South Africa
Background and news
With a population of nearly 63 million, South Africa is the second-largest economy on the African continent. Despite significant progress since the end of apartheid, the country continues to face deep-rooted social and economic inequalities. High unemployment, persistent poverty and wide regional disparities continue to affect millions of families.
Children are particularly affected by this situation. According to UNICEF, nearly 62 per cent of children live in multidimensional poverty. Food insecurity also remains a cause for concern and undermines the development, health and future prospects of many young people.
South Africa also faces significant challenges in the area of child protection. Violence, abuse, neglect, family breakdown and economic hardship expose many children to a high risk of family separation. Children who have lost, or are at risk of losing, parental care are among the most vulnerable groups in the country.
The country is also regularly confronted with the effects of climate change. Periods of drought, floods and extreme weather events are placing increasing pressure on essential infrastructure and services, particularly in the most vulnerable communities.
SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa
SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa, which has been operating in the country for over 40 years, supports children who have lost parental care or are at risk of losing it. The organisation operates in 11 locations across eight provinces and runs programmes focusing on alternative care, family strengthening and community support.
One of its flagship sites is the SOS Children’s Village in Cape Town (Thornton), which was opened in 1996 by Nelson Mandela. It is now home to nearly 90 children and young people in a family-like and protective environment.
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