The 2025 Africa Liberty Award given by the Atlas Network to the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) at a gala event in Nairobi last week “is a powerful affirmation that pro-growth reform, non-racial empowerment, and economic liberty form the only credible path forward for a nation burdened by failed state-led interventions and central-planning failures”.
The award, whichrecognises “the region’s most outstanding policy accomplishments championing individual rights and economic freedom”, was received by IRR Strategic Engagements Manager Makone Maja.
In a statement, the IRR says the award “is a win for every South African who believes our country can and must be a place of real freedom, opportunity, and prosperity”.
At the heart of this achievement lies the IRR’s Blueprint for Growth series – an uncompromising defence of free-market policies that prioritise tax fairness, empowered consumers, and deregulation dividends over wealth redistribution schemes and government-knows-best dogma. Whether advocating for housing vouchers to unlock ownership, proposing how to cut R100 billion in VAT to relieve working families, or exposing the job-killing effects of BEE failures, the IRR continues to lead the national conversation with solutions that build wealth, not dependency.
Says Hermann Pretorius, IRR Head of Strategic Communications: “This award is an international salute to every South African who believes we are not condemned to poverty and decline. It is a victory for all who demand responsible government spending, freedom of choice, and a future where merit, hard work, and enterprise are rewarded – not punished. We are proud to bring it home to South Africa.”
In a country where over 12 million people are unemployed and public debt now burdens future generations, this award highlights the urgent need for a new direction: one of consumer-first policies, pro-enterprise reform, and empowerment through ownership.
The IRR calls on all South Africans – in government, business, and civil society – to stand up for a future grounded in liberty and growth. This award is a clear signal: the world is watching, and it is backing South Africa’s freedom-loving people.
Join the IRR’s #WhatSACanBe movement to help chart the course toward a truly free and prosperous South Africa: https://irr.org.za/whatsacanbe/join-team-whatsacanbe