The South Africa Development Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charitable foundation supported by donations from individuals and organizations committed to social change in South Africa. The South Africa Development Fund works in partnership with community-based organizations to provide financial and technical support to communities disadvantaged by decades of apartheid policies. All contributions are tax deductible.
By the mid eighties, political repression in South Africa had reached new heights. The apartheid government was involved in activities to suppress the democratic movement and in committing the myriad of human rights violations now coming to scrutiny under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Thousands of South Africans fled into exile, and the international anti-apartheid movement was established.
The South Africa Development Fund was founded in 1985 by exiles living in the United States to help the oppressed majority of their country. They were joined in this effort by Americans active in the civil rights and anti-apartheid movements. Originally called “Fund for a Free South Africa, (FreeSA)”, the organization became a vehicle by which U.S. donors could show their solidarity with South Africans struggling for political and social justice.
Since its inception, the South Africa Development Fund has raised over $3 million for projects focusing on community and economic development, empowerment of women, children, education, elderly services, environmental issues, health, human rights and democracy building. The organization further responded to the need for economic development in South Africa with the establishment of Shared Interest/Thembani International Guarantee Fund to help individuals and groups in poor communities gain access to credit. SI/TIGF is now a successful and independent program.
Prior to changes that began in 1990 and culminated with the democratic elections of 1994, South Africa was isolated from much of the world community. South Africans travelling to the U.S. lacked the usual resources through which to gain access to policy makers, media and the American public in general. The South Africa Development Fund, with its unique link between the two countries, provided a venue for dialogue, exchange and public education. In 1990, the organization became part of the national structure for Nelson Mandela’s historic tour of the U.S.
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The abject poverty that characterizes so many communities in South Africa is an immense challenge to the new democracy and an obstacle to the national goal of a peaceful and prosperous society for all. As in the past, the people of South Africa need support from friends and supporters in the international community.
The South Africa Development Fund is directed by South Africans who have both a vast knowledge of issues affecting their country and strong ties to the United States. For many years, the organization has maintained a link between concerned Americans and South African working to enhance economic and social justice. The Fund welcomes donations large and small to continue this work. All contributions are tax-deductible.
South African society has changed, but the legacy of apartheid policies will take many years to undo. Millions of people still live in makeshift shacks without electricity and clean water. An entire generation grew up without a decent education resulting in widespread illiteracy and massive unemployment.
The South Africa Development Fund is working closely with a number of non-governmental organizations that treat social and economic rights as full human rights. The programs listed below have been implemented to ensure that South Africans have the ability to fully participate in the democratic process, the right to a safe and healthy environment and the opportunity to pursue education and employment.
South African National NGO Coalition conducted poverty hearings to give a voice to the poor and to influence future program development. Ipopeng Democracy Project provides translation and training so that women can participate in public policy. Development Institute for Training Support and Education for Labour is helping to build a strong and effective labor movement.
Legal Resources Centre advocates for poor communities to protect the environments in which people live and work. South African Exchange Program on Environmental Justice provides community groups with resources to address unhealthy environments. South Durban Community Environmental Alliance is fighting pollution and toxic waste.
Ilitha Labantu provides shelter and services to battered women and has raised awareness of violence as a human rights issue. Nisaa Institute for Women’s Development provides shelter and counselling for abused women and conducts education and lobbying on gender issues. Evaton Society for the Aged gives home care to the elderly in a shack community located in one of the country’s poorest townships. Phutadichaba operates a community-center and meals-on-wheels program in Alexandra township. AIDSLINK operates programs to support change to destitute people who are HIV+.
Micro-Enterprise Network of NGOs works to facilitate access to mainstream economy. Philisisizwe Association develops survival strategies for communities torn apart under apartheid resettlement policies. Thembani International Guarantee Fund backs loans from South African banks to poor communities. The Kusoma Program provided leadership and business training to enhance the capacity of rural women to operate successful businesses.
English Literacy Project trains teachers and develops educational materials. Fort Hare University operates a teacher training program for rural communities. Oukasie Development Trust is building a regional technology center to promote scientific education for young South Africans. Artist Proof Studio teaches printmaking and papermaking to black artists.