Local and international Save the Children programmes have been active in South Africa for the past 65 years. In 2013 Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) became a new and official member of Save the Children International (SCI) group, following the merger of the programmes in South Africa implemented by Save the Children Fund Gauteng, Save the Children Fund KwaZulu-Natal, Save the Children UK and Save the Children Sweden. SCSA thus builds on a strong history of local and global engagement for inspiring change and campaigning for children and youth. As members of a global organisation (who operate in 120 countries) we are uniquely placed to work as catalysts for transforming the lives of children and youth in South Africa.
Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) is a bona-fide local registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and a pioneer for children’s rights. Through integrated and holistic programmes, SCSA aims to support children, adolescents and young people (AYP) to achieve their full potential. SCSA operates from its head office in Pretoria with 5 provincial offices in South Africa, operating in the most marginalised and rural districts of Free State, KZN, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Gauteng. SCSA focuses on five thematic areas Child Rights Governance (CRG), Child Protection, Education, Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Health and Nutrition.
In 2019, we reached 166,808 children and 31,358 adults in 2019 directly through project inputs; or participation in activities; or access to services; or through providing sustained support to individuals/institutions working with children. In addition to this, we raised the awareness of 11,643,786 children and adults through regional and national radio programmes, television, print media, and providing education to duty bearers through community dialogues, education sessions; mentoring and coaching interventions in community based organisations, ECD centres, schools, and local municipalities. In responding to the COVID19 emergency this year, we have so far reached more than 70 000 children and 11 000 adults through initiatives to prevent the spread of the disease, helping children learn and return to school, supporting food security, and keeping children safe.