the CDU and the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Konrad Adenauer (1876-1967) united Christian-social, conservative and liberal traditions. His name is synonymous with the democratic reconstruction of Germany, the firm alignment of foreign policy with the trans-Atlantic community of values, the vision of a unified Europe and an orientation towards the social market economy. His intellectual heritage continues to serve both as our aim as well as our obligation today.
In our European and international cooperation efforts we work for people to be able to live self-determined lives in freedom and dignity. We make a contribution underpinned by values to helping Germany meet its growing responsibilities throughout the world.
We encourage people to lend a hand in shaping the future along these lines. With more than 70 offices abroad and projects in over 120 countries, we make a unique contribution to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and a social market economy. To foster peace and freedom we encourage a continuous dialog at the national and international levels as well as the exchange between cultures and religions.
Human beings in their distinctive dignity and with their rights and responsibilities are at the heart of our work. We are guided by the conviction that human beings are the starting point in the effort to bring about social justice and democratic freedom while promoting sustainable economic activity. By bringing people together who embrace their responsibilities in society, we develop active networks in the political and economic spheres as well as in society itself. The guidance we provide on the basis of our political know-how and knowledge helps to shape the globalization process along more socially equitable, ecologically sustainable and economically efficient lines.
We cooperate with governmental institutions, political parties, civil society organizations and handpicked elites, building strong partnerships along the way. In particular we seek to intensify political cooperation in the area of development cooperation at the national and international levels on the foundations of our objectives and values. Together with our partners we make a contribution to the creation of an international order that enables every country to develop in freedom and under its own responsibility.
"Please enjoy this video introducing KAS's international work"
Our activities in South Africa
South Africa is often referred to as a beacon of hope for the future of the African continent. Since the first democratic elections took place in 1994 the country has undergone a dramatic transformation process. The Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation has fostered and supported this process from the very beginning through a wide range of instruments, including political education and training, political consultancy and intensive research. Taking into account the dynamics and potential areas of conflict in the new democratic dispensation KAS activities focus on the implementation and further development of South Africa's multi-party democracy and the rule of law. Further objectives of our work are an enhancement of parliament's control function, the support of federal structures, the fostering and monitoring of regional integration processes and the promotion of civil society.
To achieve our objectives we create special partnerships and work closely with a wide range of stakeholders that share our democratic convictions and values.
Cooperations embrace decision makers in politics, justice, academia, civil society organisations as well as the media. Particularly with the opening of a KAS-DDP Liaison Office in Cape Town in May 2002 the contact to Parliament, the National Council of Provinces and the municipalities in the Western Cape has significantly intensified.
Cooperation with local partners
KAS programmes are rolled out in the form of seminars, workshops, forums and conferences. Information and consultancy services, including publications and visitor programmes, complement the spectrum. To ensure their sustainability, KAS projects are generally implemented in close cooperation with local partners, like the Democracy Development Programme (DDP) and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA). In certain areas where additional expertise is requested the Foundation conducts its projects with other implementing agencies.
Fostering regional networks
KAS Programmes in South Africa follow the guidelines given by the BMZ for the cooperation with South Africa. The chosen areas of activity are in line with the main political objectives of the German Government regarding development cooperation (Poverty Alleviation and Education). Regional integration initiatives such as SADC, NEPAD and AU play a vital role in this regard. For various reasons South Africa is often seen as the motor for the development of the South African region. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung promotes regional networks in order to address regional issues adequately.
In the South African context where one party dominates the political landscape KAS activities with their emphasis on strengthening political institutions and promoting a multi-party system as well as civil society organisations have proven to be an effective contribution towards creating a sustainable democracy. The wide spectrum of tools enables the Foundation to react flexible and swiftly, and if necessary ad hoc towards political developments.
