Billionaire Oppenheimer family shuts down influential SA foundation

Cape Town – The Brenthurst Foundation, a Johannesburg-based think tank founded by the Oppenheimer family, has seemingly shut down after 20 years of influencing Africa’s political and economic development through policy research and high-level government engagement.

Research Director Ray Hartley confirmed the closure in a LinkedIn post, reflecting on his six-year tenure and highlighting key contributions such as election observations, strategic planning for several African countries, and behind-the-scenes work on South Africa’s Government of National Unity.

He wrote: “Friends, I’m sure you have heard by now that The Brenthurst Foundation has closed its doors. As a result, I am no longer working there. It was an incredible six years which involved travel across Africa and the world, writing countless discussion papers and op-eds. Highlights included:
– Observing elections in Somaliland, Kenya, Lesotho and Liberia;
– Visiting Ukraine on two occasions to understand this conflict which will determine the trajectory of the globe for decades to come;
– Working on strategic plans for Zanzibar, Malawi, Lesotho, Kenya and Nigeria;
– Editing or co-authoring the books Better Choices, In the Name of the People and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly;
– Working to build solidarity among African democrats as the battle to return Africa to the dark days of autocracy gathers pace. It was a privilege to meet and work with many African demcrats from across the continent including Tanzania’s Tindu Lissu and Uganda’s Dr Kizza Besigye, both of whom are in jail and facing ridiculous charges in kangaroo courts; and, last but not least.
– Working on building South Africa’s political centre including behind the scenes on the GNU, to prevent a populist collapse.
It was a priviledge to work in the small team led by Dr Greg Mills, a man whose reach, insight and influence is truly remarkable. I’m heading on to new challenges and look forward to bumping into you along the road.”

While the reason for closure remains unclear, it is believed to be due to a lack of funding from its backers, Daily Investor reported.

The foundation, part of the Oppenheimer Generations initiative, originally focused on promoting economic growth and black ownership in South Africa before expanding its scope continent-wide, the report said.

It gained influence by advising African governments, working only by invitation, and boasting an advisory board that included high-profile leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo, Ian Khama, and Kgalema Motlanthe.