Resource Directory SAMPLE pages flip-book

southafricanCONVERSATiONS
RESOURCE DiRECTORY
ANIMAL WELFARE
Child Welfare
CIVIL SOCIETY
Crime & Justice
Sample
Pages
CRISIS SUPPORT
Disability
EDUCATION
Employment Solutions
& Sustainable Livelihoods
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Food Growing
FOOD, HUNGER & NUTRITION
Gender & Violence Issues
HEALTH
Human Rights
LABOUR MATTERS
Land, Housing & Essential Services
LGBTQI+
Photo | Chris Kirchhoff | mediaclubsouthafrica.co.za
MEN & BOYS
MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Migrants & Refugees
SENIOR CITIZENS
Social Welfare
& Humanitarian Support
SUBSTANCE ABUSE & ADDICTION
Women & Family
YOUTH
A toolbox for individuals, families, communities, businesses and policy-makers
to help us create the kind of world we all want to live in.

Can’t afford to advertise your non-profit
anywhere but online?
The majority of people who would benefit most from what you have to offer
do not have sustained access to the Internet.
So why advertise there?
Photo | Tshikululu Social Investments | www.tshikululu.org.za
Courtesy of Anglo American Chairman’s Fund
Scan the QR code to book or update your listing in the next
edition of the directory. Non-commercial listings are free.
Or go to www.southafricanconversations.co.za/resource-directory
and scroll to the bottom of the page for a Listing Request form.
southafrican
CONVERSATiONS
www.southafricanconversations.co.za/directory | 0860 333 034

| 1
– Christophe Deloire
Why print in the age of the Internet?
Want to know something – anything? Google it. From relief for ulcers
to how to handle a job interview, everything you could possibly want
to know is at your fingertips, online.
Knowledge is power. Those who can afford it and know how to access
this 21st-century privilege have a distinct advantage when it comes
to exploring opportunities, developing their potential and finding
solutions to problems.
Unfortunately, a significant portion of our population still lacks access
to the internet – despite the widespread use of smartphones in
South Africa. During the Covid-19 pandemic, approximately 40% of
South Africans did not use the internet at all. This number has now
decreased to around 30%, as more people are able to connect at
work and shopping centres.
The sad reality is that the majority of our citizens do not have
meaningful access to the internet in their homes because of high
data costs, poor reception and limited electricity – especially in rural
and underprivileged areas.
With the knowledge of the world increasingly moving online, access
to information is going to become the biggest source of inequality in
South Africa.
The South African Conversations Resource Directory offers a solution
to this problem by making life-changing information available to all
South Africans, bridging the gap between online and offline worlds.
The book is particularly useful for those who serve society: social
workers, teachers, preachers, health care workers, police, and more.
With this resource, everyone can have access to the knowledge they
need to succeed, no matter where they live or what their economic
situation may be.
ISBN | 978 0 620 93765 8
Publisher |
South African Conversations (Pty) Ltd
A majority black-owned micro-enterprise
Registration no: 2018 / 605841 / 07
www.southafricanconversations.co.za
t. 021 300 0547 | 0860 333 034
e. talk.to.us@
southafricanconversations.co.za
Postnet Suite 72, Private Bag X7,
Muizenberg 7945, Western Cape, SA
First edition | March 2023
Editor | Therésa Müller
Intern researchers | Eva Chipa |
Kungu Mabasa | Lethubuhle Dube |
Mokgadi Mamaleka | Sithembiso Ngobese
Research & proofreading | Keneilwe
Tseko | Mauritz Müller | Therésa
Müller | Wendy Wethmar
Proofreading | Bronwyn Paxton | George
Dor | Mirna Lawrence | Marthe Muller
Layout & design | Therésa Müller
Pre-press | Wendy Wethmar
Printing | Novus Print
Copyright © Theresa Müller
Important disclaimer | Information
was gathered with great care from multiple
sources on the internet and is provided
‘as is’ with no guarantee of accuracy or
usefulness, nor does inclusion in this book
signify endorsement. Neither South African
Conversations nor its employees can be
held responsible for readers’ use of any of it.
Unless otherwise indicated, all photographs
are used as works of art and do not
represent individuals or real situations in
the accompanying articles.
Order your copy of the book by scanning
the QR code with your smartphone
camera/Google Lens or QR Code Reader
P.S. This is the first edition of our Resource Directory. There may be oversights,
inaccuracies, and incorrectly categorised information. Kindly notify us if you find
any errors or omissions so that we can correct them for the next edition which,
by the way, will also include sections on Ancient & Traditional Knowledge, Cyber
Safety and the Environment.
P.P.S. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Rusty Sivils, an American friend
without whose support South African Conversations would not have weathered the
pandemic and this book would not exist. Deep gratitude, too, for the support of Jyothish
Namboori, Marthe Muller, Lidia Pretorius, Laura Bergh, Elsbeth Dixon, numerous
friends and various long-suffering family members, as well as the many customers and
suppliers who believed and trusted that we will deliver.
Or go to www.southafricanconversations.
co.za/resource-directory and scroll to the
bottom of the page for an order form.
Suggested retail price | R375 / copy.

4 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
ENDORSEMENTS
This is a welcome and muchneeded
resource for South
Africa. It contains information
that makes it possible for
anyone to find what they need
to improve their lives.
It is useful for those with no
access to the internet or with
no data, and for those who
work to assist people.
It is very informative, easy to
use and a powerful guide to
critical solutions to problems
we experience as South
Africans.
An astonishing publication
that radiates the thought,
love and passion which have
gone into it.
– Dave Wilson, CEO and
Co-founder of the National
Mentorship Movement
It is my wish that every
home could have access to
this amazing labour of love.
– Rev Theo Mayekiso
Author of Being Black A South
African Story that Matters
The book is spectacular.
It reminds me of the story of
Prometheus – the one who stole
the light from Zeus to give to
humankind!
– Buntu Billie
This masterpiece of a resource
should be available in every
home, every village, school,
company and institution in
South Africa. It is an amazing
resource to aid our individual and
collective development.
– Dr Meshack Khosa, CEO, Fresh
Thinking Capital
Here's what people say about the book.
This book should be in every
school, every police station,
every clinic, community library,
community centre, community
radio station, and in every
Government Department that
interacts with the people of
South Africa.
In fact, it should be in every
home that doesn’t have access
to the internet ... It’s like having
access to Google, but in print
and tailor-made for South
Africa.
It complements Government
efforts [and] helps protect every
citizen’s right to information and
gives meaning to the principle
that ‘working together we can do
more’.
– Lumko Mtimde, Former Special
Advisor to the Minister in the
Presidency, Republic of South Africa
It is unique, highly
educational and relevant
to the African majority
who do not have access to
information and resources.
This directory must reach the
length and breadth of our
country.
– Moshe Lecheko
This directory provides
access, ideas and direction
to South Africans across
careers, professions, income
and education levels. It is
an absolute must have for
every South African – not
only those without access to
the internet.
– Ali Engelbrecht, Former CEO,
Women in Business
Despite its packed pages, this
is not a book of cold facts; it
is permeated with a sense of
nurturance and genuine care ...
to purposefully and practically
bring an end to hunger, poor
health, malnutrition, poverty
and discrimination.
– Mirna Lawrence, Writer & Educator
Insanely detailed and meticulous.
– Karen Brokensha, The Domino
Foundation
This publication is so needed for
South Africa, especially for those
in rural and township areas
where connectivity is an issue …
– Linda Morrison, MD, We are Durban
Social Upliftment
Read more feedback from readers on our website | www.southafricanconversations.co.za/directory

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 5
ENDORSEMENTS
This labour of love, affirmation
and empowerment will go down
in Mzansi’s history as one of
those small miracles that made
a huge difference in shaping the
country we all want.
– Lidia Pretorius Disability
Consultant
The directory succeeds in
presenting a vast amount
of information in an easily
accessible way.
– George Dor, Advanced
Mathematics Educator
This is so much more
than a directory – it’s an
education in book form –
a school, a university in
itself – as much as a bridge
to community here in South
Africa. It is a resource for
life, literally.
– Jagat Joti Kaur
[We must] do everything in [our]
power to get this extraordinary
resource into the hands of the
people of South Africa. For
in its pages are gathered the
wisdom, solutions and tools
that will allow all South Africans
to take individual responsibility
for building a better world –
for ourselves, our families, our
communities and our country.
– Professor Dan Sandi
We'd love to hear what you think, too. talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za
We all think that everyone
nowadays has access to Google,
but this is simply not the case.
Millions of our people do not
have money for data to find the
information that can change
their lives. This book should
circulate our townships and
rural areas where communities
are deprived of information.
The Directory makes it possible
for all South Africans to easily
and cheaply find information
that wealthy people take for
granted. Every household in
impoverished communities
should have a copy of this book.
It will empower people to tap
into opportunities and better
their own lives.
– Renee Andrews, Treasurer
General, Black Business Chamber
This directory is one of the
most incredible resources I
have ever come across ...
It is an extraordinarily
beautiful and accessible
tool providing access to
information and knowledge
that communities can draw
on to give substance to the
rights provided for us by our
Constitution.
– Dr Marjorie Jobson, National
Director, Khulumani Support
Group
I cannot thank you enough
that you have placed such a
wealth of information in one
book. It is a true Godsend
that will empower and
strengthen communities.
– Washiela Sait Disability Advisor
An encyclopedic guide ...
accessible even to non-techsavvy
individuals. It is like
holding Google in your hands.
A huge time-saver, as you get
curated what you are looking
for, in compact form – rather
than getting lost, misled or
distracted by surfing around.
– Truida Prekel SynNovation
Solutions
Encyclopedic, life-enhancing
information – accessible even
when there is no data, no
computer or smartphone, and
even when there is no electricity.
It’s like a printed Google for
South Africa.
– Mpho Khauoe, CEO, Lintle
Community Awakening
We’d love to hear what YOU think about the directory | talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za

6 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
It is our sincere hope at South African Conversations that the information in this book will
empower, bring hope and positive change to individuals, families and communities all over South
Africa. One small entry could do that. Dip in, and see what pertains to your life.
This showcase provides a preview of the first two pages from
each editorial category in the Resource Directory, plus a few
editorial bits and pieces.
These 82 pages offer a glimpse of what to expect from the
complete book of 372 pages.

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 7
CONTENTS
Are you, your family or community faced with a challenging situation?
Help is available: mostly free or low-cost. Take a look at the resources and solutions in this directory.
Always call to make sure the information is accurate, before going to a place.
Don’t give up hope. People do care. And don’t stop doing everything you can do to help yourself.
This book will give you access to both.
– Peter Drucker
Animal Welfare .................................................. 7
Gender & Violence Issues .............................. 220
Child Welfare ..................................................... 18
Health .................................................................. 232
Civil Society ......................................................... 42
Human Rights ..................................................... 254
Crime & Justice ................................................. 58
Labour Matters .................................................. 260
Crisis Support .................................................... 66
Land, Housing & Essential Services .......... 266
Disability ............................................................... 74
LGBTQI+ ................................................................ 278
EDUCATION ........................................................... 102
Primary & Secondary School Subject Resources
Resources for Schools & Educators
Access to Books
Resources for Lifelong Learning
Employment Solutions &
Sustainable Livelihoods ............................ 142
Entrepreneurship .............................................. 166
Food Growing ..................................................... 184
Food, Hunger & Nutrition ............................... 202
Men & Boys .......................................................... 288
Mental & Emotional Health .......................... 298
....................................... 306
Migrants & Refugees
.................................................... 312
Senior Citizens
Social Welfare & Humanitarian Support .325
................... 338
Substance Abuse & Addiction
.............................................. 348
Women & Family
...................................................................... 360
Youth
– Paul Hawken

Help spread
awareness of the
lives of those who
cannot speak for
themselves
Order a copy of the
Resource Directory
and we’ll give you free
access to A3 print-quality
PDFs plus JPGs for digital
use of each of these posters.
Scan the QR code or go to
www.southafricanconversations.
co.za/directory
to order the Directory and claim
free access to the posters.

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 9
ANIMAL WELFARE
– Moby
t
FOOD FOR PETS DURING
TOUGH TIMES
If you are struggling and need food for
your pets, ask for help at an animal
welfare organisation close to you – see
ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANISATIONS on
the following pages.
If you are in a position to donate pet
food to an animal welfare organisation
close to you, please do so … regularly.
All the organisations listed on these
pages need help – not only with
pet food, but also with tick and flea
treatments, dog kennels and blankets,
as well as veterinary treatments.
And please adopt homeless animals – in
pairs, so they have a companion when
you’re not around. Adopted animals
make grateful pets.
AFFORDABLE
Home-made pet food
Doggy meals |
• 1 cup of soaked soy chunks/mince/
granules AND/OR a cup of lentils
Most commercial dog foods are made with
soy proteins – made from soybeans, not
animal proteins. Unflavoured dry soy mince
or chunks cost very little. Once you add hot
water and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes, it
doubles in size and can be used as a meat
substitute because it contains all the essential
amino acids needed to form complete
proteins. Plain soy absorbs flavours well, so
use the soaking water from a pan or pot in
which you’ve cooked your own food. You may
add a bit of oil, but DO NOT add salt. Then add:
• 4 cups of cooked mealie meal, rice, oats
or about half a loaf of bread.
• 2 to 3 cups of cabbage leaves, vegetable
peels/table scraps. Ensures balanced
nutrition.
• Any edible wild greens from around
your yard. (See FORAGING FOR FOOD in
the FOOD, HUNGER & NUTRITION pages
elsewhere in the directory.)
Mix all the ingredients and freeze in small
portions. If you don’t have a freezer, make the
food in roughly the above ratios, as needed,
Doggy broth |
• Use any bones left over from a meal or
buy a bag of cheap bones.
Boil the bones in water WITH:
• Water from pots in which you cooked
your food.
• The oil from a can of sardines
• Vegetable peels, table scraps or leftover
food.
• The water from canned food.
• Wild greens. (See FORAGING FOR FOOD
in the FOOD, HUNGER & NUTRITION
pages.)
• Pour the broth over cooked mealie meal,
rice, old bread or dry dog food.
Boiling makes beef bones harder and safer to
chew on than raw bones, so give the bones to
your dogs after making the broth. Small bones
can cause choking. Don’t ever give chicken
and sharp-edged bones to pets because they
splinter and can cause internal bleeding.
Make sure your pets ALWAYS have
plenty of fresh water. Especially if they
are not getting a lot of food.
The most expensive pet food is not
necessarily the best pet food. And the
cheapest is not necessarily healthy.
If the first two ingredients are meat
or fish plus a grain or chicken meal,
you’re good to go. If it contains artificial
colours and flavours, look for something
else. Club together with neighbours to
buy pet food in bulk. It is a lot cheaper.
Keep pet food bags closed to prevent
spoilage.
Cat food | Unfortunately, cats need
much more protein than dogs. An
unbalanced diet can cause severe health
problems that will eventually cost a lot more
in vet bills. There are some recipes online
for making dry cat food, but the ingredients
are expensive and you need to have an
oven to make them. It is best to invest in a
high-quality commercial cat food or to look
for help if you’re struggling to feed your cats.
Laws to Protect Animals
From the Animals Protection Act 71
of 1962 | www.gov.za
YOU MAY NOT:
n Keep an animal in dirty and parasitic
conditions.
n Abandon an animal, causing the
animal to suffer.
n Unnecessarily confine, cage, chain or
tie up an animal.
n Leave an animal without water, food
or shelter from the elements.
n Leave a sick or wounded animal
without medical treatment.
n Torture and wilfully hurt an animal.
n Terrify an animal.
n Provoke or incite any animal to
attack or fight with another animal,
such as dog and cock-fights.
n Overload work animals, such as
horses and donkeys.
n Force an injured or sick animal to
perform work.
n Keep animals in overcrowded
conditions.
n Confine an animal in any place that
doesn’t have adequate ventilation,
light, protection or shelter from
heat, cold or weather. (Animals – and
children – have died in cars left in the
sun with the windows closed.)
n Trap animals (including mice) without
reason; not checking the trap when
there is a valid reason to trap.
n Keep exotic animals in captivity.
n Poison an animal.
IN SHORT: you may not do anything
that will cause injury, disease or
unnecessary suffering to any animal.
Doing so is illegal and could result in
a fine or imprisonment.
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>

“People here in Mpophomeni
are now taking care of their dogs,
they are getting the dogs sterilised
and they are treating them like
family. Funda Nenja has taught me
… to treat all people and animals
with respect and
kindness.”
–
Goodluck
Mvelase
Teach the children
of your community to bond
with their dogs.
They will become agents
of change and role
models of empathetic,
responsible dog
ownership.
All manner of
unanticipated
benefits will
follow.
“Every township needs a Funda Nenja for the children and the dogs.” – Sandile Ndlovu
Download a free, insightful evaluation of Funda Nenja’s work, edited
by research fellow, Dr. Jim Taylor, at www.fundanenja.co.za
Contact Adrienne Olivier, Funda Nenja co-founder, to find out how
your community could start its own Funda Nenja. Consultations by
tax-deductible donation. Adrienne has talked about the impact of this
unique people-centered model at the International Companion Animal
Welfare Conference in Krakow, Poland, and at the 3rd International
Conference on Dog Population Management in Mombasa, Kenya.
083 636 0891
adrienne@fundanenja.co.za
www.fundanenja.co.za

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 11
ANIMAL WELFARE
Movies & Documentaries That Raise Awareness of Animals as Sentient Beings
Animal Movies for Children
Animal Activist Movies & Talks
Animal/Nature Documentaries
Many available on YouTube. *For older kids.
A Boy, A Dog and A Frog (1981) | A
delightful short movie about a young boy
and his dog setting out to catch a frog.
Babe (1995) | A story about a pig and a
farmer. First read the book with your
child, then watch the movie.
Charlotte’s Web (2006) | A wonderful
story about the friendship between a
young girl, a spider and a piglet.
Dolphin Tale (2011) | Based on a true
story about a friendship between a boy
and a dolphin.
Duma (2005) | An adventure film
about a young South African boy’s
friendship with an orphaned cheetah.
Finding Nemo (2003) | Animated. A
father fish is on a mission to find his son,
Nemo, who has been “fishnapped” by
divers who want to display him in a tank.
* Fly Away Home (1996) | A girl and
her father, an aviation expert, help a flock
of orphaned geese fly.
Free Willy (1993) | A touching story
about a friendship between a 12-year-old
street kid and a 3-ton killer whale.
* Okja (2017) | A remarkable movie
about a young girl’s fight to save her best
friend – a beast named Okja.
The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1986)
| The friendship between a cat and a
dog who stray from their farm in Japan.
The Bear (1988) | A bear cub bonds
with a male grizzly after its mother is
killed in a rock slide.
* The Call of the Wild (2020) | An
adventure film with a dog named Buck.
8 movies have been made based on the
novel of the same name by Jack London.
The Incredible Journey (1963 or the
remade version 1993) | Two dogs and
a cat travel 200 miles across wilderness
to find their owners.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle (1986)
| The charming adventures of a mouse
who speaks and rides a toy motorcycle.
View before sharing. Use with discretion.
Blackfish | Explores the intelligence
and sentience of killer whales, exposing
their cruel treatment in captivity.
Blood Lions | Exposes the suffering
of lions associated with wildlife tourism:
canned hunts, cub petting and walking
with lions in SA. www.bloodlions.org
Dominion | A multiple award-winning
documentary about animal farming. Free:
www.dominionmovement.com/watch
Earthlings | About society’s use of
animals. “If I could make everyone in the
world see one film, I’d make them see
EARTHLINGS.” – Peter Singer. Watch it free
here: www.nationearth.com
GUNDA | A black-and-white silent film
that follows the daily life of a pig, two
cows and a one-legged chicken.
Philip Wollen: Animals Should Be Off The
Menu debate | A landmark speech of
our time. Watch it on YouTube.
Speciesism: The movie | A young man
discovers a movement that considers
animals as important as humans.
TEDtalks | Search for ‘animals’.
The Animals Film | A study of cruelty
to animals in labs, farming, fur trade, the
military, hunting & the pet food industry.
The Ivory Game | Filmed under cover
for 16 months. Exposes the corruption
of global ivory trafficking and the impact
it is having on the African elephant
population.
The Last Pig | An award-winning
documentary about a pig farmer who
can no longer bear the ultimate act of
betrayal. Educator support material:
www.thelastpig.com/humane-educatorsupport/
Tribe of Heart | Award-winning
documentaries and teaching materials.
Movies include: Peaceable Kingdom – The
Journey Home and The Witness | mail@
tribeofheart.org | www.tribeofheart.org
You
Tube
Best
Speech You Will Ever Hear – Gary
Yourofsky
Africa: The Serengeti | Captures
the natural beauty and timeless cycles
of nature and of wildlife migration in
Tanzania.
Earth | A global journey reveals
how animal mothers struggle to raise
their young in increasingly dangerous
environments.
Elephant | Follows a family of
elephants as it treks through the Kalahari
Desert in search of water.
March of the Penguins I & II | At
the end of each Antarctic summer, the
emperor penguins of the South Pole
journey to their traditional breeding
grounds in a fascinating mating ritual that
is captured in these documentaries.
My Octopus Teacher | A diver swims
with an octopus that lives in a kelp forest
off the coast of South Africa.
Reflections on Elephants | About
African elephants, the touching way they
react to and bury their dead, and more.
Seasons | A beautifully filmed
documentary about European wildlife.
Sir David Attenborough | Find a
complete list of his astounding output
spanning seven decades, on Wikipedia,
under David Attenborough filmography.
The Elephant Queen | Multiple awardwinning
documentary follows a herd of
elephants across the Kenyan savanna.
The Eye of the Leopard | A film about a
3-year-old leopard in the Okavango Delta.
The Last Lions | Follows a lioness as
she protects her cubs from the dangers
of an unforgiving and uncaring world.
The Serengeti Shall Not Die | A true
classic that made the Serengeti famous.
The Year of the Wildebeest | A film of
the Serengeti migration.
Zebras – Patterns in the Grass | A
film about the annual 300 km migration
of zebras in Botswana.
You
Tube
Search
for ‘animal documentaries’.
n
>>>

12 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
CHILD WELFARE
Do you
need
someone
to talk
to?
t
HELPLINES
Child Emergency Line | 0800 123 321
ChildLine South Africa | 24-Hour
national toll-free helpline: 116
Child Welfare South Africa | 087 822
1516
Centurion Child Protection Hotline |
071 192 0569
Missing Children | 072 647 7464 | f
MissingChildrenSouthAfrica
Police | For any life-threatening
emergency | 10111
Difficulty with emergency services | 1022
SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection &
Sexual Offences helplines (office hours) |
• Head Office: Tshwane/Pretoria | 012
393 2107
• Eastern Cape | 040 608 8498
• Free State | 051 507 6628
• Gauteng | 011 309 6016 / 011 403 3413
• KwaZulu-Natal | 031 325 4941
• Limpopo | 015 290 6180
• Mpumalanga | 013 762 4770
• North West | 018 299 7159
• Northern Cape | 053 839 282
• Western Cape | 021 467 8390
– Nelson Mandela
ACCREDITED ADOPTION
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Many organisations listed under CHILD
WELFARE ORGANISATIONS elsewhere in
this section, also facilitate adoptions.
In South Africa there are only two ways
in which you can legally adopt a child:
• By working through an accredited
adoption organisation.
• By adopting a child with the assistance
of an adoption social worker within
South Africa’s legally accredited
adoption system.
It is illegal to buy a child.
Adoption Role-Players
National Adoption Coalition of South
Africa (NACSA) | A network of SA
adoption roleplayers. Will refer people
to accredited adoption services close to
them. Provides process information for
prospective adoptive and birth parents
| info@adoption.org.za | The
following sites carry lists of accredited
adoption service providers in SA |
www.adoptioncoalitionsa.org |
www.adoption.org.za |
www.crisispregnancy.org.za |
NATIONAL / MULTIPLE PROVINCES
Abba Specialist Adoption & Social
Services | A designated child protection
NPO with accreditation for national and
intercountry adoptions. Provides a range of
services directly to abandoned, neglected,
orphaned and vulnerable children in need
of permanent alternative family care | Call
for information about a branch office in your
province: 012 342 6145 or 082 783 3374 |
info@abbaadoptions.co.za or fill in a form
online | www.abbadoptions.co.za
CMR | Focusses on stepparent and foster
care placement adoptions.
• CMR Burgersdorp | 079 112 9457
| cmrburg@vodamail.co.za | f CMR
Burgersdorp
• CMR East London | 9 Gordon Rd,
Southernwood | 043 722 6104 |
manager@cmrel.co.za | www.cmrel.
co.za | f cmreastlondon
• CMR Humansdorp | 10 Piet Uys St |
042 295 1103 | cmrhdorp@telkomsa.
net | f CMR, Humansdorp
• CMR PE | 116 Mount Rd, North End,
Gqeberha/PE | 041 484 3554 |
cmr-pe@webafrica.org.za | www.
cmrportelizabeth.co.za | f CMR, PE
• CMR Mpumalanga | Head office: 23
Dr Beyers Naude St, Middelburg. Call for
contact details of a CMR office near you
| 013 243 4776 | adopt@cmroos.
co.za | www.cmr-mpumalanga.co.za |
f cmrmpumalanga
• CMR Noord/North | Head office: 153
Middel St, Nieu Muckleneuk, Tshwane/
Pretoria. Call for contact details of a
Centre of Hope near you | 012 460
9272/ 3/ 4 | cmr@cmrn.co.za | www.
cmrn.co.za | f cmrnoord
• CMR Gauteng Oos/East | Head office
| 430 Quebec St, Faerie Glen, Tshwane/
Pretoria. Call for contact details of a CMR
office near you | 012 361 4613/19/25
| info@cmroos.co.za | www.cmroos.
co.za | f CMR Gauteng-Oos
SAVF | Complete adoption services
as part of family and child welfare work
throughout South Africa | National office:
41 Hospital St, Arcadia, Tshwane/Pretoria
| Call for information about an SAVF office
near you: 012 325 3920 | bverster@savf.
Add your non-commercial listing to the next edition of the Directory. It is free | www.southafricanconversations.co.za/resource-directory

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 13
CHILD WELFARE
Call 116 any time of the day or night, any day of the week,
no matter how old you are.
It is free from all networks.
It is for all the children who live in South Africa ...
and for adults who care about them.
D/deaf? Text with a counsellor online at
https://chat.childlinesa.org.za/chat
Photo | Bennett Tobias | Unsplash
co.za or find regional email addresses on
the website | www.savf.co.za
Rata Social Services | Accredited
adoption services in Gauteng, North West,
Mpumalanga and Limpopo | Head office:
NHKA Montana, Die Kruishuis, 350 Jan
Bantjies St, Montana, Tshwane/Pretoria. Call
for information for a Rata office near you |
012 543 0234 / 012 543 0446 / WhatsApp
064 437 5997 | info@rata.org.za |
www.rata.org.za | f ratasocialservices
EASTERN CAPE
See organisations listed under NATIONAL /
MULTIPLE PROVINCES
FREE STATE
ENGO Adoption Services | Adoption
services in the Free State | 22 Van
Heerden Rd, Wilgehof, Bloemfontein |
051 522 6914 / 082 202 4306 | info@
engo.co.za | www.engo.co.za
GAUTENG
Catholic Women’s League Adoption
Society | Margaret House, 33 Roberts
Ave, Kensington, Johannesburg | 011
618 1533 / Crisis service: 011 614 3149
| admin@cwladoptions.co.za | www.
cwladoptions.org.za | f cwladoptions1
Child Welfare Tshwane | Accredited
adoption services | Head office: 72 Oates
St, Groenkloof | 012 460 9236 / 072 332
4660 | info@childwelfare.co.za | www.
childwelfare.co.za
Impilo Child Protection & Adoption
Services | Assists with adoptions of
abandoned children, consented child
adoptions, step-parent and family
adoptions, foster parent adoptions
and adoption by biological fathers |
Johannesburg: 20 Leigh Ave, Fairvale Ext 1 |
011 640 1343/65 / 062 641 8455 |
Sedibeng: 3rd Ave, Walkerville | 084 541
2058 | administrator@impilo.org.za |
www.impilo.org.za
Are You Pregnant?
Do You Need Information
and Advice?
Call 0800 864 658 now and talk with
someone about adoption as an
option. Or visit www.adoption.org.
za or to www.crisispregnancy.org.za
for advice and information.
Or speak with someone at one
of the organisations listed under
ACCREDITED ADOPTION SERVICE
PROVIDERS on this page OR any
of the organisations listed under
CRISIS / UNWANTED PREGNANCY
COUNSELLING in the WOMEN &
FAMILY pages.
KWAZULU-NATAL
Child Welfare Durban & District |
Adoption services | 20 Clarence Rd,
Greyville, Durban | 031 312 9313 |
info@cwdd.org.za / manager.adoption@
cwdd.org.za | www.cwdd.org.za | f
ChildWelfareDurban
Richards Bay Family Care | Accredited
adoption service provider | 035 789
2640 / Crisis Number 084 460 8367
| terrynne@richardsbayfamilycare.
co.za / rbfc@zwn.co.za | www.
richardsbayfamilycare.co.za
LIMPOPO
See organisations listed under NATIONAL /
MULTIPLE PROVINCES
MPUMALANGA
See organisations listed under NATIONAL /
MULTIPLE PROVINCES
NORTH WEST
See organisations listed under NATIONAL /
MULTIPLE PROVINCES
NORTHERN CAPE
Badisa | Professional adoption services
throughout the NC. Call for info about
facilities near you | Head office: 021 957
7130 | info@badisa.org.za | www.
badisa.org.za | f BadisaCharity
– Words from a birth mother who gave
consent for her child to be adopted.
Penuel Children’s Foundation
WESTERN CAPE
Badisa | Professional adoption services
throughout the WC. Call for information and
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>

14 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
CIVIL SOCIETY
– Editor
t
CAPACITY-BUILDING
ORGANISATIONS
Also see, elsewhere in the directory:
• The HUMAN RIGHTS pages.
• The LABOUR MATTERS pages.
• INFORMATION, TOOLS & RESOURCES
(in particular UNDERSTANDING &
INFLUENCING BUDGETS) in the LAND,
HOUSING & ESSENTIAL SERVICES pages.
DEMOCRACY
CAPACITY-BUILDING
Afesis-Corplan | Engages in initiatives
that strive to achieve good local governance,
participatory democracy and an empowered
civil society, with the goal of strengthening
participatory democratic local governance
anywhere in South Africa | 9 Wynne St,
Southernwood, East London, Eastern Cape
| 043 743 3830 | info@afesis.org.za |
www.afesis.org.za | f Afesis-corplan
Ahmed Kathrada Foundation |
Promotes the values, rights and principles
enshrined in the Freedom Charter and the
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
Free ‘Activist School’ offers downloadable
content for would-be activists and societal
change-makers: lessons about democracy,
systems of government, human rights &
social justice, separation of powers, the
electoral system and why you should vote,
the equality courts, and more | Signet
Terrace Office Park, Block B, Suite 2, 19
Guinea-Fowl St, Lenasia, Gauteng | 076
243 1185 / 011 854 0082 | info@
kathradafoundation.org | www.
You
Tube
kathradafoundation.org | & f Ahmed
Kathrada Foundation
Alliance for Rural Democracy (ARD) |
A Collective of civil society organisations
working in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, KZN,
Mpumalanga & the North West to capacitate
activists and communities, amplify rural
voices, champion democracy, restorative
land justice and security of land tenure for
residents of the former Bantustans. Info-rich
website | Braamfischer Towers, 20 Albert
St, Marshaltown, JHB | 066 132 5909 |
info@ruraldemocracy.org.za | www.ardt.
org.za | f RuralDemocracy
– Conference for Democratic Renewal
and Change Declaration
Alternative Information & Development
Centre | An alliance of labour,
community & faith organisations in
the interest of developing democratic,
socially just, economically viable and
ecologically sustainable responses to
underdevelopment, neoliberal globalisation
and extractivist modes of development.
Well-stocked library of books to understand
our rapidly changing world | 129 Rochester
Rd, Observatory, Cape Town | 021 447 5770
| info@aidc.org.za | www.aidc.org.za
C19 People’s Coalition | An alliance of
social movements, trade unions, community
organisations and NGOs working to ensure
that the South African response to viral
& other health threats is effective, just,
equitable, and meets the needs of those
who are most marginalised. Works in the
following areas: safety awareness & vaccine
literacy, basic income support, psychosocial
support, food-security, gender-based
violence, state repression & exploitative
business practices | Join via the website
| www.c19peoplescoalition.org.za | f
Covid-19 People’s Coalition
Civics Academy | An independent,
NPO online education initiative to inform
and strengthen democratic values and
responsible citizenship. Free video
and audio content covers democracy,
governance, elections, political parties,
the justice system, the Constitution,
economics, civil society, human rights and
the environment | info@civicsacademy.
co.za | www.civicsacademy.co.za | f
You
Tube
CivicsacademyZA | Civics Academy SA
Films For Action
A library of 10,000+
(mostly free)
social change documentaries, short
films and videos
(many award-winning)
www.filmsforaction.org
Here are some of the intriguing titles:
n Not Business as Usual
n The Compassionate Activist Toolkit:
the Ultimate Guide to Love-Centred
Activism
n 8 Principles for a Regenerative
Civilization
n 20 Principles for Successful
Community Organising
n Towards a Perspective on
Eliminating Racism
n A New Story for Humanity
n The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering
Our Place in Nature
n The Power of Community
Made available by Films For Action
to provide citizens of the world with
the information and perspectives
essential to creating a more just,
sustainable, and democratic society.
CIVICUS | A global alliance of civil society
organisations and activists dedicated to
strengthening citizen participation. Free
associate membership | 25 Owl St,
Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg | 011
833 5959 | info@civicus.org | www.
You
Tube
civicus.org | f CIVICUS | CIVICUS
WorldAlliance
Add your non-commercial listing to the next edition of the Directory. It is free | www.southafricanconversations.co.za/resource-directory

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 15
CIVIL SOCIETY
Co-operative and Policy Alternative
Center (COPAC) | Promotes a
‘Solidarity Economy’ alternative. Grassroots
movements capacity building. Promotes
popular education and activist training for
democratic transformative politics. Supports
the development of systemic alternatives
to ensure ecological justice that meets the
needs of workers, the poor, women & youth
| copac@icon.co.za / copac2@icon.co.za
| www.copac.org.za | f COPACSA
Council for the Advancement of the
South African Constitution (CASAC)
| Works to advance the South African
Constitution as the platform for democratic
politics and the transformation of society
| 021 685 8809 | info@casac.org.za |
www.casac.org.za | f CasacZA
Democracy Development Programme |
Works to deepen the practice of democracy
in South Africa through helping to build
strong and active communities that can hold
those in power to account | DDP House,
32 Dullah Omar Lane, Durban | 031 304
9305 | info@ddp.org.za | www.ddp.
org.za | f DDPdemocracy
– From a United Nations poster
Democracy Works Foundation | Tools,
platforms and content to strengthen
democratic culture and democracy
institutions in the southern African region |
010 023 0835 | info@democracyworks.
org.za | www.democracyworks.org.za |
f DemocracyWF
Direct Democracy | Tools to empower
voters | 082 571 2856 | info@
directdemocracy.org.za | www.
directdemocracy.org.za
Dullah Omar Institute | Research,
teaching and advocacy on human rights and
inclusive, accountable governance in South
Africa and the region. Resource-rich website
| University of the Western Cape, Cape
Town | 021 959 2950 | doi@uwc.ac.za
| www.dullahomarinstitute.org.za
Education & Training Unit (ETU) |
Experts in local government, elections,
public participation, government policy,
community development, public issue
campaigning. Specialises in capacity
building – training, facilitation, materials
development and strategic planning – for
community-based organisations, public
servants and public representatives
| 38 Observatory Ave, Observatory,
Johannesburg, Gauteng | 011 648
9430/1 / 082 448 9784 / 082 561 1040 |
edutrain@iafrica.com | www.etu.org.za
Foundation for Human Rights |
Capacity building and support to strengthen
civil society organisations and public
institutions to promote and facilitate
increased awareness, respect, protection
and fulfilment of the rights enshrined in
the South African Constitution. Supports
investigations and prosecutions of
apartheid-era crimes & gross human rights
violations. Assists victims and victims’
groups. Creates a platform for government,
civil society and other relevant stakeholders
to engage in dialogue about human rights
issues. Undertakes constitutional education,
grant-making for CSOs, and civil society
mobilisation (with particular emphasis on
poorly resourced, rural organisations) in order
to protect and promote human rights |
Old Trafford 3 Bldg, Isle of Houghton, 36
Boundary Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg |
011 593 4000 / 011 484 0390 | info@fhr.
org.za | www.fhr.org.za | f FHRights
Good Governance Learning Network
(GGLN) | A membership organisation
that works towards strengthening
participatory local democracy through
networking, collective learning, research
and information sharing – open to NPOs,
PBOs and academic institutions that have at
least one pro-poor programme that focuses
on issues of good governance | Ubunye
House, 70 Rosmead Ave, Kenilworth, Cape
Town | 021 683 7903 | admin@isandla.
org.za | www.ggln.org.za | f ggln2018
Hivos | Amplifies and connects voices
that promote social and environmental
justice and challenge power imbalances.
Promotes access to power for all citizens
so they can actively participate in a truly
democratic society. Supports marginalised
people and their organisations and helps
build social movements that strive for just,
inclusive and sustainable societies | 011
726 1090 | info@hivos.co.za | https://
southern-africa.hivos.org | www.hivos.org
Human Sciences Research Council |
Informs the effective formulation and
monitoring of government policy; evaluates
policy implementation; stimulates public
debate through the effective dissemination
of research-based data and fact-based
research results; fosters research
collaboration; conducts large-scale,
policy-relevant, social-scientific projects
for public-sector users, non-governmental
organisations and international
development agencies. Closely aligned
with South Africa’s national development
priorities | 134 Pretorius St, Tshwane/
Pretoria | 012 302 2000 | Contact
via website | www.hsrc.ac.za | f
You
Tube
HumanSciencesResearchCouncil |
HumanSciencesRCSA
Institute for Accountability in Southern
Africa (IFAISA) / known as Accountability
Now | Works to ensure that the rule of
law is upheld by ensuring that governments,
parastatals & the private sector are held to
account. Freely download Know Your Rights,
Claim Your Rights from their site | Contact
via website | www.accountabilitynow.org.
za | f AccountabilityNowSA
Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
| Helps to build fair, inclusive and
democratic societies in Africa through
carefully selected engagements and
interventions | 105 Hatfield St,
Gardens, Cape Town | 021 202 4071
| info@ijr.org.za | www.ijr.org.za | f
InstituteforJusticeandReconciliation
Keep It Constitutional / Amarightza
| A resource-rich educational site and
Facebook page to teach people about
their Constitutional rights and how to put
these rights into action | 076 176 0831
| www.keepitconstitutional.co.za | f
You
Tube
KeepItConstitutional | Amarightza
Lessons for CHANGE
Principles, tactics, strategies and
structures developed by amazing
people from around the world to
change their unequal societies |
www.lessonsforchange.org
My Vote Counts | Works to enhance
access to, control of and participation in
our democracy for all South Africans. Site
contains educational resources | www.
myvotecounts.org.za | f myxcounts
Open Government Partnership (OGP) |
Helps ensure citizen participation in shaping
and overseeing government to deliver the
promise of democracy beyond the ballot
box. South Africa is a member. Resourcerich
website | info@opengovpartnership.
org | www.opengovpartnership.org | f
You
Tube
OpenGovernmentPartnership | Open
Government Partnership
Planact | Promotes and supports
integrated human settlements to make
towns and cities work for people.
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>

16 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
CIVIL SOCIETY
Here's How to Become an Active Citizen and Make Your Voice Heard
– Dr Helen Caldicott
There are many channels and opportunities available to ordinary citizens for representation
and participation in the governance of our country. We have the right, for instance, to nominate candidates
for public posts to represent and fight for the interests of our communities.
But WE must act. WE must participate in elections. WE must attend open council and ward meetings or write
letters if we cannot attend meetings. WE must report problems or join a group that’s doing something about it.
And WE must hold elected officials accountable.
– Barack Obama
(See the many citizen platforms, resources and tools to support citizen action in the CIVIL SOCIETY pages. In particular, find the yellow boxed
information titled: Learn how to participate in Government budget processes.)
Don’t like what you see? Do something about it!
Burning, stoning and causing destruction are not
solutions but only leave the situation worse off than
before. Instead, learn how to become an active citizen,
able to powerfully impact local, provincial and national
government decisions and actions.
n To report problems, always start at a local level.
Lodge a formal complaint, preferably in writing, to
the relevant responsible individual, department
manager or Community Liaison official / Customer
Care Centre at your local municipality.
n Document what’s going on. Keep a record of
the dates on which you take action, as well as a
description of your actions and the names and
titles of the people you contact and with whom
you interact. Keep copies of correspondence.
n If the formal complaint doesn’t produce the
desired result, submit a copy of the complaint to
the Municipal Manager.
n If that doesn’t work, contact your Ward Committee
or elected Ward Councillor. This person officially
represents the public in the municipality. To
find your local Council, your local elected Ward
Councillor and which ward you are in (this is also
the place where you would vote) go to the IEC
website: www.elections.org.za | General contact
information should be on the same site or you can
find it on the Council’s website.
n If the Ward Councillor doesn’t respond, make an
appointment to meet with the mayor.
n If that fails to produce the desired result, contact
a Member of the Executive Council (MEC) or the
Parliamentary Constituency Offices (PCO) in your
area to bring the issue to the attention of your
party’s elected Member of Parliament. Most
constituency offices employ an administrator to
interact with the public.
n A useful website for finding out about our
Provincial and National representatives is the
People’s Assembly website at www.pa.org.za.
Their RepLocator allows you to find out who your
representative is, how to contact them, and the
location of your nearest constituency office.
n Contact the relevant Minister’s office.
n Contact the Ombudsman for the Government
department where you are seeking assistance.
n When all your attempts to get assistance from a
government department, province, municipality
or state agency have failed, call the Presidential
Helpline on 17737 between 7:30 and 22:00. Or
write to the President at president@presidency.
gov.za | You can also suggest solutions to the
challenges in your community.
n If your complaint continues to fall on deaf ears,
take it to the next level: use social media to
network and organise a petition; use the platforms
and channels listed in this section of the directory;
inform the media; or, as a last resort, take the
matter to court.
If you do nothing, you have no right to complain. n

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 17
CIVIL SOCIETY
PROTECTION FOR
WHISTLEBLOWERS
Also see RESOURCES & TOOLS and
WHISTLEBLOWING PLATFORMS
elsewhere in this section, as well as the
HUMAN RIGHTS pages.
Platform to Protect Whistleblowers
in Africa / Plateforme de Protection des
Lanceurs d’Alerte en Afrique (PPLAAF)
| Seeks to protect, support & defend
whistleblowers where disclosures speak
to the public interest. Highly informative
website | info@pplaaf.org | www.
pplaaf.org | f PPLAAF
The Whistleblower House | A South
African NPO & PBO that facilitates access
to support services for whistle-blowers.
Resource-rich website | 064 524 0241
| info@whistleblowerhouse.org | www.
whistleblowerhouse.org
RESOURCES & TOOLS
Black Sash | www.blacksash.org.za |
Under ‘Media & Publications’, download the
following (and more):
• Social Grants: Challenging Reckless Lending
in South Africa
• Domestic Workers and Coida
(Compensation for Occupational Injuries
and Diseases Act)
• Summary Of Recommendations For South
Africa From The United Nations Committee
On Economic, Social And Cultural Rights
• The Black Sash Model Of Community Based
Monitoring
Commonwealth Foundation | Freely
download the following tools from the
resource-rich Knowledge Hub | www.
commonwealthfoundation.com
• Monitoring and evaluation tools
compendium
• Africa Platform for Social Protection
advocacy toolkit
• Network Effectiveness Framework
• The Participation and Transparency Tool
• The Participation and Transparency Tool
• Civil Society Accountability Principles and
Practice South Africa Toolkit
Other resources available under Audio,
Publications and Blog.
Community Organiser’s Toolbox |
Offered by Education & Training Unit (ETU)
| Contains guides on a wide range of skills
to help community organisers & activists in
building efficient/democratic organisations.
Covers: Work in the community, building
an organisation, Managing your finances,
Administration, IT, Paralegal advice, Local
government, HIV/Aids, Government
programmes & policies and Understanding
development | www.etu.org.za
Corruption Watch | Freely download the
above and any of the following (and many
more) publications from their resource-rich
website:
• Corruption and The Law in SA – A Quick
Reference Guide
• Corruption in Uniform – When Cops
Become Criminals
• Prevention and Combating of Corrupt
Activities Act (A Powerpoint presentation)
• The Law for Sale
• The Whistleblower’s Handbook
• Toolkit for Community Media
• Tools to Fight Corruption At Your School
• Transparency in Corporate Reporting
• Understanding Tender Corruption
You
Tube
www.corruptionwatch.org.za |
CorruptionWatchSA
Democracy Development Programme
| Request the following publications from
RESOURCES on the website:
• Democracy And You (Available in English,
Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans)
• Vision 2030: Visualising The National
Development Plan
info@ddp.org.za | www.ddp.org.za
Department of Justice and Constitutional
Development | Useful citizen info:
Resources>Publications | www.justice.gov.za
Institute for Economic Justice |
Provides rigorous economics analysis to
help policy-makers and the public solve the
problems of poverty & inequality in South
Africa | info@iej.org.za | www.iej.org.za
| f instituteforeconomicjustice
Household Affordability Index | Brings
to life the real picture of the current political
economy to assist movements engaged in
economic justice struggles. Produced by the
Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity
Group | 079 398 9384 | mervyn@pmbejd.
org.za | www.pmbejd.org.za | f pmbejd
Legal Aid | Comprehensive information
on a wide variety of topics in their Selfhelp
Portal | legal-aid.co.za/selfhelp
Legal Resources Centre | A public
interest litigation organisation that uses
the law to remove structural obstacles to
human rights, justice and dignity across the
full range of rights in the Constitution of
South Africa. Free access to case studies,
judgements, court papers, publications
and other resources | info@lrc.org.za |
www.lrc.org.za | f LRCSouthAfrica
Freely download this important book at
www.disruptionlab.org/book
Making Local Government Work – An
Activist’s Guide | Sets out the legal
responsibilities of local government, and the
public’s rights under the Constitution and
in law. Shows how to engage government
from inside by participating in formal
processes, and from outside by going public
through complaints, petitions, protest
action, the media and the courts. A joint
project by SECTION27, the Treatment
Action Campaign (TAC), the Socio-Economic
Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI)
and Read Hope Phillips | Download
it here: www.seri-sa.org/images/stories/
activistguidetolocalgovernment_aug11.pdf
Office of the High Commissioner for
Human Rights (OHCHR) | A United
Nations agency that represents the
world’s commitment to the promotion
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>

18 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
CRIME & JUSTICE
– Participant at a South African Conversations Community Conversation
t
CRIME PREVENTION,
LAW & ORDER
Also see, elsewhere in the directory:
• The CRISIS SUPPORT pages for information
about where to report crisis situations
• WHISTLEBLOWING PLATFORMS & AVENUES
TO REPORT CRIME & WRONGDOING in the
CIVIL SOCIETY pages.
Centre for the Study of Violence
and Reconciliation | Partners with
communities to address the root causes of
violence and respond to its consequences.
Resource-rich site | info@csvr.org.za|
www.csvr.org.za | f TheCSVR
• Johannesburg | 33 Hoof St, Braampark
Forum 5, Jhb | 011 403 5650
• Cape Town | 501 Premier Centre, 451
Main Rd, Observatory | 021 447 2470
Making South Africa Safe – A Manual for
Community-based Crime Prevention. Search
for the title to download | www.csir.co.za
DNA for AFRICA | Working to harness
forensic DNA to aid criminal justice systems,
protect the innocent and to combat GBV,
human trafficking and violent crime in Africa.
Offers solutions to DNA backlogs, DNA
database-building, limited DNA capacity
and outdated DNA policies. Resource-rich
website | info@dnaforafrica.com |
www.dnaforafrica.com | f DNAforAfrica
Global Campaign for Violence Prevention
| Promotes the adoption of a public
health approach to violence prevention,
and provides a platform for collaboration
and the exchange of information between
actors at global and country level – including
civil society. It focuses on different areas
of violence prevention, including child
maltreatment, youth violence, intimate
partner violence, elder maltreatment, and
armed violence prevention. Serves as
the main platform for implementing the
recommendations of the World Report on
Violence and Health. Numerous links to
useful, open-access resources, including
webinars, research reports and manuals |
f whoviolenceprevention
– Joshua Farley
Khulisa Social Solutions Silence the
Violence | A programme that shows how
violence is ingrained in our culture and
belief systems and is reflected in many of
our daily interactions. Participants learn
practical ways to minimise violent behaviour
| 011 788 8237 | info@khulisa.org.za |
www.khulisa.org.za | f Khulisa Social
You
Tube
Solutions | Khulisa Solutions
National Government | Dealing with the
law: useful information on how to report
a crime; report a missing person; report
scam letters and lottery scams; recover
debt; apply for a firearm license; report
discrimination or lodge a complaint about
police misconduct, etc. | www.gov.za >
Services > Select the category of info
VPUU- Violence Prevention Through
Urban Upgrading | Works to create
Here’s what YOU can do
to make a difference
As a Concerned Onlooker |
n
Attend Community Police Forum
meetings. Participate in joint
community-police initiatives to help
safeguard your neighbourhood.
n
Get to know your neighbours. Read:
Yes, We CAN, South Africa! in the SOCIAL
WELFARE & HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT
pages. Start a Neighbourhood Watch.
Lobby local and provincial government
for funding and support.
n
Read The Tipping Point: How Little
Things Can Make a Big Difference – a
book by Malcolm Gladwell. He talks
about the relationship between
high crime rates and dilapidated
environments. Take action!
n
See something going wrong, broken
or not working in your community?
Report it! Don’t assume that the
authorities know about it.
n
Compensate people for the true value
of their work. Poverty feeds crime.
n
Hold the police accountable for
corrupt behaviour or inaction. See:
Here’s How to Become An Active Citizen
& Make Your Voice Heard in the CIVIL
SOCIETY pages.
As a policy maker |
n
South Africa has some of the best laws
in the world. Enforce them!
n
Educate our police force.
n
Hold corrupt law-enforcement officers
to account.
n
Add convicted offenders’ DNA profiles
to a national offender database.
n
Add social workers, psychologists and
addiction specialists to police stations
and courts throughout South Africa,
to help address the underlying causes
of crime.
Add your non-commercial listing to the next edition of the Directory. It is free | www.southafricanconversations.co.za/resource-directory

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 19
CRIME & JUSTICE
safe, sustainable, integrated, socially
cohesive communities. Aims to overcome
different levels of economic, cultural,
social, institutional and spatial exclusion,
in order to reduce and prevent crime,
through a structured, participatory
approach. Works in collaboration with
communities, government departments and
other organisations to implement multidisciplinary
transformation programmes
| 215 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape
Town | 021 447 0086 | hello@vpuu.
org.za | www.vpuu.org.za | f VPUUSA
– Frederick Douglass
Western Cape Government | A
directory of information about crime
prevention and support, staying safe, your
rights, reporting crime, police stations,
courts and legal services | www.
westerncape.gov.za > Directories > Facilities
> Scroll through available categories
– Kgosientso Ramokgopa
JUSTICE FOR THE
WRONGFULLY ACCUSED
Also see LEGAL SUPPORT & RESOURCES
in the HUMAN RIGHTS pages elsewhere
in the directory.
DNA for AFRICA | Working to expand the
use of forensic DNA profiling in conjunction
with a DNA database to aid criminal justice
systems and to protect the innocent
| info@dnaforafrica.com | www.
dnaforafrica.com | f DNAforAfrica
DNA Innocence Project | Uses forensic
DNA technology to exonerate wrongly
convicted inmates. The service is free.
Prisoners can apply to have their case
considered ONLY if there is a real claim of
factual innocence and where all other legal
remedies have been exhausted. Contact the
project first, by phone or email, for guidance
on how to prepare a request for assistance
| DNA Innocence Project, Forensic DNA
Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology,
University of the Western Cape, Robert
Sobukwe Rd, Bellville 7535, Cape Town |
079 489 2104 | InnocenceProject@uwc.
ac.za | www.uwc.ac.za/study/all-areasof-study/departments/department-ofbiotechnology/projects-research
... Once on
the website, look for and click on the name:
Prof Sean Davison for more info on the Project
WITS Justice Project | Investigates cases
of wrongfully convicted and awaiting trial
prisoners – through journalism. Raises
awareness of miscarriages of justice. Criteria
for investigation on the website’s contact
page | University Corner, 1 Jorissen St, JHB
| justiceproject.journalism@wits.ac.za or fill
in a form online | www.witsjusticeproject.
co.za | f Wits Justice Project
REPORT POOR CONDITIONS &
ILL-TREATMENT OF INMATES
See the HUMAN RIGHTS pages, as well as
WHISTLEBLOWING in the CIVIL SOCIETY pages
Department of Correctional Services |
Contributes towards a just, peaceful & safe
society by detaining prisoners in safe custody
whilst ensuring that their human dignity
is respected | 012 307 2000 | enquiry.
complaints@dcs.gov.za / communications@
dcs.gov.za | www.dcs.gov.za
Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional
Services (JICS) | Responsible for the
independent oversight of the Department of
Correctional Services, and for upholding and
protecting the rights of incarcerated people.
Report ill-treatment of inmates and poor
conditions in correctional centres | jics.
dcs.gov.za
• Head office | Salu Bldg, 316 Thabo Sehume
St, Tshwane/Pretoria | 012 321 0303
• Northern Region | Tuinhoff Bldg, 265
Ave West, Centurion | 012 663 7521
• Central Region | Fedsure House, 62 St
Andrew St, Bloemfontein | 051 430 1954
• KZN Region | Aqua Sky Bldg, 275 Anton
Lembede St, Durban | 031 366 1900
• Eastern Cape Region | Magistrate Court,
4 Buffalo St, East London | 043 722 2729
• Western Cape Region | Standard Bank
Bldg, 1 Thibault Square, Cape Town |
021 412 1012/3/4
Offenders Rights
n
Human dignity
n
Equal treatment
n
Freedom and security
n
Access to health care
n
Access to education
n
Freedom of religion
n
Humane treatment
n
Communication with and
visits from family and friends.
– Ella Jakubowska
RAPE IN DETENTION
While anyone is vulnerable to being
raped in prison, people who are
LGBTQI+, or simply perceived to be
LGBTQI+, are among those most at risk.
Misogyny, homophobia and transphobia
are rampant behind bars. In men’s
facilities, for example, anyone seen
as not sufficiently “manly” is routinely
targeted. Hate crimes against LGBTQI+
people in the outside community is
mirrored by the sexual abuse of LGBTQI+
people behind bars. This violence,
wherever it occurs, is fuelled by the belief
that queer people are not real “men” or
“women”, and are therefore fair game
for violence and abuse.
As long as this violence is allowed to
continue, it plays a role in preserving
and intensifying rape culture in broader
society. Once a male prisoner has been
raped, for example, he is considered
to have lost his “manhood”, while the
perpetrator is viewed as retaining his
masculinity. Hundreds of thousands
of inmates who are released back into
our communities every year – whether
victims, perpetrators or those who have
witnessed this violence – have been
schooled in the notion that sexual violence
is a hallmark of manhood ...
– southafrica.justdetention.org
Just Detention | Seeks to end sexual
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>

WHY DO YOU
DO THIS TO US?
WE ARE FELLOW
HUMAN BEINGS.
We like sex. It is natural.
We like to look nice. To be attractive.
We like being liked. Loved. Treasured.
But we don’t like being hurt. Or humiliated.
When you force yourself upon us, we are both left empty.
Harmed. Our humanity denied. Ours and yours.
Please love us and we will willingly engage with you.
It is natural. But respect us if we say no. It is our right.
Photo | iStock
If you’ve raped a woman: find a way to ask for forgiveness and to forgive yourself
so that you can restore your humanity and live the way we’re meant to live.
In love. In harmony.
Order the poster at www.southafricanconversations.co.za/shop

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 21
CRISIS SUPPORT
– Madiba
t
A crisis is an emergency that endangers
someone’s life or property and that
requires immediate attention.
24-HOUR NATIONWIDE
EMERGENCY HELPLINES
Ambulance & Fire Brigade | 10177
SA Police: for any life-threatening
emergency | 10111
SAPS Crime Stop | Anonymously report
who did what, to whom, when, where, why
and how, to any of the following |
• The MySAPS App (free download)
• USSD string *134*10111 #
• SMS to Crime Line at 32211
• Call 08600 10111 (share call)
Difficulty with emergency services | 1022
CALL CHARGES
• Numbers that begin with 10 are free from
a landline, but not from a cell phone
• 0800 numbers are free from any phone
• 0860 and 0861 numbers: you pay the
cost of a local call OR a reduced flat rate
FREE CELL PHONE CALLS
Free calls from any cell phone for any
emergency anywhere in SA | 112 |
Call even if you are out of airtime or the
phone is locked. Your call will be assigned to
an emergency service closest to you.
COMMERCIALLY-OWNED MEDICAL
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Note that although the calls are free from
any phone, medical and other services
provided by private companies are not.
ER24 / Mediclinic | 084 124
Medical Rescue | 0800 111 990
Netcare 911 | 082 911
EMERGENCY CALL CENTRES
• Bisho | 040 608 2625
• Bloemfontein | 051 405 8911
• Cape Town | 021 480 7700 / 107
• Durban | 031 311 1111
• East London | 043 705 2000
• Johannesburg 24-Hour helpline
for all-life threatening situations |
011 37 55 911
• Kimberley | 053 832 4214 / 053 832
4215
• Klerksdorp | 018 464 1813
• Mahikeng/Mafikeng | 018 397 5014
• Mbombela/Nelspruit | 013 751 6000
• Pietermaritzburg | 033 845 2420
• Polokwane | 015 001 2010
• Gqeberha/PE | 041 506 5555
• Tshwane/Pretoria | 012 368 2111
What to do
in case of an emergency
n
Take a deep breath and calm down.
n
Look for and call a relevant
emergency number.
n
Tell the person who answers that
there is an emergency and explain:
1 What happened, the nature
of the emergency and a broad
description of injuries that
people might have.
2 How many people were involved
– including information about
possible suspects.
3 Where this happened. Give the
exact location of the emergency.
If possible, give the names of
the two nearest streets that
cross each other, or describe a
landmark that you can see.
n
Now tell them your name and
phone number, if you need help or
if you’re just reporting the incident.
n
WAIT for questions. Don’t hang up!
n
Follow all instructions carefully.
n
Stay on the line until the call taker
ends the call.
If a listed number doesn’t work, look
for and call an alternative number.
CRIMES AGAINST PEOPLE
SAPS Police / Crime Stop | Anonymously
report who did what, to whom, when, where,
why and how | Call 10111
• Use the MySAPS App (free download)
• USSD string *134*10111 #
• SMS to Crime Line at 32211
• Call 08600 10111 (share call)
CHILDREN
Child Emergency Line | 0800 123 321
ChildLine South Africa | 116
Child Welfare SA | 074 080 8315
Gender-based Violence Command Centre
| Anonymous & confidential telephone
information, counselling and referrals in
all 11 official languages | 24-Hour, free
helpline: 0800 GBV GBV (0800 428 428) or
text *120*7867# (FREE from any cellphone)
| Or SMS ‘help’ to 31531 and someone will
call you back | Skype: ‘HelpMe GBV’ for
members of the deaf community
SA Police Child Protection Unit | 10111
Safe schools | 0800 45 46 47 – learners
report abuse, vandalism, etc. Available only
in the Western Cape.
TEARS Foundation | Confidential, free
services and support for victims of rape,
child abuse and sexual assault
• 24/7 Free national USSD helpline: Dial
*134*7355# for emergency assistance,
choose option 2 and follow the prompts
• 010 590 5920: The call is not free. They’ll
ask for your number and call you back
info@tears.co.za | www.tears.co.za | f
TearsFoundationSA
DOMESTIC ABUSE, INCEST &
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
Also see RAPE elsewhere in this section, as well
as the GENDER & VIOLENCE ISSUES pages.
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>

22 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
DISABILITY
– Father Michael Lapsley
t
ACCESSIBILITY
Also see INDEPENDENT LIVING & SOCIETAL
RESTRICTIONS elsewhere in this section
Despite constitutional protections
and anti-discrimination measures for
individuals with disabilities, accessibility
in every area of life – early childhood
development, education, transportation,
socialization, sport, worship, and work
– remains limited and often inaccessible
to people with disabilities.
Accessibility.com | Informative, USbased
site about equal access to physical
and digital worlds | www.accessibility.com
| f accessibilitycom
Disability Info South Africa | Search
for ‘Building Regulations’ and ‘Facilities for the
Disabled Guidelines’ | www.disabilityinfosa.co.za
RampUp | A wonderful, resource-rich
website to enhance inclusion, participation
and a sense of belonging for people with
disabilities. Useful for any organisation that
wants to enable meaningful access and
participation. Free downloads include:
• General guidelines & accessibility
checklist to facilitate inclusion
• A framework for accessibility of church
buildings, worship services, external
environment, transport and activities
• A Biblical view of disability
erna@tlm.co.za | www.rampup.co.za |
You
Tube
f RampUpSA | rampupsouthafrica
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) |
Develops open standards for the Web,
including making it more accessible to
people with disabilities | www.w3.org >
Web Accessibility Initiative for guidelines
YouTube | Understanding Accessibility:
WCAG’s 13 Guidelines with Kasey Bonifacio
| Norman Kunc - The Right to be Disabled
ADVOCACY & INFORMATION
CREATE | Local, provincial, national and
international advocacy for disability rights
and community based rehabilitation (CBR).
Works with disabled people’s organisations,
groups of parents with children with
disabilities, groups of youth with disabilities,
and includes engagement with communities,
municipalities and government departments
as well as other NPOs and businesses |
14 Hyslop Rd, Pietermaritzburg, KZN |
033 345 5088 | admin@create-cbr.co.za
| www.create-cbr.co.za
Institute for the Promotion of Disabled
Manpower (IPDM) | Advocacy and
capacity-building for the economic
empowerment of people with disabilities
with regard to sustainable employment |
Contact through website or Facebook |
www.ipdm.co.za | f IPDMZA
Office on the Status of Disabled Persons
(OSDP) | Monitors & raises awareness of
the rights of people with disabilities in the
public sector. Capacity building for disabled
people | Office of the Presidency, East
Wing, Union Bldg, Tshwane/Pretoria | 012
300 5480 / 81 | eva@po.gov.za / ria@
po.gov.za | www.presidency.gov.za
People for Awareness of Disability Issues
(PADI) | Educating / raising awareness on
disability issues in academia & business |
59 - 1st Ave, The Hill, Johannesburg | 011
436 0409 | f PADI101
South African Disability Alliance | A
platform for issues relating to public
perceptions of disability, as well as norms
and standards of services and service
delivery to persons with disabilities. Contact
via the website | www.sada.org.za
South African Human Rights Commission
| Training on the United Nations Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;
public awareness campaigns; advocacy;
research into strategic areas of disability,
economic and social inclusion; monitoring
and assessment of compliance with human
rights obligations. Useful publications,
including: Promoting The Right to Work of
Persons with Disabilities: Toolkit for the Private
Sector | Disability Toolkit for Employers
| Braampark 33 Hoofd St, Braamfontein,
Johannesburg | 011 877 3600 | www.
sahrc.org.za | f SA Human Rights
Commission
• Eastern Cape | 3 – 33 Phillip Frame Rd,
Waverley Park, Chiselhurst, East London |
043 722 7828/21/25
• Free State | 18 Kellner St, Bloemfontein
| 051 447 1130
• KwaZulu-Natal | 136 Margaret Mncadi,
Durban | 031 304 7323/4/5
• Limpopo | 29A Biccard St, Polokwane
| 015 291 3500
• Mpumalanga | 34 Brown St, Mbombela
| 013 752 5890/5870
• North West | 25 Heystek St, Rustenburg
| 014 592 0694
• Northern Cape | 45 Mark Rd, Ancorley
Western Cape | ABSA Bldg, 132
Adderley St, Cape Town | 021 426 2277
Toolkit on Disability for Africa | Best
practice examples from the African
continent, and practical tools to implement
the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities. Free download (with other
resources) | www.un.org/development/
desa/disabilities/resources.html
AUDIO & OTHER-ACCESSIBLE
BOOKS & LEARNING-AIDS
Also see EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES: BOOKS
elsewhere in the directory.
Blind SA | Production of Braille materials
| 011 839 1793 / 4 | www.blindsa.org.za
Bookshare | A unique digital library for
people with dyslexia, learning disabilities,
blindness, low vision, retinitis pigmentosa,
cerebral palsy, and other reading barriers.
Readers can customise their experience
with ebooks in audio, audio and highlighted
text, braille, large font, and other formats –
including books in 34 languages – on almost
any device, including smartphones, tablets,
Chromebooks, computers, and assistive
technology devices. Find virtually any book
for school, work or the joy of reading. Free
and paid options | www.bookshare.org
Digital Book | A large collection of free
public domain audio books and ebooks |
www.digitalbook.io
LibriVox | Free audiobooks read by
volunteers from all over the world |
librivox.org
National Support Pack | Braille learning
Add your non-commercial listing to the next edition of the Directory. It is free | www.southafricanconversations.co.za/resource-directory

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 23
DISABILITY
materials developed by the Department
of Basic Education for Grades R–12 |
www.education.gov.za search for ‘Learner
Support Package’
– Jim Fiebig
Sign Language Education & Development
(SLED) | Produces South African Sign
Language literature and educational
resources for Deaf children (ECD to Grade
12) and teachers | 8A Waverley Business
Park, Wycroft Rd, Mowbray, Cape Town |
021 448 2520 / 082 375 3075 | info@
sled.org.za | www.sled.org.za
South African Library for the Blind |
Audio and tactile reading material for
visually impaired readers. Find out from
your local library how to gain free access.
Volunteer narrators invited | 046 622
7226 | admin@sancb.org.za | www.
salb.org.za
Tape Aids for the Blind | An
Independent National Audio Library &
Digital Production Service for blind, vision
impaired & print-disabled persons. Over 500
volunteer narrators & proof-readers assist
in producing ‘Talking Books’ – including
school text books and course materials,
on request – in all official languages. The
‘books’ are enabled with unique navigational
features for easy place-finding by blind
people. The service is entirely free. Financial
contributions appreciated | Head Office:
14 Mitchell Crescent, Greyville, Durban
/ Toll-free: 0800 33 55 22 / 031 309
4800 | Cape Town / 021 689 5983 |
Johannesburg / 011 7866130 | Pretoria /
012 362 5414 & Mamelodi / 012 842 3578
| Margate / 039 312 5000 | operations@
tapeaids.org.za / director@tapeaids.org.za |
www.tapeaids.com
– Steve Maraboli
EDUCATION AIDS
Accessible Maths | Find out what is
available or being worked on to provide
multiple ways for all students to interact
with maths content – including those who
have learning disabilities, motor difficulties,
and those who are blind or have low vision
| www.diagramcenter.org/accessible-mathtools-tips-and-training.html
How to homeschool for free | Includes
resources for special needs learners |
www.howtohomeschoolforfree.com
DISABILITY MEDIA
BBC Ouch | A website that reflects the
lives and experiences of people from all
over the world who live with disabilities.
Articles, blogs, interviews, life hacks, a
message board and more | www.bbc.
co.uk/ouch | f Ouch.BBC
Disability Info South Africa | An online
directory with links to sites that deal with
different aspects of disability, e.g.: assistive
devices; sports & hobbies; organisations;
government grants; accessible features;
self help centres; transport services;
service dogs; finding jobs, tax deductions,
etc. | 021 761 4831 | info@disa.org.
za | www.disabilityinfosa.co.za | f
infodisabilitysouthafrica
Rolling Inspiration |
www.rollinginspiration.co.za |
f RollingInspirationMag
Thisability | 031 702 6871 / 061 407
5200 | simon@thisability.co.za |
www.thisability.co.za
DISABILITY-SPECIFIC
SUPPORT RESOURCES
Also see, elsewhere in this section:
• NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDERS
• RESIDENCES & DAY CARE CENTRES
• SCHOOLS, DAY CARE CENTRES &
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
And the following, elsewhere in the directory:
• HEALTH
• MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH
ALBINISM
Albinism is a rare genetic condition that
affects the production of melanin, the
pigment that gives color to the skin,
hair, and eyes. People with albinism
may face challenges with their vision
and may be more susceptible to skin
cancer and it is important that they
have access to support and resources to
help them manage their condition and
live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Albinism Society of South Africa (ASSA) |
A self-help group offering information,
support, counselling and educational
programmes | 187 Lara’s Place, Lilian
Ngoyi St, JHB | 011 838 6529 | info@
albinism.org.za | f AlbinismZA
Khulisa Social Solutions | Storytelling,
peace-making and dialogue circles –
addressing the violent and discriminatory
behaviour that persons with albinism face
because of ignorance and myth | 011
788 8237 | info@khulisa.org.za | www.
khulisa.org.za | f Khulisa Social Solutions
You
Tube
| Khulisa Solutions
YouTube | Albinism | Albinism
Awareness Campaign | Always make your
voice louder | People With Albinism |
Defending the Human Rights of People with
Albinism | Health – Albinism | People
with Albinism - Breaking the Deadly Silence
| Shining the light on issues faced by people
living with albinism | The Besties With
Albinism | Why I’m Proud of My Albinism
Compassion for Albinism
The Human Rights Media Centre
offers workshops, documentaries,
books and short stories about
the experiences of South Africans
living with albinism. Understanding
creates empathy – an antidote to
discrimination | 021 761 3303
| media@hrmc.org.za | www.
hrmc.org.za then select Resources &
Services in the menu.
AMPUTEE
Amputee Club of South Africa |
Prosthetic fitting, education, funding,
prosthetic fabrication, rehab & training |
2 Moller St, Witpoortjie, Roodepoort |
084 442 8894 | charlb09@yahoo.com |
Riding For A Limb | An NPO that uses
their passion for motorcycles to raise funds
for prosthetic limbs for amputees | 084
442 8894 | ridingforalimb1@yahoo.com
| f Riding For A Limb / BIKERSforBIKERS1
f | There are a number of amputee
support groups on Facebook. Search for
Amputee / Amputee Support Group /
Amputee Help.
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>

24 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
The effect of
Poverty
On Disability
It is clear that the same disability in different
circumstances will have a very different effect
on an individual’s life.
The life-chances of a poor person with a disability
are severely affected by lack of information,
resources, assistive devices, access to healthcare,
education and other opportunities.
But that’s not all: people living in poverty are
also more likely to become disabled because of
inadequate nutrition, poor sanitation, sub-standard
safety, lack of information, and inadequate
treatment of diseases – all of which in turn
perpetuates poverty.
v Roughly 3 million South Africans live with a disability.
v Vision impairment in South Africa is the highest of all disabilities
(32%) and it is estimated that 97% of all blind and partially sighted
people in the country are unemployed.
v More than 80% of black children with disabilities live in extreme
poverty and have poor access to appropriate health care,
nutrition and early childhood development support.
v Children who live with a parent with a disability are also
disadvantaged by the disadvantages and lack of assistance
suffered by their parents.
v Poverty results in many disability grants being shared by
the whole family at the expense of care for the child with
the disability.
v Research indicates that violence against children with disabilities
in the developing world occurs at rates at least 1.7 times greater
than against their able-bodied peers.
v Children and young people with disabilities face multiple barriers,
discrimination and exclusion in education and training. Human
Rights Watch estimated in 2015 that over 600,000 children with
disabilities are not in the school system in South Africa. Black
children form the biggest part of this group, reinforcing cycles of
poverty, disability and marginalisation.
n

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 25
A challenge to affluent families
who have a child with a disability
Only you know the stress, sorrow, emotional
ups and downs, the financial impact, the silent
despair, the heartache and the all-consuming
exhaustion that comes from taking care of a
special needs child.
Here is a challenge that will demand even more
of you, that will require you to step outside
your comfort-zone and outside your normal
boundaries. Yet it is a challenge that could bring
immense healing, joy and love to your world.
Find a family in the ever-present township on the
outskirts of your town that has a child with the
same or similar disability as your child. It takes
compassionate insight to begin to understand
the plight of a family taking care of a child with
a disability, living on the fringes of society in a
disadvantaged community.
You are uniquely qualified to do that.
Befriend that family. Share your knowledge,
expertise, information and resources with this
family. Walk a mile in their shoes. See if you
can help them access the support, care and
education that you demand and probably take
for granted for your own child.
Start a support group for all families struggling
with disability in your municipal area. Start a
community volunteer group to help give the
parents a break from the constant demand on
their time and attention.
Photo | Sally Dimartini
Acknowledge the life lessons that will inevitably
be learnt on both sides. Write and let us know
what transpires.
n
Input into the Disability articles: Portia Lefera. People at the Chaeli Campaign. Information supplied by the Department of Women,
Children and People with Disabilities. Sources: Enabling reform, Why supporting children with disabilities must be at the heart
of successful child care reform. Published by Every Child and Better Care Network | Free Wheeling published by the Regional
Rehabilitation Research Institute on Attitudinal, Legal and Leisure Barriers, Washington, D.C. | Disability etiquette. Tips On
Interacting With People With Disabilities published by United Spinal Association, www.unitedspinal.org/publications |
www.ncppdsa.org.za | www.nappyrun.org.za | www.rampup.co.za | www.padi.za.org | Compiled by Therésa Müller

26 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
EDUCATION:
South African-specific resources are marked in red
– Michael J. Gelb
An exciting adventure awaits those who enter these pages.
t
We’ve scoured the internet to bring
you the best, most high-quality lesson
plans and content for every subject
under the sun.
Most of what is listed in the Education
pages are Open Educational
Resources, which means they are
freely available for use, reuse,
adaptation and sharing by educators
and students. Many similar resources
– sometimes of inferior quality – are
being sold in South Africa.
So, dip in. Figure out which of these
amazing tools and resources are
relevant for you. One small entry
could revolutionise your teaching –
enriching your and your students’
learning experience.
GENERAL CONTENT FOR ALL
SUBJECTS, FOR ALL CLASSES
Also see EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
(ECD) CAPACITY-BUILDING in the CHILD
WELFARE pages
Tip: If an organisation has a
newsletter, sign up! You will gain
invaluable updated information on a
regular basis – free of charge.
2Enable | By the same non-profit that
created the 2Enable electronic platform.
Register for free easy-to-access, good
quality, South African curriculum-aligned
basic education content developed by
qualified teachers. Includes thousands of
videos that focus on explaining concepts.
Can operate wholly online, partially online
and entirely offline. Access it via the website
or download the 2Enable app for use on
a mobile phone | 013 751 3135 |
info@2Enable.org | www.2enable.org |
f 2Enable
Adobe Education Exchange | Designed
by educators for educators, learners and
parents. Resources are presented by grade
level and subject areas | edex.adobe.
com/
Amazing Educational Resources |
Over 1,000 of the best educational
resources from around the world for
pre-school to high school and adult
learning, plus an online calendar of events
with webinars, lessons, and classes for
teachers, parents and students | www.
amazingeducationalresources.com
Annenberg Learner | Free online
classroom resources, educational video
programmes and coordinated online and
print materials for art, English, mathematics,
science, social studies & history and STEM/
STEAM. Free to pre-school to Grade 12
teachers and learners | www.learner.org/
classroom-resources
A to Z Teacher Stuff | Online
lesson plans, thematic units, teacher
tips, downloadable teaching materials,
discussion forums for teachers | www.
atozteacherstuff.com
BBC Teach | Thousands of free videos
and audio files, arranged by age-group and
subject | www.bbc.co.uk/teach
CK-12 | Free, highly customisable preschool
to Grade 12 lessons in science,
physics, chemistry, biology, math, social
studies, history, geography, philosophy,
photography +, plus time-saving teaching
tools | www.ck12.org
Classroom Solutions | FREE teaching
resources. Pre-school to High school |
classroomsolutions.co.za
CliffsNotes | Free study guides for
English, Biology, Algebra, Economics,
Accounting Principles +, written by teachers
and professors to aid students with
homework and preparation for exams |
www.cliffsnotes.com
Course Hero | Free study guides for 15
different subjects ranging from STEM to
Social Sciences to Literature. Core topics
are broken down into smaller sections and
contain videos, infographics, vocabulary,
reading recommendations and practice
problems | www.coursehero.com/sg/
CrashCourse | A high-quality educational
YouTube channel. Subjects include: algebra,
composition, organic chemistry, literature,
world history, biology, philosophy, theatre,
ecology and more.
– William Butler Yeats
(A pail is a bucket)
Curriculum Pathways | Free interactive
resources to supplement instruction
in English Language Arts & Reading,
Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World
Languages, Computer Science | www.
curriculumpathways.com
Curriki | Educator-vetted, openly
licensed, online educational materials for
free use, reuse, adaptation and sharing.
Pre-school to Grade 12: all subject areas
| www.curriki.org / library.curriki.org /
library.curriki.org/resources-curricula
Discovery Education | An extensive
array of free and paid high-quality
resources, ready-to-use digital lessons,
creative collaboration tools, and practical
professional learning resources | www.
You
Tube
discoveryeducation.com | Discovery
Education
E-Learning for kids | Free, fun, quality,
curriculum-based, digital primary education
for children worldwide | www.elearningforkids.org
Engage New York | Free resources for
language arts and mathematics. Pre-school
to Grade 12 | www.engageny.org
Add your non-commercial listing to the next edition of the Directory. It is free | www.southafricanconversations.co.za/resource-directory

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 27
PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOL SUBJECT RESOURCES
Free Training Tutorial | Maths games,
typing, spelling & vocabulary, grammar &
writing, mindfulness & life skills for kids |
www.free-training-tutorial.com
Funbrain | Hundreds of free educational
games, books, comics and videos that
develop skills in maths, reading, problemsolving
and literacy. Grade R – 8 | www.
funbrain.com
Global Oneness Project | Brings the
world to your classroom with free awardwinning
films, photo-essays, articles,
companion lesson plans, exercises and
assignments, collaborative discussion
questions, reflective writing prompts
and more. Lesson plans are set for high
school students, but can be adapted for
elementary and middle school use. Subjects:
African Studies, Animals, Anthropology,
Architecture, Art, Art history, Asian studies,
Biology, Botany, Communications, Creative
writing, Cultural anthropology, Drama,
Ecology, Economics, English, Environmental
studies, Film, Geography, Government,
Healthcare, History, Humanities, Japanese,
Journalism, Literature, Modern world
studies, Music studies, Native American
studies, Philosophy, Photography, Physics,
Poetry, Political science, Psychology,
Religion, Skills for Health, Social Studies,
Sociology, Spanish, Theatre Studies,
Women’s Studies, World Languages.
Completely free of charge! | www.
globalonenessproject.org
Google Teaching Resources | Free
lesson plans, activities, apps, online
platforms, courses, guides & instructional
tools on the following topics: reading,
coding & computer science; creativity; digital
literacy; family engagement; language, arts
& culture; STEM and more | edu.google.
com/teaching-resources
Great Minds | US curriculum lesson
plans, core & supplemental materials, video
series. Maths, English, science & history, as
well as professional development. Free and
paid options | www.greatminds.org
Highlights Kids | Free, fun learning
activities, games, jokes, quizzes, puzzles,
answers to science questions, crafts,
recipes, etc. | www.highlightskids.com
also download the free app
Khan Academy | Free, world-class
teacher resources and education for preschool
to high-school students anywhere.
Subjects include: maths, science, arts
& humanities, economics, reading and
language arts, and life skills | www.
You
Tube
khanacademy.org | Khan Academy and
download the free app
Khan Academy Kids | A website and
mobile app with reading, language, maths,
etc. for toddlers to first graders. Free |
khankids.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
Lalilo | A web-based online learning tool
for pre-school, 1st and 2nd grade teachers
and students. Free and paid content |
www.lalilo.com
Mindset | Online videos to introduce
content, concepts and skills. Includes
curriculum for Primary School (Grade 1–7).
Limited content for Grade 8–9. Substantial
focus on subjects for Grade 10–12 learners:
English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences,
Life Sciences, Accounting, Maths Literacy,
Geography | learn.mindset.africa |
You
Tube
f Mindset Learn and Mindset TV |
Mindset and Mindset Teach | Download
two apps by the same company: Mindset &
Ten Fold Education
Merlot | Curated online learning and
support materials and content creation
tools, led by an international community
of educators, learners and researchers |
www.merlot.org
Mr. Nussbaum | Over 10,000 free, fun
online games, tutorials, simulations, videos
and interactive activities. (Grades R–8) |
www.mrnussbaum.com | f MrNussbaum
National Geographic | Free, beautiful
and globally comprehensive classroom
resources including lesson plans, maps,
reference resources, videos, activities
and Explorer Magazine for pre-school
to Grade 12 & be. Subjects include
Geography, Earth Science, Biology, Social
Studies, Conservation, Arts & Music,
Anthropology, Engineering, Experiential
Learning, English Language Arts, Storytelling,
Physics, Mathematics, Religion, Chemistry,
Professional Learning, English as a Second
Language | www.nationalgeographic.org/
education / kids.nationalgeographic.com
/ www.natgeokids.com and, for information
particular to South Africa: www.natgeokids.
You
Tube
com/za | National Geographic and
360° National Geographic
National Geographic Kids | A free,
pupil-focused and interdisciplinary
resource for young children. Subjects
include: English, Maths, Science,
Geography, History, Art and Culture.
Includes teacher support | www.
natgeokids.com
National Support Pack | A multi-media
teaching and learning resource – including
Braille materials – developed by the
Department of Basic Education to support
learning at home. Grades R–12 | www.
education.gov.za | Search for ‘Learner
Support Package’
NeoK12 | Free educational videos,
games, puzzles and lessons for children
of all ages, reviewed by teachers | www.
neok12.com
Open Culture | An impressive collection
of free cultural and educational content
available on the web: art, academic courses,
audio books, business courses, children’s
books, comic books, e-books, great lectures,
language lessons, movies, music, philosophy
books, podcasts, textbooks, pre-school
to Grade 12 educational resources: video
lessons, apps, books and more. Sign up for
their free email for a daily dose of wellwritten
articles and links to free resources
| www.openculture.com
Open Educational Resources (OER)
Commons | Free digital teaching
and learning materials. Search, browse,
evaluate and use the growing collection of
over 50,000 high-quality OER Commons
resources, including full university courses,
interactive mini-lessons and simulations,
adaptations of existing open work, open
textbooks and Grade R–12 lesson plans,
worksheets and activities | www.
oercommons.org
PBS Kids | The video section of the
website is restricted to the US, but the
games section is open to all. Designed to
improve early literacy, maths, engineering
and social-emotional skills. Ages 2 to 11 |
www.pbskids.org | Download numerous
free PBS Kids apps on your phone
PBS Learning Media | FREE, standardsaligned
videos, interactives, lesson plans +.
Science, social studies, mathematics,
English, language arts, engineering &
technology, health & physical education, the
arts, world languages. Grade R–12 | www.
pbslearningmedia.org
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>

28 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
EDUCATION:
CHILDREN’S BOOKS ... AND A GAME
– Dr. Seuss
DIGITAL
African Storybook | Free access to
picture storybooks for young readers,
in the languages of Africa. Read online,
download and print, translate & adapt, or
create your own storybook | Saide, 19
Ameshoff St, Braamfontein, JHB | 011
403 2813 | africanstorybook@saide.
org.za | www.africanstorybook.org
CareUp | An Android app with a
library of free, fun stories for parents and
teachers of 3-5 year-olds. Available in
Afrikaans, English, Xhosa and Zulu to read
to children from your phone! | www.
careup.mobi
Classicly | Free, digitized versions
of the most popular works of famous
authors that are now in the public domain
| www.classicly.com
Epic! | A digital reading platform with
40,000+ popular books from 250+ of the
world’s best publishers, plus videos &
quizzes. For kids up to 12. Free access for
educators | www.getepic.com
Harry Potter Reading Club | Free
access to the fun and fantasy of Harry’s
world through excerpts from the books,
literary discussion guides, quizzes and
activities. The books themselves are not
free | hpread.scholastic.com
International Children’s Digital
Library Foundation | A collection of
the best historical and contemporary
children’s literature from around the
world, available online, free of charge |
en.childrenslibrary.org
Novel Effect | A free, award-winning
app that brings a large selection of books
to life with music, sound effects and
character voices. As you read aloud, Novel
Effect follows the sound of your voice and
responds at just the right moment |
www.noveleffect.com
Storyberries | A large collection of free
quality stories, poems, fairy tales & comics
for children | www.storyberries.com
Storyline Online | Actors and famous
people read storybooks for pre-schoolers
to Grade 3, on Vimeo. Free. Includes
activity guides for parents and teachers
| www.storylineonline.net
PRINTED
Biblionef | Schools, pre-schools,
children’s homes, refugee camps or any
organisation with a socio-educational
focus can request storybooks in one or
more of South Africa’s official languages
to be sent to them. Priority is given to
organisations in remote rural areas,
townships and informal settlements.
Application guidelines on website | 4
Central Square, Pinelands, Cape Town |
021 531 0447 | info@biblionefsa.org.za
| www.biblionefsa.org.za
Help2Read | Organises volunteer
reading tutors plus free Book Boxes filled
with quality age-appropriate books for
disadvantaged learners in public primary
schools across South Africa | 079
615 1633 | info@help2read.org |
help2read.org/
Project for the Study of Alternative
Education in South Africa (PRAESA)
| Multilingual early childhood language
and literacy development to ensure that
young children (birth to 9 years) from
all language and cultural backgrounds
have access to books and opportunities
to read. Supports other initiatives that
promote reading | 3 Marlow Rd,
Kenilworth, Cape Town | info@praesa.
org.za | www.praesa.org.za
The Bookery | Sets up school libraries
with diverse content for young readers
of all ages and languages, across South
Africa. Recruits, trains and supports
librarians and library assistants to run the
libraries. Accepts and distributes book
donations | The Woodstock Exchange,
66 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town |
021 461 4189 | infothebookery.org.
za | Apply online for a library for your
school | www.thebookery.org.za
Also see EDUCATION: ACCESS TO BOOKS elsewhere in the directory
DIGITAL & PRINTED
Book Dash | A publishing model
that harnesses the skills of professional
creative volunteers to vastly reduce
the time and costs involved in creating
beautiful new books for children under
the age of five. The books are available
to read on the website, free of charge,
in all official South African languages.
Book Dash sources funding to print the
books, and gives them away through early
childhood development organisations
- for free - to children to own. Apply via
website | www.bookdash.org
Nal’ibali (Xhosa for “Here’s the story”) |
Promotes multilingualism and reading
and writing in one’s mother tongue.
Reading clubs and events. A rich online
database of stories, searchable by
language: Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi,
Sotho, Tswana, Tsonga and English.
Material can be read online, downloaded
or sent to a Post Office pick-up point |
021 448 6000 | Read Nal’ibali stories
free on WhatsApp: type ‘stories’ to 0600
44 22 54 and choose from a range of
stories in five languages | Nal’ibali web
and mobi sites are zero-rated and can
be accessed free of charge on all major
networks | www.nalibali.mobi | www.
nalibali.org | f Nal’ibali SA
Also see EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
in the CHILD WELFARE pages, as well as
EDUCATION: ACCESS TO BOOKS elsewhere in
the EDUCATION pages.
BRAIN STIMULATION GAME!
Finding Thabo | A free, interactive
play-based game that stimulates key parts
of the brain and builds a foundation for
lifelong learning in early childhood | f
FindingThabo | Click on ‘Send Message’
to get started.

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 29
PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOL SUBJECT RESOURCES
Primary Resources | Free English,
Math, Science, ICT, History, Geography, Art,
Music, etc. lesson plans, activity ideas and
resources for primary school teachers |
www.primaryresources.co.uk
– Malcolm X
School Kit | A New Zealand-based
site with hundreds of beautiful, free,
downloadable resources, stories, videos and
ideas for teachers and parents | www.
schoolkit.co.nz
TED Ed | Shares teacher and student
ideas and knowledge from around the
world. Lesson plans and video-based
lessons are organised by age, subject or
themes | ed.ted.com and blog.ed.ted.com
The Learning Network | Publishes
about 1,000 teaching resources each school
year, using content from the New York
Times – articles, essays, images, videos,
graphics and podcasts – as teaching tools
for middle and high school teachers and
students. Topics range from science to
sports, music, the environment, current
events, world issues +. Resources include
daily lessons, weekly quizzes, geography
quizzes, lesson plans, student opinion
questions for discussion and writing
exercises – all designed to promote critical
and creative thinking. Most of the resources
are free, though lesson plans are limited
to five per month for nonsubscribers |
www.nytimes.com/section/learning | f
nytimeslearning
The Teacher’s Corner | A collection
of educational worksheets, lesson plans,
activities and resources for teachers and
parents | www.theteacherscorner.net
The Teacher’s Guide | Free maths,
reading, writing, science, social studies,
art and music lesson plans, worksheets
and activities for primary school | www.
theteachersguide.com
TweenTribune | A free online
educational service offered by the
Smithsonian for use by Grade R–12 teachers
and students | www.tweentribune.com
Twinkl | Educational resources for
those who teach in schools and at home.
Afrikaans, English, Xhosa and Zulu. Free and
paid options | www.twinkl.co.za
Vodacom E-school | Free content for
everyone. Vodacom c ustomers don’t pay
for data to access the school. All material
is developed by expert teachers, available
in multiple languages, CAPS aligned, covers
all major subjects from Grade R-12, and is
endorsed by the Department of Education.
Register via the website | vodacom.
mytopdog.co.za
WCED Online | An extraordinary
education e-portal built by the Western
Cape Department of Education. Resources
for learners, parents, teachers, school
administrators and partners in education
| www.wcedeportal.co.za | f WCED
eLearning
Wide Open School | A learning resource
for families and teachers, containing free,
high-quality videos, webinars and other
materials to help make distance learning
more effective and engaging for pre-school
to Grade 12 students. Subjects: Art, music &
DIY, Digital citizenship, emotional well-being,
English language learners, field trips, get
moving, life skills, maths, offline activities,
reading & writing, science, social studies |
www.wideopenschool.org
Wonderopolis | Award-winning, free site
with fun, multi-disciplinary content suitable
for Grade R–12. Explore a new Wonder
of the Day every day or dip into the large
collection of Wonders for your subject or
class | www.wonderopolis.org |
• Camp Wonderopolis | Interactive
STEM and literacy-building topics |
camp.wonderopolis.org
• Wonder Ground | Classroom
resources and lesson plans |
wg.wonderopolis.org
Wikipedia | Search for information on
any subject | www.wikipedia.org
Xpert | Learners and educators can
search a growing database of open learning
resources suitable for students at all levels
of study in a wide range of different subjects
| www.nottingham.ac.uk/xpert/
SUBJECT-SPECIFIC CONTENT
Also see the DISABILITY pages in the directory
for resources for learners with disabilities.
ART & CULTURE
Artsonia Kids Art Museum | A free
online art museum of student art, published
by teachers and students from around the
world | www.artsonia.com
Here’s what YOU can do
to make a difference
As a parent |
Read to your child from a very young
age. Can’t read? Ask a teenager in your
community to read to your child for 10
minutes every day. Both will benefit.
Regularly take your child to a library.
As a concerned onlooker |
Pay decent salaries, so that the people
who work for you can afford to buy
books for their children.
Donate quality books to a poor school, a
children’s hospital, a women’s shelter or
an NPO that distributes books to schools
& orphanages.
Sponsor the publication of African
language books.
Sponsor a library or a librarian.
Start an aftercare programme with
a library for at-risk youth in your
community. Pay unemployed graduates
to teach English, read to the kids, listen
to them read, and help with homework.
Are you a retired librarian, educator or
lover of books? Tutor struggling students
or volunteer at a school library.
Develop programmes to stimulate
creativity in your community – in
conjunction with library staff, local artists,
painters, sculptors, musicians, dancers,
authors and poets. Pay the ‘creatives’.
As a school |
Subscribe to the free newsletter from
the South African Book Development
Council | www.sabookcouncil.co.za
Promote reading events, such as
National Library Week, National Book
Week, and reading competitions.
Start a book club in your school, with a
book of the week for every age group.
As a business |
Build a library – complete with shelves,
furniture, computers, printers & Wi-Fi –
at a school that doesn’t have one.
Start a fund to buy books for the library.
Regularly service the library’s equipment.
Create a Reading Room (not a lending
library) at your place of work where
people from the community can come
and read for pleasure.
Create day-care and after-care facilities
with lots of books for employees’
children, at your place of work.
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>

30 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
EDUCATION: RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS & EDUCATORS
South African-specific resources are marked in red
t
AFTER SCHOOL SUPPORT
The Learning Trust | Funding, coaching,
skills-sharing, networking opportunities and
guided organisational support to develop
quality practitioners and sustainable
After School programmes that improve
educational outcomes of young people living
in poverty and exclusion | 173 Oxford
Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg | Complete
an online form or contact via email |
info@thelearningtrust.org | www.
thelearningtrust.org | f thelearningtrust
You
Tube
| The Learning Trust - Official
CAPACITY-BUILDING
Also see EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
(ECD) CAPACITY-BUILDING in the
CHILD WELFARE pages
Bridge-Linking Innovators in Education
| Facilitates collaboration, cooperation and
the sharing of knowledge, best practices,
resources and tools among educators to
improve the quality of teaching in SA | 6
Blackwood Ave, Parktown, Jhb | 011 403
6401 | info@bridge.org.za | www.
bridge.org.za | f BridgeProjectSA
Department of Basic Education (DBE) |
Oversees the SA school education system in
schools from Grade R to Grade 12.
Downloadable resources for learners,
parents, teachers, researchers, school
admin, etc. Use the search function to find
what you’re looking for | 222 Struben
St, Pretoria, Gauteng | Call Centre: 0800
202 933 / Switchboard: 012 357 3000 |
callcentre@dbe.gov.za / webmaster@dbe.
gov.za | www.education.gov.za
Thutong National Education Portal |
An online point of entry to a comprehensive
array of free educational resources, policy
information and interactive services
concerning all aspects of South African
schools. Information for curriculum and
teacher development as well as school
administration and management |
www.thutong.doe.gov.za
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- Chinese Proverb
| A UN agency responsible for providing
humanitarian and developmental aid to
vulnerable children worldwide. Resourcerich
website. Search for anything you want
to know regarding children and youth,
e.g. ‘cyber-bullying’ or ‘early childhood
development’ or ‘parenting’ or ‘teacher
development’ | www.unicef.org
- Unknown
Youth Potential South Africa (YOUPSA)
| Rural youth and teacher development
programme. Empowerment, leadership and
team building for students, teachers and
school governing bodies. Promotes health
with community gardens | Gamtoos Valley
area northwest of Gqeberha/PE, Eastern
Cape Province | 076 123 3832 | info@
youpsa.org | www.youpsa.org
Zero Dropout Campaign | A national
campaign working towards halving the rate
of school dropouts by 2030! Resource-rich
website for learners, parents, educators,
schools & policy-makers | WhatsApp 0600
54 0000 | info@zerodropout.co.za |
www.zerodropout.co.za | f zerodropoutcampaign
| Zero Dropout
You
Tube
Campaign
Children Have Rights!
In 1989, world leaders signed a
historic, legally binding international
agreement to affirm the rights of the
world’s children. South Africa signed
the Convention in 1993 and ratified
it on 16 June, 1995. The website
contains resources for teachers
and parents, as well as child-friendly
posters that spell out the Rights of
the Child | www.unicef.org/childrights-convention
| www.unicef.
org/child-rights-convention
Corporal Punishment
“In 1996, the South African Schools
Act, under Section 10, banned the use
of corporal punishment in schools.
In 2000 this was confirmed in the
Christian Education case.
Despite the ban on corporal
punishment 20 years ago, teachers
are still hitting children at school.
It is illegal.”
– Section27
Download Chapter 19 of the
BASIC EDUCATION RIGHTS
HANDBOOK: Corporal Punishment
by Faranaaz Veriava and Tina Power
https://section27.org.za > Search for
Basic Education Rights Handbook
then find the relevant chapter.
– Shakira
EDUCATION RIGHTS
Basic Education Rights Handbook |
Developed by Section27 in collaboration
with partner organisations. This important
Handbook is a free legal literacy tool to
empower communities, school governing
bodies, principals, teachers and learners to
understand education law and policy and to
protect learners’ rights. Chapters include:
1. The Constitution and the Right to a Basic
Education.
2. Funding Basic Education.
3. School governance.
4. Equality and unfair discrimination.
5. The right to basic education for children
Add your non-commercial listing to the next edition of the Directory. It is free | www.southafricanconversations.co.za/resource-directory

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 31
EDUCATION: RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS & EDUCATORS
with disabilities.
6. The rights of refugees & migrant workers.
7. School fees.
8. Pregnancy.
9. Sexual orientation and gender identity.
10. Religion and culture in public education.
11. Language in schools.
12. Basic education provisioning.
13. Infrastructure and equipment.
14. Post provisioning.
15. Textbooks.
16. Scholar transport.
17. School violence.
18. Sexual violence in schools.
19. Corporal punishment.
20. Education rights in independent schools.
21. Taking rights forward
Read or download relevant chapters or
the whole book at https://section27.org.
za > Search for Basic Education Rights
Handbook
EQUIPMENT &
INFRASTRUCTURE
Also see THE BASIC EDUCATION RIGHTS
HANDBOOK elsewhere in this section
Adopt-a-School Foundation | Are
you a state-funded school in need of
academic, management, infrastructure
or security improvements? Call to apply
for support. There is no cost to qualifying
schools | Are you a concerned individual,
business owner or corporation wanting
to contribute to environments conducive
to learning and teaching in our country?
Adopt a school and help the Foundation
provide: adequate classrooms, access to
electricity, administration facilities, Science
Labs, Computer Labs, libraries, playgrounds,
sports facilities, clean running water and
sanitation, well-maintained buildings, food
gardens, security, teaching equipment &
resources, plus eye-testing, spectacles,
hearing aids, wheelchairs, etc | 18 Acacia
Rd, Chislehurston, Sandton | 011 592
6430 | info@adoptaschool.co.za |
www.adoptaschool.org.za
Breadline Africa | Builds ECD
classrooms, toilets, kitchens and preschool
libraries across South Africa,
using converted shipping containers and
prefabricated units. Apply online | 1
Platinum Park, Capricorn Business Park,
Muizenberg, Cape Town | 021 418 0322
| info@breadlineafrica.org | www.
breadlineafrica.org | f breadlineafrica
Computer Aid International – South
Africa | 1. Provides tested, fully
refurbished PCs at much-reduced prices to
schools & NPOs. Includes a licensed copy of
Microsoft Office. 2. In partnership with Dell
installs solar-powered computer/internet/
technology learning labs in resource poor
communities where there may not be
electricity. Training included | Apply for
computers or for a SolarLab for your school
or community by email to southafrica@
computeraid.org or apply online | www.
computeraid.org
SA Medical & Education Foundation
(SAME Foundation) | Assists schools
in poverty-stricken communities in
Gauteng, KZN, Limpopo and the Western
Cape, with infrastructure, equipment and
furniture | Head office: 4 Loop St, Cape
Town, South Africa | 086 122 2379 |
info@samefoundation.org.za | www.
samefoundation.org.za | f S.A. MEDICAL
& EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The African Show Coalition Institute
(TASCI) | A volunteer-based NPO that
works with townships, peri-urban and
rural communities to help foster socially
cohesive bonds, restore the dignity and
humanity of learners and teachers, and
provide support to schools that need
electricity, equipment and infrastructure
| 348 Schafli Rd, Glen Stewart, East
London | Contact via website | info@
tasci.org.za | www.tasci.org.za | f
theafricanshowcoalitioninstitute
Vodacom | Every month, Vodacom
donates four Mobile Computer Centres
to deserving schools somewhere in South
Africa. The donation is comprised of a
mobile trolley with 21 laptops, a printer, an
overhead projector, an interactive white
board, software and training. Complete an
online form to enter your school for the
draw | www.vodacom.co.za/vodacom/
services/computer-centres
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Citizen Leader Lab | Innovative
leadership development models, including
a nationwide, 12-month leadership
development programme that partners
business leaders and school principals
from under-resourced schools, equipping
the principal with knowledge and skills to
lead change and improve the quality of
education provided to learners | Cape
Town: 021 913 2054 | Johannesburg: 011
259 4031 | info@citizenleaderlab.org
| www.citizenleaderlab.org | f Citizen
Leader Lab
– Victor Hugo
LEGAL SUPPORT
Equal Education (EE) | Draws attention
to problems faced by schools and their
communities, to address systemic
inequalities in the South African education
system and to coordinate strategies,
advocacy and action to bring about
sustained change. Includes a resource
section |
• Gauteng | EE, Office 1001, East
Rand Junction, 23 Frank Rd, Boksburg
| 081 510 2384 | info.gauteng@
equaleducation.org.za
• Western Cape | Isivivana Centre, 8
Mzala St, Khayelitsha | 021 361 0127
info@equaleducation.org.za | www.
equaleducation.org.za | f equal.
education
Equal Education Law Centre (EELC) |
EELC lawyers are on hand to provide legal
materials and strategic litigation to advance
equality and quality education. Resources
include comprehensive information under
Know Your Rights, covering corporal
punishment, disciplinary hearings, the
right to protest, pregnancy and the right to
education, water and sanitation in schools,
unlawfully withholding a learner’s report, fee
exemptions and much more | Isivivana
Centre, 8 Mzala St, Khayelitsha, Cape Town
| 021 461 1421 / 0800 110 752 | info@
eelawcentre.org.za | www.eelawcentre.
org.za | f EqualEducationLawCentre
SECTION 27 | A public interest law
centre that seeks to achieve equality and
social justice in South Africa. Guided by the
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32 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
EDUCATION: RESOURCES FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
South African-specific educational resources are marked in red
t
– Louis L’Amour
There are hundreds of education resources on the internet – available free of charge to anyone who signs
up, regardless of whether they have matric or whether they’re 18 or 80. It is a worldwide revolution that is
making knowledge freely available to all who want to educate themselves.
You can go through the entire degree programme at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (yes, MIT!)
completely free of charge.
Universities and colleges around the world have for some time already been making knowledge available
online at greatly reduced fees and sometimes completely free of charge. Free offerings are referred to as
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) or Open Educational Resources (OER). The pandemic has further
forced huge portions of academic and business education online.
Carefully research and compare what is available. Some institutions offer entirely free study options,
complete with a certificate. Some offer a mixture of free and paid options. Some make their money from
charging a fee for the actual qualification assessment – that’s if you want the certificate or degree you
studied for. So, the knowledge is free, but without certification. Some charge a nominal registration fee.
Some do not offer certification unless one attends in person. Knowledge – even without a certificate – is
not necessarily a bad option because it can open doors to entrepreneurship, increased self-confidence, a
raise if you are one of the lucky ones with a job, and even employment if you can demonstrate that you
know what you’re talking about.
Be aware that exchange rates for nominal fees may render some seemingly attractive international
options just as expensive as attending a local university full-time. Also, be aware that some institutions
are more credible than others. Some are businesses and some are educational institutions. Some are
internationally accredited and some are not. Carefully consider what you aim to achieve before investing
your money or your time.
However one views this, the trend toward free access to knowledge is an incredible opportunity for people
all over the world to become educated, regardless of location, age or qualifications – as long as they have
a computer to work on and access to the internet. What’s going to matter in the end is the ability to apply
that knowledge – not the piece of paper that certifies that one has jumped through the hoops to get it.
This is a new world. Go on and explore. And become educated!
– Jim Rohn
Many of the amazing resources listed under SUBJECT-SPECIFIC CONTENT in the EDUCATION: PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOL
SUBJECT RESOURCES pages are relevant for study at any age. Take a look.

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 33
EDUCATION: RESOURCES FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
South Africa’s four mobile operators all offer
free access to education websites (and more) |
• MTN | OpenTime
• Vodacom | ConnectU
• Cell C | CONNECT4FREE
• Telkom / 8ta | Zero Rated Websites
STUDY OPTIONS, CAREER GUIDANCE,
BURSARIES & FUNDING SOURCES
The organisations listed below provide
resources for matriculants including
career guidance, study options,
application requirements, fees,
qualifications on offer, free courses,
funding options, mentoring and
work-readiness support. You can also
apply for financial aid directly from
the university’s Financial Aid Office or
Student Support Center once accepted.
All Bursaries South Africa |
Comprehensive information about available
bursaries | www.allbursaries.co.za
Bursaries South Africa (BSA) | A searchengine
for all available bursaries in South
Africa | www.bursaries-southafrica.co.za
| f bursariessouthafrica
Bursary24.com | Information, bursaries,
application forms + | www.bursary24.com
Career Planet | Career advice & access
to training and work opportunities | www.
careerplanet.co.za
College Guide | Info about SA colleges
and universities | www.collegeguide.co.za
Domino Foundation | Offers a
mentorship / bursary programme | KZN
| 031 563 9605 | admin@domino.org.
za | www.dominofoundation.org.za/skillsdevelopment
| f thedominofoundation
EduConnect | Info about institutions,
careers, study options, subject choices,
funding options, work readiness and more
| www.educonnect.co.za
Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust
| Bursaries for persons with epilepsy |
www.epilepsy.org.za > educational-trust
Fundi | Loans and funding solutions
| 0860 55 55 44 | 011 670 6100 |
support@fundi.co.za | www.fundi.co.za
Funza Lushaka Bursary | To become
a teacher. The recipient must work for the
Department of Education for the same
amount of time as the bursary sponsorship
| www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za
Here’s what YOU can do
to make a difference
Help a bright student in grade 11
or matric apply for a bursary or
scholarship to an institution of higher
learning. The process is intimidating
and needs someone to help keep
track of the different requirements,
correspondence and responses. It also
needs unlimited access to the internet.
Make sure a struggling student has the
following tools to ensure their success:
n
A desk, chair, study lamp & bookcase
n
A computer/laptop with a charger,
external hard-Dr and good quality
headphones
n
A good internet connection
n
Data and airtime – always
n
A smartphone
n
A fridge – to keep food fresh
n
A monthly supply of multi-vitamins
n
Someone to talk to
n
A copy of this directory, so that they
can easily access useful resources.
Go Study | Career guidance & info about
scholarships and bursaries. Incredibly useful
and comprehensive | www.gostudy.mobi
| www.gostudy.net
Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
| Full cost bursaries for science, engineering,
commerce, agriculture, environmental studies
& IT | 0860 693 888 | callcentre@idc.
co.za | www.idc.co.za/bursaries
IRR | South African Institute of
Race Relations | Medical, business,
management, scientific, education and
engineering bursaries. Apply online |
info@irr.org.za | www.irr.org.za/bursaries
My Courses | Info about further study for
matriculants | www.mycourses.co.za
National Institute for the Humanities
and Social Sciences | Advances and
coordinates relevant scholarships | 24
St Andrews Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg
| 011 480 2300 | info@nihss.ac.za |
www.nihss.ac.za
National Research Foundation (NRF)
| Bursaries, scholarships, grants and
fellowships in all fields of science and
technology | www.nrf.ac.za
National Science and Technology
Forum (NSTF) | Bursaries, scholarships,
fellowships, studentships | www.nstf.org.
za | f National Science and Technology
Forum - NSTF
National Skills Fund (NSF) | Funding
for bursaries, scholarships, learnerships,
skills development programmes, workplacebased
learning | Ndinaye Building, 178
Francis Baard St, Tshwane/Pretoria | 012
943 3101 | www.dhet.gov.za
National Student Financial Aid Scheme
(NSFAS) | Study loans or bursaries for
underprivileged undergraduate studies
at public universities or universities of
technology | 0800 067 327 / 021 763
3200 / SMS: 32261 | info@nsfas.org.za |
www.nsfas.org.za
National Youth Development Agency
(NYDA) | Solomon Mahlangu
Scholarship Fund | Serves SA youth
aged 18 - 35 with info, career guidance,
mentorship, bursaries & scholarships |
087 158 6345 / 158 5738 / 158 4742 |
info@nyda.gov.za | www.nyda.gov.za
Pace | Info, guidance & support | PACE
Career Centre, 18 Greyton Rd, Milnerton,
Cape Town | 021 555 3928 | info@
pace.za.com | www.pacecareers.com
Rural Education Access Programme
(REAP) | Assists qualifying students from
rural areas to access free tertiary education
at 15 different Higher Education Institutions
| Cape Town: 021 696 5500 | Durban:
031 201 3724 | Jhb: 087 805 7992 |
reception@reap.org.za or fill in a form
online | www.reap.org.za
SA Bursaries | A comprehensive list
of bursaries, criteria, etc. in all fields of
study | www.zabursaries.co.za | f
SouthAfricaBursaries
Sasol Bursaries | For engineering and
science | www.sasolbursaries.com
StudentRoom | A career portal for
bursaries, internships & learnerships |
www.studentroom.co.za
StudyTrust | Administers bursaries
& scholarships and provides student
mentorship and career development
services on behalf of corporations,
foundations and private donors | 10
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za
>>>

34 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS & SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS
– Editor
Local livelihoods.
Important resources.
– Helena Norberg-Hodge
Local Futures | An extraordinary
site with a wealth of free resources,
including:
• The Economics of Happiness | If
you watch only one video listed in
this book, let it be this one. It is an
award-winning film that makes it clear
that the multiple crises we face as
humans share a common root cause:
the global economic system. It raises
awareness of the power of economic
localisation to restore ecological,
social, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
• The Economics of Happiness
Workshop and Toolkit | Guide,
templates and tools for effective
systemic change where you live.
• Localisation Action Guide | Tools
to build resilient local economies.
• PLANET LOCAL: A Quiet Revolution
| A 7-part film series about
regenerative LOCAL food as a
powerful solution-multiplier.
| www.localfutures.org / www.
helenanorberghodge.com | f Local
Futures / Economics of Happiness |
You
Tube
Local Futures (Also look for Historic
interview with Helena Norberg-Hodge)
t
LEARNING & EARNING
PLACEMENTS & INTERNSHIPS
Afrika Tikkun | Internships for youth
aged 19-29 with matric or equivalent
| 57 6th Rd, Eastwood Bldg, Hydepark,
Johannesburg | 011 325 5914 | info@
afrikatikkun.org | www.afrikatikkun.org
Harambee Youth Employment
Accelerator | An NPO focused on youth
employment. Manages SA Youth, a national
network of business, social and government
partners that help young, unemployed
South Africans aged 18 – 34 to access a
wide selection of learning and earning
opportunities – for free! Open to South
African citizens, permanent residents and
refugees. You’ll need your ID number or
refugee number, as well as the postal code
of the area where you live | Register data
free at sayouth.mobi | For help on how to
register or any other advice call 0800 72 72
72 toll-free | f sayouth.mobi
Lulaway | Matches young job seekers
with available work opportunities and
internships. Also provides work-readiness
training. Candidates can register 1.
Via Lulaway’s website 2. By emailing or
WhatsApping their CV, ID and copies of
qualifications / certificates OR 3. By visiting
one of 200 job centres nationwide. Find a
job centre near you on their website | Or
call: 010 140 9510 / WhatsApp: 065 327
8274 | info@lulaway.co.za | www.
lulaway.co.za | f Lulaway
Parliamentary Monitoring Group |
Internships for young people to monitor
Parliament and observe and write detailed
reports of the proceedings of 50 oversight
committees, during parliamentary sessions.
Ideal for those with a background in or
who are studying politics and law, and can
write well. Enquire about educational and
other requirements and if there are current
vacancies for monitors. Cape Town only |
9 Church Square, Parliament St, Cape Town
| 021 465 8885 | monitors@pmg.org.za
| www.pmg.org.za | f pmgsouthafrica
You
Tube
| PMG - Youth Monitoring Parliament
SA Youth | This is South Africa’s
national network for all young people to
access entry-level learning and earning
opportunities. The network consists of
government, business & social partners –
brought together by the Presidential Youth
Employment Intervention to tackle youth
unemployment. SA Youth is free for young
South Africans to apply and for employers
to post opportunities. Register online at
sayouth.datafree.co or at SAYouth.mobi
(No data needed!) Once you have completed
your personal profile you’ll be able to search
for jobs near you. SA Youth is open to
South African citizens, permanent residents,
refugees and people with valid work permits
aged 18 – 34 | 0800 72 72 72 | info@
sayouth.org.za | Zero-rated / data-free
access: sayouth.datafree.co / SAYouth.
mobi | Partners / employers join here:
partners.sayouth.org.za | f SAyouth
Unity in Africa Foundation | An NPO/
PBO. Offers a four-phase education
to employment programme for youth
interested in engineering, IT or computer
science careers | Felsted Bldg, 14 Bird
St,Gqeberha/PE | 041 582 1274 | info@
uina.co.za | www.uina.co.za | f
UinAFoundation
Yes4Youth | An NPO employment
service that connects young people aged
18-34 to economic opportunities through
work at participating companies throughout
South Africa | collaborate@yes4youth.
co.za | Visit www.yes4youth.co.za/foryouth
for resources on how to prepare
yourself for the workplace | Register for
work at yes4youth.mobi or call 087 654
0878 if you don’t have access to the internet
| 087 330 0084 | www.yes4youth.co.za
| f Yes4YouthZA
Youth Health Africa | A healthcarefocused
youth empowerment organisation
combatting youth unemployment and the
spread of HIV through a one-year Skills
Development/Internship Programme
in health facilities across South Africa
| 010 590 1300 | info@yhafrica.
org | www.youthhealthafrica.org | f
YouthHealthAfrica
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 35
EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS & SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS
Research the major players in a sector
that interests you, such as engineering,
finance, hospitality, manufacturing,
retail, the environment, etc. and apply
directly for an internship with an
organisation that you would like to
work with – locally or internationally.
Relevant qualifications may just land
you the opportunity. Try it.
SEARCH OR REGISTER
ONLINE FOR WORK
Find help with creating your best CV.
Search for ‘CV template’ online or in
Microsoft Word templates. When your CV
is ready, explore ALL the options listed
below. Some of them are job search
engines – with the most comprehensive
job listings gathered from multiple
sources all over the web – and some are
job boards where registered recruitment
agencies and employers list jobs.
You can search for jobs, refine your
search, post your CV or create a CV using
an online CV builder. List your email
address to be informed of similar, but
new job postings – all free of charge on
most sites.
Some words of advice:
1. Do not write your entire CV in CAPITAL
LETTERS. It is extremely difficult to
read.
2. Google ‘How to create a CV’ and ‘How
to write a job application cover letter’
– even if you think you know how to do
it.
3. Spellcheck your CV and any cover
letter before sending them out.
4. DO NOT apply for positions for which
you don’t qualify – you’ll be wasting
your time and annoying the person
who has to read your application.
Take note that is against the law in South
Africa for recruiters to charge applicants
for job offers.
South Africa’s four mobile operators all offer
free access to education and some job-related
websites (and more). Find out from your service
provider what’s available.
• MTN | OpenTime
• Vodacom | ConnectU
• Cell C | CONNECT4FREE
• Telkom / 8ta | Zero Rated Websites
Here’s what YOU can do
to make a difference
As a business |
n
Pay people for coming to interviews
for their time and transport costs
– regardless of whether they’re
offered the job. You have no idea
what a difference that will make.
n
Do business with small businesses
in your community – especially in
townships – so that they can afford
to employ more people.
As a community |
n
Support small businesses rather
than chain-stores and multinational
brands.
n
Start a community market where
people can sell and swap the things
they make and the food they grow.
JOB BOARDS
A job board is a website used by
employers to advertise their job
vacancies to job seekers.
• www.bestjobs.co.za |
App: BestJobs Job Search
• www.bizcommunity.com | Select your
industry from the menu on the left and
then select JOBS from the menu bar at
the top
• www.careerjunction.co.za |
App: CareerJunction
• www.careerplanet.co.za
• www.careers24.com |
App: Careers24 SA Job Search
• www.dreamxchange.co.za
• www.giraffe.co.za
• www.gumtree.co.za
• www.hoteljobs.co.za | A South African
job board for the hospitality industry
• www.jobmail.co.za | App: Job Mail
• www.jobs.co.za
• www.jobspace.co.za
• www.jobvine.co.za
• www.pnet.co.za | App: Pnet
• www.quest.co.za
• www.sagovjobs.co.za
• www. talent360.co.za
• www.thejobsportal.co.za
Also search for ‘employment agencies’ online
and register on all their websites – provided
you have relevant experience/qualifications.
JOB SEARCH ENGINES
Job search engines scour the web for job
listings from multiple sources, saving
you time.
CareerJet | Both a job board and a job
search engine | www.careerjet.co.za |
App: Careerjet
Google for Jobs | A job search engine.
Simply type ‘Google for Jobs’ or ‘Teaching
jobs (or nursing or whatever job you’re looking
for) near me’ in the search bar. A short list
of jobs will appear, with a link to more jobs
at the bottom of the list. Click on the word
‘Jobs’ in the blue bar at the top of the list, or
on ‘more jobs’ at the bottom of the list, to
open a page with 2 menu bars where you
can set the location, job category, company
type, etc., as well as refine your search. You
can also sign up for job alerts on this page.
Indeed / za.indeed.com | A job board &
job search engine | App: Indeed Job Search
Here’s what YOU can do
to make a difference
Teach someone how to:
• Speak, read and write English.
• Make sense of numbers.
• Open and balance a bank account.
• Dr a car.
• Use a computer, set up an email
account & a FB page, download
WhatsApp, and surf the Internet.
• Type and use Word.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOBS
DATABASES
Register & upload your information to
be notified of opportunities.
Department of Public Works &
Infrastructure: Unemployed Built
Environment Youth and Professional
Information Gathering | A database
of unemployed built environment youth,
professionals and artisans | Upload your
details here: www.publicworks.gov.za/DPWI_
Unemployed_Database.html
Employment Services of South Africa
(ESSA) | This is the Department of
Employment & Labour’s work seeker
database. Go to www.labour.gov.za |
Select ‘Online Services’ from the menu bar
to access the ESSA system, then:
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>

36 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
– Alan Kay
There are unbelievable world-class resources for entrepreneurs available on the internet –
most with incredibly generous free options. If you don’t find it in this section, Google it.
t
Also see, elsewhere in the directory:
• EDUCATION – the entire section
• EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS & SUSTAINABLE
LIVELIHOODS
• ENTREPRENEURSHIP
• YOUTH
APPS, TEMPLATES, TOOLS
& SOFTWARE (Mostly free)
Also see ELECTRONIC PLATFORMS & TOOLS in
the EDUCATION: RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS &
EDUCATORS pages.
Find The Right Software or App
For Your Business
Capterra | A comprehensive,
free, online directory that allows
you to find, research, filter, compare
and read user reviews on software
solutions in over 700 categories, such
as Project Management, CRM, HRM,
Accounting, IT Asset Management,
Email Marketing, Retail Management,
LMS, Inventory Management, and
Help Desk | www.capterra.co.za /
www.capterra.com | f Capterra
GetApp | A free platform for
recommended apps and software for
small businesses. Select the category,
such as billing & invoicing, marketing,
project management, etc, then filter
by price range (including free) and the
equipment you will use the software
on to gain a comprehensive overview
and user reviews | www.getapp.
com | f GetApp
ACCOUNTING
ZipBooks | Free accounting software:
invoices, time-tracking, financial reports,
and bank integration. Low-priced upgrade
include payroll + | www.zipbooks.com
BALANCE, PRODUCTIVITY & FOCUS
Free apps reminding you to take a break |
• Time Out for Apple Mac, exclusively |
www.dejal.com/timeout
• Eye Care 20 20 20 for iOS and Android
phones. Reminds you to take 20-second
breaks and focus your eyes on something
at least 20 feet (7m) away
Google Digital Well-being | Tips & tools
to help you understand and manage your
tech use | Search for ‘google wellbeing’
Momentum Dash | A free browser
add-on that provides a starting page with
daily nature photos, quotes, a to-do list, and
personal challenge to keep you focused and
inspired. It works even when you’re offline!
| www.momentumdash.com
BUSINESS FORMS,
LEGAL AGREEMENTS & LETTER
TEMPLATES
Google Docs | Create, edit and save
documents as text or PDF files in your
web browser for free, without any special
software. Includes templates, such as
resumes, letters, proposals, brochures,
reports, forms, meeting notes, newsletters,
etc. Accessible only with a gmail account |
www.docs.google.com
Microsoft | MS Word offers a wide range
of free, customizable templates, including
calendars, CVs, cover letters, newsletters,
brochures, flyers, menus, catalogs, invoices,
receipts, etc. PowerPoint also has a range of
templates and themes. Search for a specific
template or check templates.office.com or
forms.office.com for a larger selection.
BUSINESS PLAN TEMPLATES
Write your business plan yourself and
then have someone review it, rather than
paying someone to write it for you. You
will learn more about the business this
way – increasing your chances of success.
Also see the yellow box:
AN ASTONISHING FREE TOOLKIT
elsewhere in this section
Bplans | An online collection of free
sample business plans with guides,
calculators and practical advice on planning,
pitching, funding and managing a business
| www.bplans.com | f Bplans
Business Model Canvas | A
management template using nine building
blocks for planning a successful business.
Free and paid options are available from
different sources. Try searching “free
business model canvas” or check out www.
canvanizer.com and www.xtensio.com
– Civil Engineer in a comment section
somewhere online
CLOUD STORAGE & FILE SHARING
Dropbox | Sign up for a free account
with 2 GB of storage. Paid options available.
Share files from here with co-workers,
clients, etc. | www.dropbox.com
Google storage | Every Google Account
starts with 15 GB of free storage that’s
shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and
Google Photos. Upgrade to Google One for
more storage space | one.google.com
WeTransfer | Share or send up to 2GB
of files for free around the world. No sign-up
required | www.wetransfer.com
CONFERENCE CALLING
FreeConferenceCall.com | Zoom
alternative. Can host up to 1,000 users per
session, with features like whiteboarding,
breakout sessions, chat, recording, and
mobile app options. Pay-what-you-can
pricing model allows access to quality video
conferencing software for entrepreneurs,
charities, students, start-ups, etc. | www.
freeconferencecall.com
~
Add your non-commercial listing to the next edition of the Directory. It is free | www.southafricanconversations.co.za/resource-directory

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 37
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Here's What Businesses Can Do To Make A Difference
Here are some out-of-the-box ideas for businesses to help stimulate
entrepreneurship and promote sustainable self-reliance & independence
Photo | Rodger Bosch | MedicaClubSouthAfrica.com
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP
MANAGEMENT (CRM) TOOLS
Hubspot | A fantastic, free CRM software
to centralise customer management.
Includes contact & task management,
email tracking, templates, document
sharing, meeting scheduling, live chat
and sales quotes. Sign up includes free
email tips on improving marketing & sales
communications | www.hubspot.com |
Tube
How To Use HubSpot CRM | All-In-
You
One FREE CRM Software for Small Business
(HubSpot Tutorial)
ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
v Support one or more employees
in developing a business to supply
your business. Brainstorm mutually
beneficial ideas together. Help
them purchase the tools of the
trade – the boat, computer, lawn
mower, truck – that will enable
them to become a supplier to you
and many others. Help them gain
access to finance, knowledge, raw
materials, space in which to work
or store the products of their
labour or ways to transport it to
market. Help them advertise their
products to generate increased
demand for their offering. Help
them become successful – and
watch productivity soar in both
your businesses. The more
economic prosperity we create, the
more all of us will prosper.
v Partner with individuals and
existing businesses in communities
in which you operate to make sure
that money flows back to them (as
opposed to extracting profits without
re-investment into the community).
Finding ways to involve your
customers as partners will create
goodwill beyond what any public
relations activity or media coverage
could ever buy. Involve them in
planting, growing, producing,
testing, processing, distributing,
marketing and selling your product
– giving them access to useful
goods along with the potential to
earn an income.
v Package your product in smaller
quantities (example: a pair of
pants and two shirts, two pairs
of underpants and socks for
a 10-year-old boy) and start a
programme that makes it possible
for customers to re-sell your
merchandise in their rural home
areas, eliminating the need for you
to open a store in every remote
corner of South Africa. Pass the
resultant cost-saving on to your
customers in these rural areas.
v Pay them for advertising your
brand on their walls and for
promoting your product on their
streets and in their spaza-shops.
v Create win-win partnerships that
strengthen township economies.
Arrange with township taxis
and spaza shops to make your
products available to inhabitants
who can barely afford the taxi
money to go to town.
v Provide training, skills development
and access to information to make
sure that the employee-becomesupplier
or the customer-becomepartner
can continue to supply
what your business needs.
Supporting the development of Black entrepreneurs will help
transform the legacy of apartheid, which barred Black people from
owning more than 49% of the shares in their own businesses –
undermining any will and incentive to start a business, leaving at least
two generations of South Africans without entrepreneurial precedent.
DigiSigner | Electronic signature. No
need to print, sign and scan. Add your
signature electronically and send. No signup
required | www.digisigner.com
FAXING
Online faxing providers offer a free
trial, with costs similar to traditional
fax machines. Look for providers with
availability in South Africa, send and
receive capability, electronic signatures, file
sharing and storage, and reasonable costs.
You can link a free Google fax number to
your Gmail address but you will still need
an online service provider to send and
receive faxes. Free emergency options:
Cocofax | Send and receive faxes online
from any device. 14-day free trial. Credit
card needed to start. Works with Google fax
| www.cocofax.com
GotFreeFax | 30-day free trial. Cannot
receive faxes | www.gotfreefax.com
Online Fax | Install the app to fax directly
from your PC or from Google Drive, always
free, but limited to 5 pages per month |
https://onlinefax.io
Wisefax | Pay as you go to send faxes
or set up a monthly account to send and
receive | www.wisefax.com
MARKETING TOOLS
Buffer | A social media scheduler for
managing posts on Twitter, Facebook,
Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. Free
option offers 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts
for 1 user per month | www.buffer.com
Canva | A free, easy-to-use online
graphic design platform for non-designers.
Drag-and-drop functionality. Hundreds of
free templates for advertisements, posters,
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38 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
FOOD GROWING
– Ron Finley
t
COMMERCIAL FARMING
See: SUPPORT FOR FARMERS in the
ENTREPRENEURSHIP pages
EDIBLE LANDSCAPES
As hunger is becoming a global problem,
increasing numbers of towns and cities
around the world are planting food
instead of doing traditional landscaping.
In these edible cities people are
encouraged to pick what they need, free
of charge and without questions asked.
Andernach in Germany is one such
city. In 2010, they planted 101 varieties
of tomatoes in the town centre – free
for anyone to pick. The following year
the city did the same with beans, then
onions. Now you’ll find all kinds of
vegetables, herbs, berries and fruit and
nut trees growing among the flowers
and shrubs all over the city. And because
there’s enough to go around, people
don’t take more than they need.
EDIBLE PUBLIC SPACES
Edible Cities Network | Shares
information, inspiration and expertise,
and promotes sustainable methods of
urban food production, distribution and
consumption to tackle urgent urban
challenges – from climate change to hunger
and social exclusion – through edible,
nature-based cities throughout the world.
Resource-rich website. Free newsletter |
www.edicitnet.com | f Edicitnet - The
Edible Cities Network
Food Matters | A British NPO that works
to create sustainable and fair food systems,
educating people about the physical and
mental health benefits of healthy eating.
Freely download the following:
• Building Local Food Systems
• Mapping Local Food Webs Toolkit
• Food Growing and Development
www.foodmatters.org | f Foodmatters.org
Incredible Edible Network | Creating
healthy, kind, connected, prosperous and
resilient communities – through food. Inforich
website | www.incredibleedible.org.
uk | f IncredibleEdibleUK
Urban Farming | A global NPO on a
mission to create an abundance of food
and economic opportunity through the
establishment of food gardens on unused
land, rooftops and other spaces. Info-rich
website | www.urbanfarming.org | f
UrbanFarmingGlobalFoodChain
Imagine how beautiful our towns and cities
would look if all empty yards had food rather
than weeds growing in them! Imagine what
heartache and suffering could be averted with
this simple strategy.
TEDtalks | Edible Cities, Lynn Shore
| From garden city to edible city, Bjorn
Low & Calvin Soh | How we can eat our
landscapes, Pam Warhurst
YouTube | City of Atlanta opens free food
forest to the public | Creating a Front
Yard Garden to Engage the Community |
Edible Landscaping - How to Create a
Foodscape | How to Design a Public
Permaculture Food Forest | How to Grow
Organic, Edible Landscapes | Incredible
Edible Public Park Helps to Feed 200,000
People Every Month | The Incredible
Edible Landscape
A Lesson from America's
First ‘Agrihood’
Photo | Miona Janeke
An experimental food garden at Menlyn Park
Shopping Centre in Pretoria, a decade ago.
Landscaping public parks, corporate
gardens, empty plots of land and
overgrown pavements with edible plants
could be a very effective solution to
hunger and malnutrition in our country.
An example of flowers, herbs & vegetables
growing together in a public space.
It was an empty lot in a poor
suburb. It now feeds roughly
2,000 households per month.
www.miufi.org
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 39
FOOD GROWING
EDIBLE SCHOOL GARDENS
The Edible Schoolyard Project |
Edible education that provides hands-on
experiences that connect students to food,
nature and each other. Addresses the crises
of climate change, public health, hunger and
social inequality. Resource-rich website with
free lesson plans & instruction materials |
You
Tube
www.edibleschoolyard.org | The Edible
Schoolyard Project
Food gardens at schools:
• Provide free school lunches, which frees
up money for other necessities.
• Some programmes in different parts of
the world have resulted in reductions in
malnutrition of between 80-95% among
students.
• Once they know how to garden, children
can be provided with seeds to plant at
home, adding to individual family food
security.
• Teach students about proper nutrition,
stewardship of the earth and the value
of community.
TEDtalks | Growing minds by growing
school gardens, Laurie Brekke
YouTube | Food For Thought ~ Schools
Permaculture (South African) | Growing
Space - Edible Gardens For Schools And
Communities | Guide to starting a school
garden | The Benefits of School Gardens
| The Best School Garden - Galileo
VIDEOS & TALKS ABOUT
URBAN FARMING
Watch this short, but very
important video
You
Tube
Local Food can Save the World |
A 2 -minute movie that explains the
benefits of local food production: it
encourages crop diversity, dignified
& sustainable work and income for
local people, more nutritious food
for the community, and healthier
ecosystems. At the same time, local
food economies massively reduce
pollution, plastic packaging and CO2
emissions. The movie was produced
by Local Futures | An NPO
dedicated to revitalizing local cultural
and biological diversity. Their website
contains a wealth of resources,
including other documentaries and
a Localisation Action Guide – all free
| www.localfutures.org | f Local
Futures / Economics of Happiness
My Family's Garden
I was raised almost exclusively on
homegrown fruits and vegetables
in the small village where I come
from in France.
I’ve always been amazed at how
many things my parents grew
in such abundance in our tiny
garden: tomatoes, lettuce, spinach,
onions, carrots, beans, potatoes,
rhubarb, squash and pumpkins.
My mother grew thyme, mint,
rosemary, parsley and chives, and
our four fruit trees provided us
with peaches, apples, apricots and
pears.
Anything we had too much of we
traded for things we didn’t have
with neighbours who also grew
their own food.
Photo | Steffi Pereira | Unsplash
TEDtalks | A guerrilla gardener in
South Central LA, Ron Finley | How
urban agriculture is transforming Detroit,
Devita Davison | The urban agriculture
revolution, David Gingera | Urban farming:
Creating tomorrow’s food, Sriram Gopal
YouTube | Farming While Black, Leah
Penniman | Growing Food in Urban Small
Spaces - Urban Gardening | How Green
Roofs Can Help Cities | Inspiring Woman
Growing a Huge Amount of Food in Her City
Permaculture Garden | Rob Greenfield:
Growing Food in Urban Small Spaces -
Urban Gardening / The Off-Grid Community
Garden in the Middle of the City! | Soul
Fire Farm | This Woman Built 17 Gardens
for Her Community and Isn’t Stopping! /
Transforming Yards Into Gardens | Urban
Edible Forest | Urban Farming and
Growing Your Own Food with Greg Peterson
– Kimbal Musk, Million Gardens Movement
And don’t get me wrong: my
parents are not farmers. They are
working people. Growing their own
food allowed them to feed our
family with very little money. They
bought some seeds but mostly
used seeds saved from the foods
that we ate.
With minimal effort, anyone can
be a gardener — even without a
garden, because you can grow
almost anything in containers.
Even trees. Growing food requires
patience, but it is well worth the
trouble: you will soon have a
thriving little business out of a
project that feeds your family for
free.
– Melina Huet
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40 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
Take back your power.
Grow your own food!
Photo | Courtney Smith | Unsplash
Imagine a world in which families and communities are fundamentally
self-sufficient ... living sustainably from the land, the way we,
as a species, have lived for 99% of our time on earth, but with the
advantage of modern tools and technologies at our disposal.
Imagine not being dependent on shops for sustenance,
making use of their offerings when it suits us –
not because we have no choice.
Order the poster at www.southafricanconversations.co.za/shop
Add your non-commercial listing to the next edition of the Directory. It is free | www.southafricanconversations.co.za/resource-directory

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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 41
FOOD GROWING
4 Traditional Crops
These crops are now referred to as the
“forgotten foods for the future”
because they are nutrient-rich,
drought-tolerant, pest and disease
resistant and easy to grow.
Find out how to grow them at
www.biowatch.org.za
Indigenous Seeds
Traditional, subsistence
farmers are the custodians of
Africa’s seeds, plants and
knowledge systems.
Photo: Jacques Naude
AMASWELA ( calabash) UDHALI (pigeon pea)
Lagenaria siceraria
Cajanus cajan
UMMBILA (maize)
Zea mays
UNYAWOTHI (pearl millet)
Pennisetum glaucum
AMABELE (sorghum)
Sorghum bicolor
UBHONTSHISI (kidney bean)
Phaseolus vulgaris
The cowpea is a tough annual legume that has become popular in the dry tropics and subtropics worldwide. However, wild
cowpeas are found only in Africa and Madagascar, and it appears that cowpeas were first domesticated in west and east
Africa. From here they spread to southeast Asia together with sorghum and millet 3 500 years ago, to the Mediterranean and
eventually to the Americas.
Delicious, nutritious, ancient legume
Cowpea
cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) isiZulu: imbumba
Cowpeas are an African staple.
UMNGOMENI
(mung bean)
Vigna radiata
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44
AMATHANGA
( pumpkin)
Cucurbita maxima
Cowpeas are a versatile food that can be prepared in many ways. The green pods, dry and fresh leaves, cooked dry beans, and
cooked or raw fresh beans can all be eaten. The beans are also ground into a paste or flour, and can be processed into a milk
in the same way as soya beans.
Their importance as an African staple ensured their inclusion in the cuisines of the African diaspora. The African tradition of
eating “black-eyed” peas (cream or tan cow peas with a dark eye) with rice is widespread in southern USA, and this dish, called
“Hoppin John” is eaten with collard greens on New Years’ Day to bring good luck. In west Africa and the Caribbean, fried
cowpea fritters are served for breakfast and snacks.
Cowpeas are an important source of carbohydrates (63%) and proteins (25%), with low fat content (1.5%); as well as being
rich in vitamins B1, B2 and B9 and the minerals calcium, phosphorus and iron.
A versatile food, cowpeas are an African staple.
biodiversity | food sovereignty | agroecology | social justice | www.biowatch.org.za
Jugo bean
jugo bean (Vigna subterranea) isiZulu: izindlubu
Jugo bean, a legume, is a traditional crop in sub-Saharan Africa. Analysis of the diversity of the many landraces on the
continent suggest that it originated in northeastern Nigeria and northern Cameroon in West Africa. It is the third most
important legume grown on the continent after peanuts and cowpeas, with west Africa producing 50% of the harvest. Its
West African roots have resulted in the most known common name: the Bambara nut. In Zimbabwe it is known as the Nyimo
bean and in South Africa it is called the jugo bean and sometimes the round groundnut. In South Africa, jugo beans are mainly
grown in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
The third most important legume in Africa.
Jugo beans can be sown after the first rains in early summer. They grow to height of 35cm with a compact, well-developed tap
root and creeping branched or spreading stems with three-leaflet clusters. Although jugo beans are related to cowpeas, the
“bean” that is harvested comes from a pod produced in the ground, similar to peanuts. They start producing yellow flowers a
month after planting. Once the flowers are fertilised the stems grow downwards to produce wrinkly pods, containing one or
two seeds, buried in the soil. The beans are almost round, with a hard and shiny coat in a diversity of colours including white,
cream, red, brown, black and speckled.
Jugo beans thrive in well drained, sandy-loam soils and high temperatures. Although they enjoy consistent rain while growing
they do better in dry areas, and can produce a harvest with less than 500mm of rain per year.
Jugo beans are the 3rd most important legume in Africa.
Photo: Gcina Ndwalane
Photo: Max Bastard
IZINDLUBU (jugo bean)
Vigna subterranea
TRADITIONAL FARMERS ARE THE CUSTODIANS OF OUR FOOD
Sophiwe Dlamini’s
household seedbank
Seed selection, saving and exchange are at the heart of traditional
Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
agricultural systems for millions of African small-holder farmers,
contributing significantly to livelihoods and the conservation of
agricultural biodiversity. Traditional crops are culturally valued,
locally adapted and genetically diverse. Farmers conserve this agro-diversity by growing many species and varieties, and using household
seedbanks to manage plant genetic resources. In doing so, African small-holder farmers are reviving, enhancing and deepening understanding
of traditional seed and knowledge systems.
Household seedbanks represent a rich repository of culture and tradition, and the display of seeds, and the pleasure that is taken in their
exchange and use, also plays an essential role in strengthening social networks. Locally adapted and diverse crops build the resilience and
adaptive capacity of farmers, which is vital in the face of global environmental change and uniformity in agricultural systems.
watch
SOUTH AFRICA
IBHECE (watermelon)
Citrullus lanatus
biodiversity food sovereignty biosafety social justice
www.biowatch.org.za
UDONCA (sesame)
Sesamum indicum
AMAKINATI (groundnut)
Arachis hypogea
IMBUMBA (cowpea)
Vigna unguiculata
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE IS THE KEY
TO SEED AND FOOD SOVEREIGNTY
Download this free poster
with 44 different types of seeds
of food plants that grow naturally
in South Africa.
Botanist and photographer: Mark Mattson
biodiversity | food sovereignty | agroecology | social justice | www.biowatch.org.za
Millets
finger millet (Eleusine coracana) isiZulu: uphoko
pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) isiZulu: unyawothi
Millets are a group of diverse small-grain grasses that have provided staple foods and fodder in the semi-arid tropics of Africa
and Asia since the founding of ancient civilisations, thousands of years ago. Of the many types, farmers in KwaZulu-Natal
grow finger millet and pearl millet. Both are quick growing, summer annuals that have fairly few insect pests or diseases.
These grasses grow in clumps and tiller (produce many stems from each plant) especially in good conditions.
Millets are gluten-free, high in protein and
FINGER MILLET
antioxidants,
Finger millet is one of the most important
and
small grains in Africa.
can
Of all major
help
cereals, this crop
prevent
is one of the most nutritious
and
and tasty. The plant is hardy, and has adapted to a variety of conditions: rainfall as low as 275mm and up to 1 000mm and
more, and cool to hot temperatures of up to 35°C. It also grows at elevations ranging between 500m and 2 400m – higher
than most tropical cereals. The grain can be stored for up to 10 years without insect damage, carrying communities through
seasons of drought when other crops don’t produce.
manage diabetes. Finger millet has three
times more calcium than milk.
However, this food that has been a staple for thousands of years, is becoming scarce. The crop has received little attention
from the scientific community, and with a global trend to fast food, the production of finger millet has declined to only
5-million tons worldwide. In South Africa, finger millet deserves urgent conservation and promotion as a crop that can provide
quality food in an ever more variable and dry climate.
Finger millet, an ancient staple grain, is becoming scarce.
biodiversity | food sovereignty | agroecology | social justice | www.biowatch.org.za
Sorghum
sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) isiZulu: amabele
The earliest evidence of the use of sorghum is an 8 000-year-old site on the current border between Egypt and
Sudan, where sorghum seeds were found together with pottery fragments and cattle bones. North-eastern Africa
is believed to be the centre of origin for cultivated sorghum due to the genetic diversity of the varieties, and
similarities with wild sorghums, in this region.
Highly nutritious and naturally gluten-free,
Sorghum is the fifth most important grain
Sorghum is now the 5th most important cereal crop worldwide, providing the staple food for 750 million people.
Sorghum is an important animal feed; the whole plant is used as fodder, hay and silage (moist fodder that is
fermented in an airtight store). Commercial production for livestock feed is greater than food, with the USA
producing most sorghum worldwide.
in
Ancient
the
grain
world. Known in South Africa
as Maltabella.
Thousands of years of growing sorghum in different parts of the world, has resulted in varieties that are so
different that they used to be classified as separate species! Now scientists have realised that they are all the
same amazing crop. For example, in some parts of India one can find sorghum that can be popped like popcorn,
or cooked and eaten as a vegetable like sweetcorn. In Nigeria there is yellow sorghum, rich in Vitamin A.
Photo: Gcina Ndwalane
– Paraphrased from a Zoom conversation.
Download this free fact sheet about
why farmers need to save seeds and
build community seed networks.
www.biowatch.org.za
Select ‘Publications & Documents’
to find and download the above
material, plus information about
traditional crops and how to grow
them ... and much, much more.
Sorghum is the 5th most important cereal crop worldwide.
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>
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42 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
FOOD, HUNGER & NUTRITION
– Editor
t
FORAGING FOR FOOD
Shops and supermarkets are not the
only places where one can find food.
There are over 80,000 edible plants
in the world, yet roughly 150 are
harvested for food. The natural world
is filled with free and highly nutritious
food – if only we knew what to look
for and how to use it the way our
ancestors did.
Sadly, the vast bounty of nature has
been reduced to what we can find in
the shops. We no longer know that
there are multiple varieties of the
same kinds of edible plants in similar
environments all over the world.
Photo | Dana Devolk | Unsplash
The tide is turning, though, and
people everywhere are beginning to
rediscover the vast gifts of nature.
Academics are researching and
publishing information about the
nutritional and medicinal properties
of wild food plants. Farmers are
beginning to grow indigenous crops
commercially because they are
drought and pest resistant, easy
to grow in local conditions, and
nutrient-dense.
And ordinary people are beginning to
forage for food in their surroundings
– not because they cannot afford
store-bought fruits and vegetables,
but because they want to have
access to the most densely nutritious
food that nature has to offer: free
of chemicals and not genetically
modified. Besides, increasing the
diversity of food plants that you eat,
even in very small quantities, is the
simplest way to eat a diet that’s rich
in micro-nutrients.
In this section, you’ll find information
about how to identify and use
indigenous, edible plants that grow
wild in South Africa. Educate yourself!
There is no need for any of our
children to be malnourished!
You need to learn about only two
or three wild plants to increase the
micronutrients in your food and
start saving money – on food and
medical bills! But you also need to be
responsible and make 100% sure that
you have identified a plant that is not
poisonous.
And don’t for a moment think that
foraging for food is something only
poor people do. A small restaurant
called Wolfgat in the Western Cape
serves almost exclusively foraged
food and they won an international
‘Restaurant of the Year’ award in
2019! (www.wolfgat.co.za)
South Africa even has a foraging
celebrity: Roushanna Gray – one
of eight people from around the
world who were featured in an
original documentary series from
Corona Studios called “Free Range
Humans.” Roushanna teaches
foraging workshops and leads wild
food expeditions along the Cape
Floral Region, which is recognised
by UNESCO as one of the most
biodiverse environments in the world.
(www.veldandsea.com)
Read the article: Edible Weeds & Wild
Plants: A solution to malnutrition?
elsewhere in the directory.
Foraging Guidelines
i Start by learning about one or two
plants, what they look like, where to
find them, and how to use them.
i Properly identify and research any
wild plant in its unripe and ripe states
before you eat it. Some plants have
poisonous look-alikes. See: WHAT‘S
THAT PLANT CALLED? and research
the plant in more than one resource.
i Not everything you find in a book will
be in your area. And not everything
you find in your area will be in a book.
Ask the elders what they know.
i Do not pick mushrooms unless you
know what you’re doing. Some are
poisonous enough to cause death.
i Only take what you need. Leave
enough for re-growth. Don’t pull
out the roots – unless they’re edible.
Never take the last of what’s left.
i Don’t damage anything. Don’t disturb
the ecosystem that produces the
foods that you’re after. It should look
as if you were never there.
i Give nature time to replenish: don’t
forage in the same area all the time.
i Don’t litter. We are not the only
beings who live on this planet and
animals don’t know the difference
between a piece of chewing gum
and a worm.
i Avoid polluted areas: dog-walking
paths or roads with heavy traffic.
i Wash pickings before you eat them.
i Share your knowledge – especially
with children.
i You may need a permit to forage
in your area. Find out from your
municipal offices.
Sources: www.britishlocalfood.com |
www.EdibleCities.net | www.fao.org –
search for: Voluntary Guidelines for the
Conservation and Sustainable Use of Crop
Wild Relatives and Wild Food Plants
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 43
FOOD, HUNGER & NUTRITION
What's That Plant Called?
Most apps that help identify plants,
trees, flowers, vegetables, mushrooms,
weeds, etc., have a database of photos
to scroll through. Many allow you to
submit a photo of any part of a plant
you’d like to identify.
Candide | Identify plants or search
for plants in a specific environment. Can
also ask the community. Free & ad-free.
iNaturalist | Identify plants and
animals. Created by the National
Geographic Society & the California
Academy of Sciences. Free & ad-free.
PlantNet | Database of 20,000+
plant species. Free & ad-free. Web version
at identify.plantnet.org
PlantSnap | Database of 625,000+
plants, trees & mushrooms – and
growing. Free & paid options.
A recent and very relevant book
about the myriad plants that have
sustained human populations throughout
the course of history.
You won’t find them on grocery shelves,
but you will find them in nature.
Download this Beginner’s Guide to
Identifying, Foraging, and Using
Medicinal Plants free: www.pdfDr.com
Apps to Help Find
EDIBLE Wild Plants
Apps with info on where & when to
find and identify, how to use for food &
medicine, poisonous look-alikes, etc.
Edible and Medicinal Plants |
Comprehensive & free.
Edible Plant Guide | Covers 950+
wild plants and what health conditions
they have historically been used for.
Works offline. Costs less than R50.
Mushrooms Lite - Field Guide
(Free) / Mushrooms PRO / iKnow
Mushrooms 2 PRO / | 3 Apps by
Nature Mobile. Educational. Helps with
accurate identification. Works offline.
Vild Mad | See FORAGING FOR WILD
FOOD elsewhere in this section.
Wild Edibles | Plants in temperate/
tropical climates. Paid & lite/free versions.
– Iso, Founder of foragesf.com
Wild mushrooms are an incredible source
of healing nutrition. But if you eat the
wrong thing, you could die.
Make sure you are well informed.
Now research that plant!
Knowing what the plant is called is the
first step. Next, you MUST research the
edibility of the plant. Google it, look it
up on Wikipedia or research it here:
• www.healthbenefitstimes.com
• http://pza.sanbi.org
• https://southafrica.co.za
See if you can find this book by
F.W. Fox & M. E. Norwood Young
in your local library or online. It is one of
very few books about edible wild plants
particular to southern Africa.
Download this informative, free
booklet. Google: guidetokelp_
harvestinginsouthafrica
Learn from YouTube videos how to use
seaweed to add nutrition to your food.
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44 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
GENDER & VIOLENCE ISSUES
– Riane Eisler
t
Also see:
• SAFE PLACES, ASSISTANCE & MORE under
SEXUAL & OTHER ABUSE OF CHILDREN in the
CHILD WELFARE pages
• GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE, as well as RAPE
in the CRISIS SUPPORT pages
• GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE & RAPE in the
MEN & BOYS pages
• FAMILY WELL-BEING, RELATIONSHIP &
MARRIAGE COUNSELLING in the WOMEN &
FAMILY pages
• EMERGENCY & TRANSITIONAL SHELTERS
elsewhere in this section.
TERMS & DEFINITIONS
Domestic violence | It is committed
by one partner in an intimate relationship
against the other partner. It happens in
heterosexual or same-sex relationships
& between former spouses or partners.
It sometimes also involves violence
against children, parents or the elderly.
It can include physical, verbal, emotional,
economic, religious, reproductive or sexual
abuse. It can range from subtle, coercion
to violent physical abuse, marital rape,
disfigurement or death. It may include
the use of technology to harass, control,
monitor, stalk or hack. Victims of domestic
violence are mostly women, who are also
likelier than men to use intimate partner
violence in self-defence.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) | Physical,
sexual or psychological harm or suffering
perpetrated mainly against women, girls &
transgender people, though GBV could
affect anyone in an unequal power dynamic:
men, elders, people with disabilities, and
children – including boys. Such violence
may arise from a cultural acceptance
of sexual violence, from a sense of
entitlement and superiority, from personal
misogynistic attitudes or from a deep sense
of worthlessness and a need for personal
elevation through demeaning behaviour
towards others – or from all of the above.
Homophobia | Negative attitudes toward
homosexuality or people who are identified
or perceived as being lesbian, gay, bisexual
or transgender. Homophobia has been
defined as prejudice, aversion or hatred and
may be based on irrational fear, ignorance
or religious beliefs.
Misogyny | Hatred of, contempt for, or
prejudice against women. A form of sexism
that keeps women at a lower social status
than men, thus maintaining patriarchy.
Misogyny includes domestic violence and, in
its most extreme forms, femicide.
Objectification | This is an act of treating
a person as an object or thing that can
be owned because it lacks autonomy,
has no feelings or boundaries and is
interchangeable with other similar objects.
Women are objectified in pornography,
prostitution and sometimes in media
portrayals, advertising and sex jokes.
Toxic masculinity | Masculinity in
itself is not toxic. What makes it toxic are
cultural stereotypes, norms, attitudes and
behaviours related to masculinity that are
harmful to the individual and society. This
includes emotional repression, social and
sexual dominance and control, homophobic
and violent behaviour – traits that are
often also correlated with psychological
problems such as depression, substance
use disorders, inability to maintain close
relationships, as well as criminal behaviour.
Sexism | Sexism is prejudice or
discrimination based on someone’s sex
or gender. It primarily affects women, girls
and transgender people. It has been linked
to cultural stereotypes, social customs
and gender roles, and may include the
belief that one sex or gender is intrinsically
superior to another.
[Source: Wikipedia, mostly]
Having sex with someone
without their consent is rape.
Having sex with a child under the
age of 16 – even with their consent and
even if the perpetrator is also underage
– is rape.
Rape is a criminal offence that could
result in life imprisonment.
Abuse Manifests
in Many Ways
Abuse is any act of aggression
that causes emotional or physical
injury or hardship. Abuse is used to
control and oppress others.
• Abandoning
• Belittling
• Blackmailing
• Bondage
• Bullying
• Controlling
• Cruelty
• Damage to property
• Denying access to resources: food,
money, information, equipment...
• Elder abuse
• Emotional or verbal abuse
• Exposing a child to pornography
• Financial exploitation
• Forcing
• Harassing
• Hate speech
• Hitting & hurting
• Humiliating
• Insulting
• Intimidating
• Isolating
• Kicking
• Manipulating
• Maiming
• Mind games
• Murder
• Name-calling
• Neglecting
• Non-consensual pornography
• Oppression
• Rape
• Restraining
• Restricting movement
• Sexual harassment & violence
• Shaming
• Stalking
• Strangling
• Threatening
• Violence & exposure to violence
• Withholding care
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 45
GENDER & VIOLENCE ISSUES
DOMESTIC ABUSE, INCEST &
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
I AM A MAN
AND I PLEDGE
– FAMSA
HELPLINES
Gender-based Violence Command Centre
| Anonymous and confidential telephonic
information, counselling and referrals in
all 11 official languages | 24-Hour, free
helpline: 0800 GBV GBV (0800 428 428) or
text *120*7867# (FREE from any cellphone)
| Or SMS ‘help’ to 31531 and someone will
call you back | Skype: ‘HelpMe GBV’ for
members of the deaf community
Lifeline Gender Violence Helpline |
Anonymous, professional, free telephonic or
text counselling | Toll-free: 0800 150 150
/ WhatsApp: 084 922 8808
For an emergency that needs police
response | 10111
For an emergency that requires an
ambulance | 10177
Photo | Jassir Jonis | Unsplash
To never harm any girl or woman.
To never harm another living being.
To never ignore or keep silent about violence
in my community.
To reject hate, discrimination and prejudice
against any people, regardless of their gender,
age, skin colour or sexual preferences.
To live in harmony with my fellow human
beings – in the spirit of UBUNTU.
I AM A MAN
You can count on me.
Buy the poster at
Order the poster at www.southafricanconversations.co.za/shop
SAPS helplines (office hours)
• Head Office: Tshwane/Pretoria | 012
393 2107 / 021 592 1601
• Eastern Cape | 040 608 8498
• Free State | 051 507 6628
• Gauteng | 011 309 6016 / 011 403 3413
• KwaZulu-Nata | 031 325 4941
• Limpopo | 015 290 6180
• Mpumalanga | 013 762 4770
• North West | 018 299 7159
• Northern Cape | 053 839 2824
• Western Cape | 021 467 8390
Report complaints about SAPS service
relating to GBV, to the following:
• The station commissioner at the
relevant police station
• The SAPS complaint line | 0800 333
177 | complaintsnodalpoint@saps.
gov.za
• The Independent Police Investigative
Directorate | 012 399 0000 |
complaints@ipid.gov.za | Find
provincial details at www.ipid.gov.za
• The Gender-based Violence Command
Centre | 0800 GBV GBV
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46 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
HEALTH
– Dr. Mimi Guarneri
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Information on these pages is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment,
but as a record of available information on the internet and of knowledge about traditional remedies and the body’s
ability to heal itself when we live a healthy lifestyle. ALWAYS seek the advice of a medical doctor or qualified health
professional before trying things out – especially if you’re taking prescription medicines that may adversely
interact with a home remedy. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it.
Do share your research findings with your doctor!
t
ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
Private, insurance-based and public
health care systems exist alongside each
other in South Africa. The public system
includes public hospitals, government
clinics and community health centres
that offer primary health care,
maternity care, family planning and
oral health care through a nurse-based,
doctor-supported structure throughout
the country. Services & medication are
either free, charged at a minimal flat
rate or are determined by income level.
To access the public system, you need
an SA ID or permanent residence docs,
pay slip/unemployment/pension card
and proof of address (if available).
Find out from your local municipality or
local hospital what public health care
facilities are available in your area.
National Health Hotline | 0800 029
999 | Answers to questions about
TB, pregnancy, child health, mental
wellbeing, vaccines and more! In English,
Zulu, Afrikaans, Xhosa & Sotho, 24/7 |
WhatsApp | 0600 123 456
CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS
Also see LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESSES
in the CHILD WELFARE pages
Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital | 6
Jubilee Rd, Parktown, JHB | 010 133 0600
| www.nelsonmandelachildrenshospital.
org | f NMCHT
Red Cross War Memorial Children’s
Hospital | Klipfontein Rd, Rondebosch,
Cape Town | 021 658 5111
Community Health Care Workers
mothers2mothers (m2m) |
Primary Health Care services
(HIV prevention, care & treatment;
screening for Non-Communicable
Diseases, Tuberculosis and Malaria;
family planning, nutrition support,
and referrals to other vital services)
through local women living with
HIV across SA | 021 466 9160 |
info@m2m.org | https://m2m.
org | f mothers2mothers
DISASTER HEALTHCARE
Doctors Without Borders / Medecins
Sans Frontieres | A global network of
medical & other professional specialists.
Teams partner w/ organisations & local
experts to meet medical needs of people
affected by conflict, disasters & epidemics
plus those excluded from healthcare |
Zurich House, 70 Fox St, Marshalltown,
Johannesburg | office-joburg@joburg.msf.
org | www.msf.org.za | Contact via f
Doctors Without Borders (MSF)
FIND A HOSPITAL
An interactive map of rural and urban
hospitals | rhap.org.za | Click on
‘Our Projects’ in the menu bar, then select
‘Defining Rural – What do we mean by
rurality? How rural is your facility?’ (Note:
the map works no matter why you’re visiting.)
Or, if you’re new to an area, simply
ask the local people where to find the
nearest government or non-profit clinic
or healthcare facility. They will know.
GAUTENG HEALTH FACILITIES APP
Mpilo: Healthcare in Your Hands | A
free zero-rated app from Gauteng Health
and Vodacom Business. Allows users to:
find nearby healthcare facilities; call an
ambulance; report unethical/unacceptable
staff behaviour and service delivery issues;
receive health alerts. Hoax-proof.
HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE
Palliative care is for people with a
terminal illness, plus care for their
families. Check the HPCA website for a
hospice near you. Or Google “hospice”
plus your town or suburb. It is your
birthright to leave this world in dignity,
surrounded by loving care and kindness
– in your own home or in a facility.
Hospice Palliative Care Association of
South Africa (HPCA) | An umbrella
organisation representing SA hospices
offering palliative care. This involves care
of the patient’s body, mind and spirit, and
support for family. Any person, of any age,
with a life-limiting condition, e.g. cancer or
AIDS, qualifies for palliative care. Anyone
may refer a patient to hospice. Info-rich
website, includes a directory of hospices
in all SA provinces | 021 531 0277 |
info@hpca.co.za | www.hpca.co.za | f
HPCA10
Palliative Care for Children | Info,
resources, tools, support, networking &
training in palliative care for families, lay
caregivers, healthcare professionals and
organisations taking care of children with
life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses |
082 374 4632 / 083 467 6585 | info@
patchsa.org | www.patchsa.org | f
PatchPalliative
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 47
HEALTH
MIGRANT & REFUGEE HEALTHCARE
Discover what the law says, what your
rights are and where to get help if you,
as a migrant, are refused healthcare
| www.scalabrini.org.za > ‘Migrant &
Refugee Access to Public Healthcare in SA’
PRO-BONO SURGERIES
Operation Healing Hands (OHH) | A
group of doctors, medical professionals,
sponsors & service providers in the private
sector, offering life-changing surgeries to
those unable to afford it. Apply online |
info@operationhealinghands.co.za | www.
ohhsa.net | f OperationHealingHands
RURAL HEALTHCARE
Phelophepa Health Care Train | Two
trains bring free or low-cost dental, eye, and
primary health care, medication, mental
health counselling and health education
to poor rural areas with only one doctor
for every 5,000 patients. The trains are
operated by the Transnet Foundation,
sponsored by Roche and Novartis | www.
roche.co.za > corporate-citizenship >
phelophepa-healthcare-train
Rural Health Advocacy Project (RHAP) |
Resource-rich website | 010 601 7427
| info@rhap.org.za | rhap.org.za | f
Rural Health Advocacy Project
YOUR RIGHT TO HEALTHCARE
Also see WHERE TO REPORT MEDICAL
MISCONDUCT OR MALPRACTICE under
WHISTLEBLOWING PLATFORMS & AVENUES
TO REPORT WRONGDOING in the CIVIL
SOCIETY pages. Covers reporting avenues for
• Alternative/complementary healthcare
practitioners/therapists
• Doctors and medical practitioners
• Public or private health establishments,
clinics & hospitals
• Nurses or midwives
As well as where to report unresolved or
unsatisfactory management of a complaint by
a healthcare establishment.
People’s Health Movement South
Africa | Works to improve the capacity
of individuals and communities to access
health care | 129 Rochester Rd,
Observatory, Cape Town | 021 447 5770
| Contact via website | www.phm-sa.org
| f PHMSA1
Problems with a Government
hospital or clinic?
Try to resolve the issue at its source
with someone who is able to take
action. If unsuccessful, report it to
the free helpline for your province:
• Eastern Cape | 0800 032 364
• Free State | 0800 535 554
• Gauteng | 0800 203 886
• KwaZulu-Natal | 033 395 2009
• Limpopo | 0800 919 191
• Mpumalanga | 0800 204 098
• North West | 018 391 4000/1/2
• Northern Cape | 018 387 5778
• Western Cape | 021 483 5624
Still no joy? Contact the relevant
organisations listed under WHERE
TO REPORT MEDICAL MISCONDUCT
OR MALPRACTICE under
WHISTLEBLOWING PLATFORMS &
AVENUES TO REPORT WRONGDOING
in the CIVIL SOCIETY pages.
Or contact The national office of
the Department of Health | 012
395 8000 / 012 395 8495 | www.
health.gov.za | f HealthZA
Not getting anywhere? Read the
article: Here’s How to Become an
Active Citizen and Make Your Voice
Heard in the CIVIL SOCIETY pages
SECTION 27 | Guided by the
Constitution, works to improve the quality
and affordability of public and private health
systems, and to achieve equality and social
justice for all South Africans. Focus areas:
• Access to medicines
• HIV discrimination
• National Health Insurance
• Strengthening health systems
• Sexual and reproductive rights
• Emergency Medical Services
• Mental health services
• Community health workers
• Migrant Health
• National Strategic Plan on HIV, AIDS & TB
| South Point Corner Bldg, 87 De Korte St,
Braamfontein, Johannesburg | 011 356
4100 | info@section27.org.za or contact
via the website | section27.org.za
Stop Stockouts | Assists people whose
lives are endangered by chronic shortages of
essential medicines & children’s vaccines in
SA. Contact them if you are affected | Send
a ‘Please Call Me’ or an SMS or WhatsApp
call 084 855 7867 or call 011 728 7365 |
report@stockouts.org | www.stockouts.org
| f stockouts
Free Download
Discover your patient rights, and
your right to quality healthcare
from the Patients’ Rights Charter
Search: www.justice.gov.za
ALTERNATIVE, NATURAL,
TRADITIONAL & INTEGRATED
HEALTHCARE
Search ‘Allied Health Professions’ to read
the Act, Safety Guidelines and more |
www.gov.za
Allied Health Professions Council of
South Africa (AHPCSA) | A statutory
body overseeing all allied health
professions: Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine,
Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Homeopathy,
Naturopathy, Osteopathy, Phytotherapy,
Therapeutic Aromatherapy, Therapeutic
Massage Therapy, Therapeutic Reflexology
and Unani-Tibb. Access contact info of
registered practitioners in each modality
and lodge complaints online | 012 349
2331 | info@ahpcsa.co.za | www.
ahpcsa.co.za | f ahpcs
South African Natural Health
Practitioners’ Board (SANHPB) | An
NPO overseeing traditional healing
modalities and ethno-medicine practices.
Download Excel spreadsheets with contact
info of healthcare professionals in: natural
medicine, holistic & integrative health
practitioners, naturopaths, and medical
doctors and surgeons who incorporate
natural and traditional medicine; traditional
birth attendants, traditional healers,
traditional nurses | Contact via the
website | www.sanhpb.co.za
South African Society of Integrative
Medicine (SASIM) | An NPO association
of registered health practitioners, incl.
doctors & practitioners of Integrative and
Functional Medicine. Info-rich website
with search function to find an Integrative
Medicine practitioner near you | www.
integrativemedicine.co.za | 021 855 0518
| elma@integrativemedicine.co.za | f
You
Tube
sasimofficial | Integrative Medicine
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48 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
HUMAN RIGHTS
– Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
t
Human rights belong to all human
beings simply because we exist. Our
right to be alive, to be safe and free, to
be respected, to have access to food,
water, a place to live, and more – cannot
be taken away, regardless of how much
money we have, what language we speak
or where we live in the world.
Human rights can be restricted in specific
situations and according to due process
and by a court of law if a person is found
guilty of dishonouring the human rights
of another person. So, not only do all
human beings have rights, but we also
have an obligation to respect the rights
of other human beings.
Also see, elsewhere in the directory:
• The article: South Africa’s Bill of Rights
Guarantees our Human Rights
• The CIVIL SOCIETY pages
• HUMAN RIGHTS under SUBJECT-SPECIFIC
CONTENT in the EDUCATION: PRIMARY &
SECONDARY SCHOOL SUBJECT RESOURCES
GOVERNMENT BODY
Department of Justice and Constitutional
Development | Wide variety of human
rights & safety information for citizens:
Resources > Publications or Resources >
Articles and Info sheets or Resources >
Highlighted Services | www.justice.gov.za
INTERNATIONAL / CONTINENTAL
HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANISATIONS
African Centre for Democracy & Human
Rights Studies | A pan-African human
rights NGO. Promotes awareness and
adherence of human rights and democratic
principles throughout the African continent
| www.acdhrs.org | f ACDHRS
African Commission on Human and
Peoples’ Rights | Responsible for the
protection and promotion of human and
peoples’ rights on the African continent, and
for the interpretation of the African Charter
On Human And Peoples’ Rights, which can
be downloaded from ‘Resources’ on their
website | www.achpr.org | f African
Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Amnesty International South Africa |
Investigates and exposes human rights
abuses. Holds governments and powerful
companies to account, making sure they
respect international law. Mobilises and
trains people to claim their rights | 011
283 6000 | info@amnesty.org.za |
www.amnesty.org.za | f AmnestySAfrica
Human Rights Watch | Investigates
human rights crises around the world |
www.hrw.org | f HumanRightsWatch |
You
Tube
Human Rights Watch
Office of the High Commissioner for
Human Rights (OHCHR) | Represents the
world’s commitment to the freedoms set
out in the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights. Info-rich website | www.ohchr.org
| f unitednationshumanrights
Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC)
| Supports human rights lawyers with
expert legal advice, technical support &
funding to advance human rights & the rule
of law. Resource-rich website | President
Place, 1 Hood Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
| 010 596 8538 | enquiries@salc.org.za
| www.southernafricalitigationcentre.org
You
Tube
| f southernafricalitigationcentre |
SALC: Southern Africa Litigation Centre
War on Want | Challenges policies &
structures that cause poverty and violate
human rights | support@waronwant.org
| www.waronwant.org | f waronwant
World Justice Project | A multidisciplinary
organisation working to advance the
rule of law worldwide and to promote
justice, opportunity and peace | www.
worldjusticeproject.org | f thewjp
LEGAL SUPPORT & RESOURCES
Centre for Applied Legal Studies at the
University of the Witwatersrand |
Legal advice on accessing basic needs like
housing, water & electricity (countrywide);
legal assistance with evictions (JHB inner
city) | 011 717 8600 / National legal
support helpline: 066 076 8845 | DJ
du Plessis Bldg, West Campus, University
of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Ave,
Braamfontein, Jhb | www.wits.ac.za/cals
Directory of Justice Services | Focuses
on issues that affect vulnerable people,
such as women and children. Topics include
Maintenance, Domestic Violence, Getting
married under customary law, and many
more | www.justice.gov.za then search for
‘Directory of Justice Services’. The Resources
section also contains a wide variety of
useful, topic-specific publications.
Gazettes.Africa | A free digital collection
of gazettes | www.gazettes.africa
Laws.Africa | Open access to African
legal information | www.laws.africa
Lawyers for Human Rights | Free legal
services to vulnerable, marginalised and
indigent individuals and communities, both
non-national and South African, who are
victims of unlawful infringements of their
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 49
HUMAN RIGHTS
constitutional rights – including unlawful
arrest and detention of migrants | info@
lhr.org.za | www.lhr.org.za
Gauteng
• Johannesburg | Southpoint Corner
Bldg, 87 De Korte St, Braamfontein |
011 339 1960 / 066 076 8845 |
• Tshwane/Pretoria, Kutlwanong Democracy
Centre, 357 Visagie St | 012 320 2943
| 064 647 4719
KZN | Diakonia Centre, 20 Diakonia Ave,
Durban | 031 301 0531 / 078 315 1269
Limpopo | 18 Watson Ave, Musina |
015 534 2203 / 076 766 7782
Legal Aid South Africa | Free legal
representation for indigent and vulnerable
persons in SA (not only South African citizens).
Qualifying criteria on the website. This
extraordinary site offers an enormous
amount of useful information. Select ‘Get
Help’, then select either the topic you’re
looking for or select Self-help Portal
for information on: Drafting of Wills |
Children’s Rights | Citizenship | Consumer
Protection | Divorce | Domestic Violence
| Domestic Workers | Equality Court |
Insolvency | Maintenance | Marriage
| Mediation | Property | Removal
of a Criminal Record | School Fees |
Small Claims Court | Social Grants |
Unemployment | and many more | Also
offers an African Network on Legal Aid
with info on legal aid providers elsewhere
in Africa | There are Legal Aid SA offices
in almost every town in every province
of South Africa. On the website, select
‘Contact Us’, then select the relevant
province, then the town or city where you
require assistance. Or call for details of
an office near you | Legal Aid House,
29 De Beer St, Johannesburg | Advice
line 0800 110 110 or send a Please Call
Me to 079 835 7179 | Fraud and Ethics
Helpline 0800 153 728 – should someone
want to charge you for this free service |
communications2@legal-aid.co.za | www.
You
Tube
legal-aid.co.za | f LegalAidSA1 |
Legal Aid South Africa
Legal Practice Council | A national,
statutory body that regulates the affairs of
legal practitioners. Services to the public
include referral to pro bono attorneys |
Thornhill Office Park, 94 Bekker Rd Vorna
Valley, Midrand, Gauteng | 010 001
8500 | info@lpc.org.za | www.lpc.
org.za then find ‘Members of the Public’ to
apply for pro bono legal assistance | f
LegalPracticeCouncil
Legal Resources Centre | Uses the law
to remove structural obstacles to human
rights, justice and dignity across the full
range of rights in the Constitution of
South Africa. Assists with class action legal
cases that impact large groups of poor,
marginalised and vulnerable people. Free
access to case studies, judgements, court
papers, publications and other resources |
• Johannesburg | West Wing, Women’s
Jail, Constitution Hill, 1 Kotze St,
Braamfontein | 011 339 6080 / 011 836
9831 / 011 038 9709 |
• Cape Town | Greenmarket Place, 54
Shortmarket St | 021 481 3000 |
• Durban | 031 301 7572 |
• Makhanda/Grahamstown | 046 622 9230
Or leave your number on their website and
they’ll call you back | info@lrc.org.za |
www.lrc.org.za | f LRCSouthAfrica
National Association of Democratic
Lawyers (NADEL) | An organisation of
lawyers that volunteer to provide access
to justice for disadvantaged people |
Commerce House, 55 Shortmarket St, Cape
Town | 086 602 6167 | Contact via the
website | www.nadel.co.za
– Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein
Ndifuna Ukwazi | Activists and lawyers
providing legal services, research capacity
and training to communities in campaigns
for justice & equality in poor and working
class communities. Offers support, training
& mentorship to new organisations, leaders
and activists | 18 Roeland St, Cape Town
| 021 012 5094 | contact@nu.org.za |
www.nu.org.za | f NdifunaUkwazi
ProBono.Org | Free legal services
by volunteer private lawyers for people
who cannot afford legal representation.
Means test and qualifying criteria, as well
as a comprehensive list of legal clinics
throughout South Africa, on their website
| Johannesburg: 011 339 6080 / info@
probono.org.za | Cape Town: 087 470
0721 / infocpt@probono.org.za | Durban:
031 301 6178 / dbninfo@probono.org.za |
www.probono.org.za | f ProBono.Org
Public Interest Legal Services in South
Africa (PILS) | This is not an organisation,
but a website with information about how to
access free legal assistance from law clinics,
legal aid centres, advice offices, pro bono
work by attorneys and advocates, university
centres, civil society organisations, and legal
research and advocacy organisations that
work to advance and protect the rights of
vulnerable and marginalised people, and
to hold powerful actors to account. The
website provides an interactive map that
lists public interest legal service providers
by province and by type of organisation. The
“Issues” tab provides a list of the areas of
intervention addressed. Selecting a specific
issue such as “Workers’ Rights” will send you
to an explanation of the area of work and
list of organisations you can contact directly
| All listed organisations are limited to
taking cases that fall under their areas
of intervention and for which they have
capacity | www.pils.org.za
SASLAW Pro Bono NPC | Offers pro
bono (free) advisory and legal services
in South Africa’s four Labour Courts
in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town
and Gqeberha/PE, to people who do
not have access to justice and to nonprofit
organisations that do not have the
means to pay for legal services | www.
saslawprobono.co.za OR www.saslaw.org.za
> Pro Bono |
Eastern Cape | 041 364 3119 / 084 421
9804 | ecprobono@saslaw.org.za
Gauteng | 011 359 5777 |
joburgprobono@saslaw.org.za
KwaZulu Natal | 060 733 2593 |
saslawkzn@saslaw.org.za
Western Cape | 021 762 4498 |
westerncape@saslaw.org.za
SECTION 27 | A public interest law
centre guided by the principles and values
in the Constitution. Uses law, advocacy,
legal literacy, research and community
mobilisation to achieve equality and social
justice in South Africa, with specific focus
on Education, Health and Governance |
South Point Corner Bldg, 87 De Korte St,
Braamfontein, Johannesburg | 011 356
4100 | info@section27.org.za or contact
via the website | section27.org.za
South African Human Rights Commission
/ Legal Services Unit | Provides legal
services for the protection of human
rights in South Africa. Lodge a complaint
about individual or institutional human
rights violations via their website | www.
sahrc.org.za > Lodge A Complaint | Or
download the complaint form in any official
language, complete it in your own time, and
email it to complaints@sahrc.org.za | Or
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>

50 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
LABOUR MATTERS
t
CAPACITY-BUILDING & SUPPORT
FOR WORKERS AND THEIR
ORGANISATIONS
Also see CAPACITY-BUILDING ORGANISATIONS
in the CIVIL SOCIETY pages, as well as DISPUTE
RESOLUTION, below.
Cry of the Xcluded | The SA Federation
of Trade Unions, the Association of
Mineworkers and Construction Union, and
the Assembly of the Unemployed have
launched this initiative to unite millions
of unemployed & precariously employed
people in their fight for jobs, services &
dignity | www.unemployedassembly.org.
za/xcluded | f Cry of the Xcluded
Department of Employment & Labour
| Responsible for employment matters,
including industrial relations, job creation,
unemployment insurance & occupational
health & safety | Laboria Hse, 215 Francis
Baard St, Tshwane/Pretoria | 012 309
4000 / 4054 / 5000: Ask for details of a
Labour Centre near you | GautengPO@
labour.gov.za | gp.customercare@labour.
gov.za | www.labour.gov.za
Labour and Employment Relations
Association of South Africa (LERASA)
| Promotes rights at work, encourages
decent employment opportunities,
enhances social protection and strengthens
dialogue on work-related issues between
individuals & institutions involved in Labour
& Employment Relations | 260 Basden
Ave, Lyttelton, Tshwane/Pretoria | 012
644 8100 | info@lerasa.org.za | www.
lerasa.org.za | f Lerasa0126448100
People’s Media Consortium (PMC) |
Aims to contribute to the promotion
and protection of human, democratic
and labour rights by strengthening the
media and organising the capacity of poor
communities and unemployed/vulnerable
workers in South Africa to take up their own
interests through democratic mass media
interventions | wwmp.org.za/projects/
peoples-media-consortium
Section27 | Resources to help people
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
understand the law & their rights. In
particular, look for and download YOUR
RIGHTS AT WORK | South Point Corner
Bldg, 87 De Korte St, Braamfontein | 011
356 4100 | info@section27.org.za |
https://section27.org.za
The South African Labour Guide | A
private company in Tshwane/Pretoria with
comprehensive and useful information
concerning labour issues on their website
| 012 661 3208 / 012 666 8284 |
advice@labourguide.co.za | www.
labourguide.co.za
Worker’s World Media Productions
(WWMP) | Specialises in developing
democratic mass media and organisational
platforms that focus on socio-economic
and political issues that affect communities.
Offers education, training and organising
support to trade unions and working-class
communities | wwmp.org.za
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Also see the HUMAN RIGHTS pages
elsewhere in the directory
– Thomas Jefferson
If you have a problem at work that cannot
be directly resolved between the employer
and yourself, and if you are a member of a
Trade Union, call them first for advice and
assistance at the CCMA.
See TRADE UNIONS elsewhere in this section.
Also see LEGAL SUPPORT & RESOURCES in the
HUMAN RIGHTS pages.
Commission for Conciliation, Mediation
and Arbitration (CCMA) | Established
to provide the country with an accessible,
user-friendly and inexpensive labour
dispute resolution system to promote
labour market stability, social justice and job
security. Contact them for complaints about
unlawful dismissal, unfair labour practices,
sexual harassment and discrimination in the
workplace | National Office: 28 Harrison
St, Johannesburg | info@ccma.org.za |
www.ccma.org.za
National | 011 377 6600 / 50 or toll-free:
086 116 1616
Bloemfontein | 051 411 1780
Cape Town | 021 469 0180
Durban | 031 362 2380
East London | 043 711 5480
Ekurhuleni | 011 845 9080
Emalahleni | 013 655 2680
George | 044 805 7780
Johannesburg | 011 220 5080
Kimberley | 053 836 7380
Klerksdorp | 018 487 4680
Mbombela | 013 755 7580
National | 011 377 6680
Newcastle | 034 328 2480
Pietermaritzburg | 033 328 5080
Polokwane | 015 287 7480
Gqeberha/PE | 041 509 1080
Port Shepstone | 039 688 3780
Richards Bay | 035 799 3380
Rustenburg | 014 591 6480
Tshwane/Pretoria | 012 317 7880
Vaal | 016 440 2780
Welkom | 057 910 8380
To report fraud or corruption at the CCMA
call the Fraud Helpline on 0860 666 348 or
contact the call-back number on 072 595
9135, send a fax to 086 726 1681 or email
ccma@thehelpline.co.za.
SASLAW Pro Bono NPC | A non-profit
company formed by the South African
Society for Labour Law (SASLAW). Offers
pro bono (free) advisory and legal services
in South Africa’s four Labour Courts
in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town
and Gqeberha/PE, to people who do
not have access to justice and to nonprofit
organisations that do not have the
means to pay for legal services | www.
saslawprobono.co.za OR www.saslaw.org.za
> Pro Bono |
Eastern Cape | 041 364 3119 / 084 421
9804 | ecprobono@saslaw.org.za
Gauteng | 011 359 5777 |
joburgprobono@saslaw.org.za
KwaZulu Natal | 060 733 2593 |
saslawkzn@saslaw.org.za
Western Cape | 021 762 4498 |
westerncape@saslaw.org.za
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 51
LABOUR MATTERS
OCCUPATIONAL INJURY OR DISEASE
If you are injured, become disabled,
contract a disease or die in the course
of your work, you or your dependants
can claim compensation through the
Compensation Fund, if you were:
• permanently employed
• a domestic worker in a business set-up
• an apprentice or trainee farm worker
• a worker paid by a labour agency.
You cannot claim if you are:
• a domestic worker at a private home
• a member of the Defence or Police Force
• a sub-contractor . Employees of the subcontractor
are, however, covered.
• found guilty of willful misconduct
To obtain compensation benefits your
employer must submit a Claim Registration
Form WCL 2 to the Compensation Fund
(see below) within 12 months after the
accident or death, or after the disease was
diagnosed.
Are you an employer with one or more
employees? You are required, by law, to
register with the Compensation Fund for
insurance cover in the event of injuries,
disease or deaths at your workplace.
Compensation Fund (CF) | Provides
compensation for disability, illness and
death resulting from occupational injuries
and diseases | Compensation House, 167
Thabo Sehume St, Delta Heights Building,
Tshwane/Pretoria | 012 319 9163 / 012
306 5843 / 086 010 5350 | www.labour.
gov.za > Compensation Fund
GOVERNMENT BODIES
Department of Employment and Labour
| Info-rich website – for workers and
employers | Laboria House, 215 Francis
Baard St, Tshwane/Pretoria | 012 309
4000/5000 | Find provincial contact
information on the website | Use online
contact form | www.labour.gov.za | f
Department of Employment and Labour
National Economic Development and
Labour Council (Nedlac) | A public
entity that enables Government, labour
(trade unions), business and civil society
(NPOs and community organisations) to
negotiate, cooperate and solve economic,
labour and development problems and
related challenges facing the country |
NEDLAC House, 14A Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank,
Johannesburg | 011 328 4200 | info@
nedlac.org.za | www.nedlac.org.za | f
NedlacSA
UIF helps to alleviate poverty
through short-term unemployment
insurance and other related
benefits to qualifying workers.
Employers are legally required to
register ALL employees that work
for them for more than 24 hours
in a month – including domestic
workers – with the UIF.
Exceptions:
n
foreigners on short-term contracts
n
workers who are on a government
old-age pension
n
workers on commission only.
Employers must deduct 1% from
the worker’s pay and add a 1%
employer’s contribution, and pay
this to the UIF or SARS before the
7th business day of every month.
Employees who are registered with
the UIF and whose contributions are
paid up to date can claim shortterm
financial assistance for the
following benefits covered by UIF.
Conditions apply in all instances.
1. Unemployment benefits |
Available for 12 months maximum.
2. Illness benefits | Two weeks.
3. Maternity benefits | 17 weeks
maternity leave. If you miscarry
in the third trimester or the baby
is stillborn, you can claim for 6
weeks.
4. Adoption benefits | If you
legally adopt a child younger than
two years old and you leave work
to look after that child.
5. Death benefits | The wife or
husband and any minor children
of the worker who has died
can claim death benefits if the
deceased had paid contributions
to the UIF fund.
You can claim UIF benefits at
a labour centre near you (find
addresses at www.labour.gov.za >
Contacts > Labour-centres OR claim
online at https://ufiling.labour.gov.za
> uif > unemployment-benefits)
There are different procedures
Here's what you need to know about the
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FUND (UIF)
for claiming the various available
benefits. In all instances, you will
need the following (if you’re claiming
death benefits, you’ll need these for the
deceased worker):
n
Your South African bar-coded
identity document
n
A copy of your last six payslips
n
A form UI-19, supplied by your
employer
n
A service certificate from the
employer
n
A completed registration form
Each claim has its own rules and
additional requirements, e.g.:
n
Unemployment benefits | You
need to register as a work seeker
and be prepared to:
• Go for training or career
counselling if required
• Be available to work, if you are
offered work
• Actively look for work. You will
get a form that needs to be
signed showing that you have
looked for work and that there
are no jobs available.
n
Illness benefits | A doctor’s
medical certificate.
n
Maternity benefits | Medical
doctor’s certificate or birth
certificate of the baby, as well as
additional UIF application forms.
n
Adoption benefits | The
adoption order.
n
Death benefits | You must
claim within six months of the
death of the worker and will need
the following documents:
• Certified death certificate copy.
• A certified copy of your
marriage certificate.
• A certified copy of the child/
children’s birth certificate.
• Proof of your banking details.
Useful contacts |
n
www.labour.gov.za > Contacts >
Labour-centres
n
https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/uif
n
Free UIF hotline | 0800 030 007
n
ufiling.labour.gov.za/uif
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za
>>>

52 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
“It is unacceptable that the
million or so of women who
clean our homes, help raise
our children, care for our
elderly and provide security
to our households are not
themselves effectively cared
for by our society.”
– Phelisa Nkomo
domestic workers
You have the right to work
without sexual harassment,
physical harm, verbal abuse
or exploitation and unfair
treatment.
You are entitled to be paid
at least the minimum wage
as set by the Department of
Employment & Labour every
year. However, the minimum
wage should be used for staff
with no experience or training.
If you’re experienced, go ahead
and ask for a market-related
price for your level of work.
When you start a new job,
you have the right to ask for a
clear job description, as well as
written confirmation of your
pay, days and hours of work,
leave and deductions.
Medical insurance, loans,
pension fund contributions,
savings and rent may be
deducted from your wages
but ONLY with your written
permission. Make sure you
understand anything that you
are asked to sign.
The employer may not
deduct more than 10% of
your total monthly pay for
accommodation that they
provide. The accommodation
must be in good condition
and weatherproof, must have
at least one door and one
window, and a bath or shower
and toilet – or you must have
access to a bathroom. You
have the right to stay in any
accommodation provided by
your employer for one month
after receiving their notice.
Money may not be deducted
from your wages for meals
during working hours, tools or
work equipment, breakages,
damages, training or uniforms.
45 hours is a standard working
week – any hours over that
must be paid at the overtime
rate of one-and-a-half times
your usual wage.
You shouldn’t work overtime
for more than three hours a
day or 15 hours a week.
You must be given a rest
period of 12 hours in a row
Photo | Tshikululu Social Investments | www.tshikululu.org.za | Courtesy of Anglo American Chairman’s Fund

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 53
every 24 hours as well as 36
hours together at least once a
week. You are entitled to a meal
break of one hour if you work for
more than five hours in a row.
If you usually work on Sundays,
you should be paid one-and-ahalf
times your usual hourly rate.
But if you don’t normally work on
a Sunday, you must be paid two
times your usual hourly wage.
If you work more than 24 hours
per month for an employer, you
are entitled to:
Full pay for public holidays that
fall on a day that you ordinarily
would have worked, even if you
don’t work that day. You may not
be forced to work on a public
holiday, but if you agree to work,
you must be paid double wages
for the day.
You must be paid for any day that
you’re scheduled to work, even if
your employer is away and does
not require you to work on that
Over a period of 3 years, you
have the right to paid sick leave
equal to the number of days you
usually work every six weeks. In
the first 6 months of a job, you
are allowed 1 paid sick day for
every 26 days worked.
You are entitled to 4 months of
unpaid maternity leave, starting
one month before the expected
birth of the baby. You may not
return to work for six weeks
after the birth of the child. Your
employer is not legally obliged to
pay any salary during this time
but may choose to pay a portion
of it. You can claim UIF maternity
benefits of between 38% – 58% of
your monthly salary for 17 weeks
(roughly 4 weeks). You should
apply at least eight weeks before
giving birth.
If you have been employed for
longer than 4 months for at least
4 days a week, you may take 3
days of paid family responsibility
severance pay for every year
that you have worked for the
employer.
Suitable transport must be
available between your home
and the workplace at the start
and end of your work shift. If
transport is not available after
sunset or before sunrise, your
employer must ensure that you
get safely transported between
home and work.
Your employer must provide a
‘Certificate of Service’ at the end
of your employment, specifying
the period of employment and
the duties fulfilled.
If you are unfairly dismissed, you
have the right to take your matter
to the CCMA within 30 days of
being dismissed. n
Sources | www.blacksash.org. za
| www.labour.gov.za |
www.labourguide.co.za
TheSE ARE YOUR rights
day, unless a mutually suitable
‘make-up’ day is agreed to.
You are entitled to fully paid
annual leave equivalent to 21
days a year paid at the normal
rate. If you work part-time, this is
calculated at 1 hour of fully paid
leave for every 17 hours worked.
Your employer MUST deduct
1% of your pay and contribute
another 1%, which must be paid
to the Unemployment Insurance
Fund (UIF) each month. The
employer must provide proof
of this payment to you. Paying
UIF allows you to claim benefits
should you become unemployed
in the future. It is illegal for your
employer NOT to deduct and pay
the UIF every month – even if
you’re ‘part-time’.
leave during each leave cycle
for when your child is sick or
if one of the following people
dies: your husband, wife, life
partner, parent, adoptive parent,
grandparent, child, adopted child,
grandchild, brother or sister.
You may not be fired for taking
part in a legal strike or for being
pregnant.
You are entitled to at least 4
weeks’ termination notice if
you have been working for your
employer for over 6 months. You
are entitled to one week’s notice
if you have been working for your
employer for less than 6 months.
If you are dismissed because of
the employer’s changing needs
or because he/she doesn’t have
enough money anymore, then
you are entitled to one week’s
•
Always ask for a
reference letter
It could be your ticket to the
next job!
A reference letter is a
substitute for a personal
introduction. It is 100 times
more convincing than anything
you can say about yourself. So,
ALWAYS ask for one when your
employment is terminated or
if you work ‘piece jobs’.
Keep all references clean in
an envelope, with a piece
of cardboard backing to
keep them from becoming
crumpled. n

54 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
LAND, HOUSING & ESSENTIAL SERVICES
t
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT BODIES
Cities Support Programme (CSP) | A
Government agency that enhances
the capacity of South African city-led
transformation. Its resource-rich website
has a Knowledge Hub with info on the
Department of Human Settlements
programmes, City Governance, Planning
Reforms, Urban Mobility, Public Transport,
Economic Development, Climate Resilience
and more | 40 Church Square, Pretoria
Central | 012 315 5580 | https://csp.
treasury.gov.za
Department of Human Settlements (DHS)
| Works through many interventions,
assistance and subsidy programmes, in
conjunction with banks, businesses, NPOs
& municipalities to make it possible for all
South Africans to access adequate housing
– a right enshrined in our Constitution |
Govan Mbeki House, 240 Justice Mahomed
St, Sunnyside, Tshwane/Pretoria | 012
444 9000 / 0800 146 873 | info@dhs.gov.
za | www.dhs.gov.za
National Housing Finance Corporation
SOC Ltd (NHFC) | Innovative and
affordable housing finance solutions for
the low-to-middle income housing market:
to rent, own or incrementally build to meet
their housing needs. Info-rich website |
011 644 9800 | www.nhfc.co.za | f
National Housing Finance Corporation
The Housing Development Agency (HDA)
| A national public sector development
agency that acquires, prepares & develops
land, and manages the development of
housing & human settlements | Megawatt
Park, 1 Maxwell Dr, Sunninghill, Gauteng |
011 544 1000 | www.thehda.co.za | f
Housing Development Agency
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
The Government is legally obligated to
provide access to basic services such as
water, sanitation & refuse removal to all
South Africans.
– Joe Slovo
Hold elected officials accountable. Read:
Here’s How to Become an Active Citizen
and Make Your Voice Heard in the CIVIL
SOCIETY pages to learn how.
Or go to International Budget
Tube
Partnership South Africa on and find
You
a video Service Delivery Contacts in...
[look for YOUR region – otherwise watch
any of them] to see what action you can
take and who to contact to have your
community’s constitutional right to
essential services fulfilled.
– Asivikelane.org
Also see:
• UNDERSTANDING & INFLUENCING BUDGETS
in the CIVIL SOCIETY pages
• INFORMATION, TOOLS, RESOURCES &
SUPPORT, elsewhere in this section.
ENERGY
Department of Energy | Problems
with electricity or energy supply? | www.
energy.gov.za
• Eastern Cape | Waverley Office Park,
3 – 33 Philip Frame Rd, Chiselhout, East
London | 043 703 6000
• Free State | The Strip Bldg, 314
Stateway St, Cnr Stateway & Bok Sts,
Welkom | 057 391 1326 / 1300
• Gauteng | Matimba HOUSE BUILDING,
192 Visagie St, Cnr Paul Kruger St,
Tshwane/Pretoria | 0 12 406 8000
• KwaZulu Natal | 333 Durban
Bayhouse, Durban
• Limpopo | 18A Landros Mare St,
Polokwane | 015 230 3600
• Mpumalanga | ABSA Bldg, 131 Cnr
Rhodes & Haigh Ave, Witbank | 013
658 1400
• North West | Katlego House, 21
Connaught St, Golf View, Mafikeng |
018 397 8600 / 8601 / 8602 / 8603 / 8604
• Northern Cape | Telkom Bldg, 41
Schmidtsdrift Rd, Cnr Drakensburg Ave,
Kimberley | 053 807 1700/92
• Western Cape | 9 Atterbury House,
Cnr Van Riebeeck & Lower Burg Sts, Cape
Town | 021 427 1001
Or contact the ministerial offices directly:
• Cape Town | 120 Plein St | 021 469 6425
• Tshwane/Pretoria | 192 Visagie St, Cnr
Paul Kruger St | 012 406 7612
• Community Outreach Officer | 012
444 3830
Eskom | South Africa’s state-owned
electricity utility. Generates approximately
95% of electricity used in SA | Ways to
contact Eskom |
• Online, using Eskom’s chatbot, at this URL:
https://alfred.eskom.co.za/chatroom/
• Download the MyEskom Customer app
• Call the sharecall number: 08600 (Eskom)
/ 0860 037 566
• Email: customerservices@eskom.co.za
• Use the Eskom customer service website:
https://csonline.eskom.co.za/
No service after taking the above steps?
Escalate the complaint to the relevant
Customer Relations Manager in your town/
province. Find the contact details here:
www.eskom.co.za > Customer Service >
Complaint handling process | Report
crimes on the toll-free crime line: 0800 11
27 22 | www.eskom.co.za
WATER & SANITATION
Department of Water and Sanitation
| 0800 200 200 | info@dws.
gov.za | www.dws.gov.za | f
WaterAndSanitationRSA
• Eastern Cape | Bisho | 043 705 9223
• Eastern Cape | East London | 043
705 9200
• Eastern Cape | Gqeberha/PE | 041
506 2258 / 041 360 7811
• Free State | Bloemfontein | 051 405 8191
• Gauteng |
• Johannesburg 24-Hour helpline | 011
688 1500 / 011 688 1400
• Tshwane/Pretoria | 012 358 2111
• KwaZulu Natal | Durban | 080 131
3013 | 24-Hour SMS only: 083 707 3013
• KwaZulu Natal | Pietermaritzburg |
080 000 1868
• Limpopo | Polokwane | 015 290 2000
• Mpumalanga | Mbombela/Nelspruit |
013 752 6839
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 55
LAND, HOUSING & ESSENTIAL SERVICES
• North West |
• Klerksdorp | 018 406 8374
• Mahikeng/Mafikeng | 018 389 0381/ 0
• Northern Cape | Kimberley | 053
830 6836
• Western Cape | Cape Town | 0860 103 089
Drinkable Water
If you ever find yourself with only
dirty water, pour it through a clean
cloth. To do this without help,
wear an apron, hold up the ends
and pour the water through the
apron into a clean container below.
Repeat with a fresh cloth or use
double cloth. Then, if possible, boil
the water before drinking it.
Keep water covered and, preferably,
not in plastic which contains
hazardous chemical compounds
that can leach into water and
adversely affect human health.
Glass jars, clay pots or dried
calabashes are best for storing
drinking water.
Here’s what YOU can do
to make a difference
Club together in your affluent
community to install wells and rain
or well water harvesting tanks at
community centres and community
gardens in an informal settlement or
under-resourced township near where
you live. Work with specialists to
ensure the installations are functional
and that water treatment and usage
education are part of the deal.
Harvesting rainwater supplements
existing water supplies with free water
and also mitigates flooding.
WASTE REMOVAL
Your local municipality is responsible
for waste management in your area,
including refuse removal, refuse dumps,
solid waste disposal and keeping
the environment clean. Hold them
accountable!
MUNICIPAL SUPPORT FOR
INDIGENT (POOR) HOUSEHOLDS
Also see the SOCIAL WELFARE &
HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT pages, elsewhere in
the directory.
The following free or very low-cost basic
municipal services are available to
qualifying households.
Free basic water | At least a basic
amount of 6 000 litres of water per month
per household. You have to pay for water
that is used over and above the free supply.
The free amount may differ from one
municipality to the next.
Free basic electricity | 50kWh is
provided, free, per household per month for
a grid-energy system (connected through the
national electrification programme).
Consumers who do not have access to
the electricity grid could be provided with
alternative sources of energy. Contact your
municipality to find out what’s available.
Sewerage and sanitation | Subsidised
up to R50 per month or 100% subsidy to
indigent households.
HOUSING
– www.gov.za/humansettlements
According to Statistics South Africa’s
General Household Survey of 2019,
81,9% of all households reside in formal
dwellings, 12,7% live in informal dwellings
and 5,1% in traditional dwellings. There
are over 2,600 informal settlements in
South Africa, accommodating about 1.4
million households. Informal dwellings
are most common in the City of Cape
Town (19,6%), Johannesburg (19,1%) and
Ekurhuleni (18,4%). Traditional dwellings
are most common in the Eastern Cape
(23,0%) and KwaZulu-Natal (13,1%).
Following are some of the Government’s
programmes to enable as many as
possible South Africans to live in formal
dwellings, with access to, at least, water,
sanitation and waste removal.
EMERGENCY HOUSING
Also see:
• DISASTER RELIEF in the CRISIS SUPPORT pages
• EVICTIONS & FORCED REMOVALS elsewhere
in this section
• SOCIAL RELIEF OF DISTRESS (SRD) GRANT,
as well as SHELTER & SUPPORT FOR
HOMELESS, IMPOVERISHED & ADDICTED
PEOPLE in the SOCIAL WELFARE &
HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT pages
– Sheila McKechnie
Local municipalities are responsible
for providing temporary shelter and
basic municipal services in response to
emergency situations, such as when:
• Existing shelters are destroyed or damaged
• Existing situations pose an immediate
threat to the lives, health and safety of
inhabitants
• People have been evicted or face the
threat of eviction.
Contact the Housing Offices at your
local municipality to ask about available
programmes in your area. Or contact
a relevant NPO listed elsewhere in this
section, and ask for assistance. It is your
right to live in adequate accommodation.
UPGRADING INFORMAL
SETTLEMENTS
National Upgrading Support
Programme (NUSP) | An initiative of
the Department of Human Settlements
(DHS) to assist provinces and municipalities
in implementing the Upgrading Informal
Settlements Programme (UISP). The
programme offers:
• Incremental situational upgrading within
the settlement
• Access to basic infrastructure and
municipal services such as water,
sanitation, waste removal and electricity
(where possible).
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56 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
LGBTQI+
– Ngan Tengyuen
t
ADVOCACY, CAPACITY-BUILDING,
LEGAL & OTHER SUPPORT
See also PROTECTING LGBTQI+ LEARNERS in
the EDUCATION: RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS &
EDUCATORS pages elsewhere in the directory
INTERNATIONAL
Africa’s Pride | News and dialogue
focusing on LGBTQI+ issues in Africa such
as health, education, gender, human rights,
justice and equality | WhatsApp: +27 62
742 1150 | f africasprideLGBTIAQP
Coalition of African Lesbians | A
feminist, activist and Pan-Africanist network
of 14 organisations in 10 countries in sub-
Saharan Africa committed to advancing
freedom, justice and bodily autonomy for
all women and to raising consciousness
amongst and strengthening activism and
leadership of lesbian women | 58 The
Valley Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg, South
Africa | 011 403 0007 / 0158 / 0114 |
info@cal.org.za | www.cal.org.za | f
CoalitionCAL
Global Interfaith Network (GIN) | An
international membership-led NPO that
promotes safe spaces, policy inclusion,
support and acceptance of all people,
regardless of their sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity and/or gender expression.
Resource-rich website | Based in
Johannesburg | 011 568 7172 | info@
gin-ssogie.org | www.gin-SSOGIE.org |
f globalinterfaithnetwork
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA)
| Brings together more than 1,300 LGBTI
groups from 140+ countries. Campaigns for
LGBTI human rights, regularly petitions the
United Nations and governments | www.
You
Tube
ilga.org | f ILGAworld | ilgaworld
OutRight Action International (OutRight)
| An international LGBTQI human rights
non-governmental organisation that – in
partnership with local activists, media and
NGOs – documents and addresses human
rights discrimination, violations and abuses
against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
and intersex people based on their sexual
orientation, gender identity, gender
expression and sex characteristics | www.
outrightinternational.org | f outrightintl
NATIONAL
Access Chapter 2 | Promotes the
human rights and empowerment of LGBTI+
persons. Creates space and coordinating
platforms to facilitate participation on all
matters affecting LGBTI+ persons. You can
report human rights violations and other
incidents on the website | JSL Towers,
255 Pretorius St, Tshwane/Pretoria | 010
100 3177 / WhatsApp helpline: 076 457
3256 | info@ac2.org.za | www.ac2.org.
za | f AccessChapter2
Agenda (Agenda Feminist Media) |
Empowers women for gender equity by
providing a forum for women to articulate
and voice their needs and interests.
Publishes a feminist journal titled Agenda –
see image above. Covers all issues related
to women, including LGBTQI+ issues.
Resource-rich website | admin@agenda.
org.za | www.agenda.org.za
Be True 2 Me | A non profit organisation
supporting Trans Gender/ Non-Binary /
Intersex / Gender Queer individuals and
those connected with them. Resourcerich
website: articles, guidelines, events,
workshops, support groups and more |
WhatsApp: 081 455 1183 | Contact via
the website | www.betrue2me.org | f
BeTrue2MeOrg
Centre for the Study of Violence and
Reconciliation | A multi-disciplinary
institute that seeks to understand
and prevent violence, heal its effects,
build sustainable peace, enhance state
accountability, promote gender equality, and
build social cohesion, integration and active
citizenship. Partners with communities in
order to address the root causes of violence
and respond to its consequences directly.
• Johannesburg | 33 Hoof St,
Braampark Forum 5, Johannesburg |
011 403 5650 | info@csvr.org.za
• Cape Town | 501 Premier Centre, 451
Main Rd, Observatory | 021 447 2470
| ctadmin@csvr.org.za
Resource-rich website | www.csvr.org.za
| f TheCSVR
Commission for Gender Equality
| Monitors policies and practices of
government and the private sector to
promote and protect gender & LGBTI
equality. Provides public education and
information. Website contains useful articles
& info. Reviews existing and upcoming
legislation from a gender perspective.
Investigates complaints on any gender
related issue. REPORT GENDER VIOLENCE
AND ABUSE, toll-free on: 0800 007 709 or
contact one of the offices in your province
• Head Office: Gauteng | Old Women’s
Jail, Constitutional Hill, 2 Kotze St,
Braamfontein, Jhb | 011 403 7182
• Eastern Cape | 3 – 33 Phillip Frame Rd,
Waverly Park, East London | 043 722
3489
• Free State | 49 Charlotte Maxeke St,
2nd Floor Fedsure Bldg, Bloemfontein |
051 430 9348
• Gauteng | Praetor Forum Bldg, 267
Lilian Ngoyi St, Tshwane/Pretoria CBD |
012 341 6090
• KwaZulu-Natal | 40 Dr A.B Xuma Rd,
Commercial City, Durban | 031 305 2105
• Limpopo | Cnr. Grobler & Schoeman
Str, 106 Library Gardens Square,
Polokwane | 015 291 3070
• Mpumalanga | 32 Belle St, Mbombela/
Nelspruit | 013 755 2428
• North West | 38 Molopo Rd, Mahikeng/
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 57
LGBTQI+
Mafikeng | 018 381 1505
• Northern Cape | 143 Du Toitspan Rd,
Kimberley | 053 832 0477
• Western Cape | 132 Adderley St, ABSA
Bldg, Cape Town | 021 426 4080
info@cge.org.za | www.cge.org.za | f
You
Tube
Commission for Gender Equality |
Commission for Gender Equality
Department of Justice and Constitutional
Development | Contact them or visit the
website for information and support. The
homepage contains links to many useful
resources. Search any LGBTQI term for
current and historic publications | 329
Pretorius St, Cnr Sisulu St, Tshwane/Pretoria
| 012 315 1111 / 012 315 8130/1 |
www.justice.gov.za | f DoJCD
Foundation for Human Rights |
Supports civil society organisations and
public institutions to promote and facilitate
increased awareness, respect, protection
and fulfilment of human rights contained
in the Constitution. Partnered with the
Department of Justice and Constitutional
Development to form the LGBTI+ National
Task Team in response to the high levels
of violence experienced by LGBTI+ people
in South Africa. Contact them if your rights
have been violated | 011 593 4000 / 011
484 0390 | info@fhr.org.za | www.fhr.
org.za | f FHRights
– Editor
Gay and Lesbian Archives (GALA) | A
centre for LGBTQI culture, news and
education, as well as a permanent home
for a wide range of historical and archival
material relating to LGBTQI experience in
South Africa. Contributes to social justice
and promotes the human rights of LGBTQI
people on the continent | University
Corner, Cnr Jorissen & Bertha Sts,
Braamfontein, Johannesburg | 011 717
4239 | Nobantu.nqolobe@wits.ac.za |
www.gala.co.za | f GALA97
Gender Links | A Southern African NGO
that is committed to an inclusive, equal
and just society in which women & girls
in all their diversities exercise their voice
and choice in public and in private. Focus
areas: Sexual reproductive health and
rights, Economic justice, Women’s political
participation, Gender and media, and
Gender and climate justice | 9 Derrick
Ave, Cyrildene, Johannesburg, Gauteng |
011 209 0006 / 011 028 2410 | media@
genderlinks.org.za | www.genderlinks.org.
You
Tube
za | f GenderLinks | GMDCSADC
Hivos | Supports LGBTQI+ people in
lobbying for legal and policy changes that
promote inclusion – particularly increased
socio-economic inclusion – acceptance,
visibility and diversity, and the right to make
decisions in all spheres of life (including
their own body), to change power relations
based on gender and to demand equal
access to productive resources | 011
726 1090 | info@hivos.co.za | https://
southern-africa.hivos.org | www.hivos.org
– From the Christian Bible:
Galatians 3:28
Inclusive & Affirming Ministries (IAM)
| Works towards the full recognition,
celebration and participation of LGBTQI+
people in faith communities across Africa |
Based in Cape Town | 021 975 8142 |
info@iam.org.za | www.iam.org.za | f
IAM587
– Sojourners | www.sojo.net
Iranti | A media advocacy organisation
that documents, advocates for and defends
the human rights of LGBTI+ persons
in Africa. Resource-rich website | 30
Wimbledon Ave, Brixton | 011 339 1476
/ 1468 | getinfo@iranti.org.za | www.
iranti.org.za | f IrantiOrg
LGBTI Dignity | A safe space for the
LGBTQI community | 1310 Stanza
People ask whether gays
and lesbians should be allowed
to be foster parents or to adopt.
What is it that heterosexual
people think we do?
Karen and I are normal,
everyday people: we are
parents, we run a business
together, we are fortunate
enough to have a bond to pay,
we clean house, cook food,
do homework with the kids ...
– Beth Bellavance-Grace
foster and adoptive lesbian mother
Photo | iStock
More than a century of research
on households, kinship
relationships, and families,
across cultures and through
time, provide no support
whatsoever for the view that
civilization depends upon
marriage as an exclusively
heterosexual institution. Rather,
anthropological research
supports the conclusion that
a vast array of family types,
including families built upon
same-sex partnerships,
can contribute to stable and
humane societies.
– The American Anthropological
Association
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58 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
50
MEN & BOYS
Shades
of Love
1. Passion 2. Joy 3. Intimacy 4. Respect 5. Friendship 6. Sacrifice 7. Compassion
8. Freedom 9. Inside Jokes 10. Safety 11. Laughter 12. Generosity
13. Consideration 14. Adventure 15. Excitement 16. Loyalty 17. Trust
18. Butterflies 19. Hope 20. Quality Time 21. Service 22. Empathy 23. Connection
24. Admiration 25. Patience 26. Appreciation 27. Commitment 28. Communication
29. Growth 30. Imperfection 31. Affection 32. Tenderness 33. Affirmation
34. Teamwork 35. Kindness 36. Equality 37. Pleasure 38. Compromise
39. Partnership 40. Independence 41. Happiness 42. Honesty 43. Devotion
44. Faithfulness 45. Fulfilment 46. Romance 47. Support
48. Family 49. Togetherness 50. Understanding
Photo: Jessica Felicio
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 59
MEN & BOYS
– Edwin Louis Cole
t
ADDICTIONS
The majority of cases of violence against
women and children are drug-induced.
If you are a perpetrator of violence,
please get the help that you need so that
you can stop hurting others.
See the SUBSTANCE ABUSE & ADDICTION
as well as the MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH
pages elsewhere in the directory.
CIRCUMCISION
Circumcision is the surgical removal of
the skin covering the tip of the penis for
religious, medical or cultural reasons. It
is common for newborn boys in certain
parts of the world, such as Israel, and a
rite of passage for older boys in many
African countries. Circumcision in South
Africa is not permitted in boys below the
age of 16 without medical or religious
reasons or parental permission.
Research shows male circumcision
reduces HIV transmission risk by up to
60%. (Condoms remain the best protection.)
Call 082 808 6152 to find a clinic
that provides free, safe medical
circumcisions near where you live.
CIRCUMCISION INFORMATION
Brothers For Life | Everything you’d want
to know about circumcision. Select MEDICAL
MALE CIRCUMCISION in the menu bar on
their website | www.brothersforlife.org
WHO VMMC | An app with free access
to Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision
(VMMC) guidelines and resources from the
World Health Organisation (WHO)
HELP FOR BOTCHED
CIRCUMCISIONS
A small proportion of non-medical
circumcisions carried out during
initiation rites in South Africa are
botched or become infected, sometimes
leading to partial or total amputation
of the penis – with devastating
consequences for the young men
involved. It is uncertain how many penile
mutilations occur post-circumcision,
but it is estimated around 250 young
men are affected annually. Some penis
amputations have only been found after
a suicide.
If you are affected by a circumcision
gone wrong, seek medical help straight
away. Ask your doctor to get in touch
with the urology department at the
closest big hospital to see if they can
assist. Or contact the Department of
Health to find out what services are
available at which hospitals.
It is possible for a penis to heal or to
be surgically reconstructed – or even
to have a total penis transplant that
will allow you to live a normal life as a
man. But YOU must speak up and trust
a medical professional to help you.
Eyabantwana Trust | Assists men
who have had partial or complete penal
amputations | East London Health
Resource Center, Eastern Cape | 043 709
4769 / 071 888 8833 | admin@eyaban
twana.co.za | www.eyabantwana.co.za
Tygerberg Hospital | Has conducted a
number of successful penis transplants |
021 938 4911 | Cape Town, WC
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIP
COUNSELLING
NATIONAL / MULTIPLE PROVINCES
ACVV | Family preservation and
reintegration programmes, including
parenting skills, counselling & mediation.
115 affiliated branches in the Eastern Cape,
North West, Northern Cape and Western
Cape. Call for information about a branch
near you | Head office: 61 Caledon St,
Cape Town | 021 461 7437/7447 |
info-hk@acvv.org.za | www.acvv.org.za |
f ACVVHeadOffice
BIRTH CONTROL FOR MEN
Vasectomies | A 20-minute
procedure that can be done in a
doctor’s office.
Vasectomies can be reversed at a
later stage.
Speak with your doctor or with a
healthcare professional about it.
AFM Welfare | Addresses family
breakdown, poverty, crime, AIDS, substance
abuse and addiction | Head office: 257
Jean Ave, Centurion | 012 753 7940 |
info@afmwelfare.org.za | www.afm-ags.
org | f AFMWELFARE
Badisa | Social services for families in the
Eastern, Northern and Western Cape. Call
for info about facilities near you | Head
office: 021 957 7130 | info@badisa.org.za
| www.badisa.org.za | f BadisaCharity
CMR | Family preservation services through
independently registered CMR NPOs:
• CMR Burgersdorp | 079 112 9457
| cmrburg@vodamail.co.za | f CMR
Burgersdorp
• CMR East London | 9 Gordon Rd,
Southernwood | 043 722 6104 |
manager@cmrel.co.za | www.cmrel.
co.za | f cmreastlondon
• CMR Humansdorp | 10 Piet Uys
St, Humansdorp | 042 295 1103 |
cmrhdorp@telkomsa.net | f CMR,
Humansdorp
• CMR PE | 116 Mount Rd, North End,
Gqeberha/PE | 041 484 3554 |
cmr-pe@webafrica.org.za | www.
cmrportelizabeth.co.za | f CMR, PE
• CMR Mpumalanga | Head office: 23
Dr Beyers Naude St, Middelburg. Call for
contact details of a CMR office near you
| 013 243 4776 | adopt@cmroos.
co.za | www.cmr-mpumalanga.co.za |
f cmrmpumalanga
• CMR Noord/North | Head office: 153
Middel St, Nieu Muckleneuk, Tshwane/
Pretoria. Call for contact details of a
Centre of Hope near you | 012 460
9272/ 3/ 4 | cmr@cmrn.co.za | www.
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60 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH
– Augusten Burroughs
SUICIDE FACTS
Warning Signs
F Feelings | Does the individual
you worry about express feelings of
anxiety, depression, worthlessness
or hopelessness about the future?
A Actions | Is the individual
displaying signs of severe or
overwhelming physical or
emotional pain or distress? Do they
self-harm or have crying spells or
outbursts of anger & aggression?
C Changes | Are there marked
changes in their behaviour? E.g.:
sleeping and eating patterns,
increased alcohol/drug consumption
or withdrawal from friends?
T Threats | Does the individual
talk, write, sing, make art or jokes
about suicide?
S Situations | Has the individual
been in conflict with family,
colleagues, at school, or with
the law? Have they experienced
loss, difficult transitions, personal
humiliation, sexual or emotional
abuse? Have they recently been
discharged from psychiatric care?
If you notice more than one of
these warning signs, take action!
1. Tell them that you’re worried about
what you’re observing.
2. Ask if they’re thinking about suicide.
3. Encourage them to call the
Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567
567 or to SMS ‘help’ to 31393. Or
contact any of the options listed
under EMERGENCY NUMBERS
& HELPLINES elsewhere in this
section.
4. Offer your ongoing support and,
if you are concerned about their
immediate safety, stay with them
until help arrives.
Information presented here is not a substitute for professional medical/mental
health advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from a qualified health
professional regarding any mental health condition.
t
Mental health encompasses many issues,
including financial and parenting
stresses, fear of an unpredictable future,
dealing with loss and grief, managing
criticism, controlling substance use, and
simply feeling OK about oneself. Take a
look at the resources listed here and find
the help you need. Do it today!
CALL CHARGES
• Numbers that begin with 10 are free from
a landline, but not from a cell phone
• 0800 numbers are free from any phone
• 0860 and 0861 numbers: you pay the
cost of a local call OR a reduced flat rate
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
& HELPLINES
If you are living with HIV and need counselling,
see HIV/AIDS in the HEALTH pages
• Adcock Ingram Depression & Anxiety
Helpline | 0800 70 80 90
• ADHD Helpline | 0800 55 44 33
• Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24-
Hour Crisis Helpline | 0861 435 787
• SADAG |
• 24 hr Mental Health Helpline | 0800
456 789 or call 0800 21 22 23 (8am–
8pm) / 0800 12 13 14 (8pm– 8am)
• Suicide Crisis line | 0800 567 567
• SMS ‘help’ to 31393 (they’ll call u back)
• WhatsApp chat: 9 am-4 pm, Sun-Mon
076 882 2775
• Office hours: 011 234 4837 / 262 6396
• LifeLine | 24 hours / 7 days a week
national free counselling: 0861 322 322
It will connect you to nearest available
Lifeline centre. Or WhatsApp: 084 922
8808 – ask for a call back.
• Pharmadynamics Police & Trauma Line
| 0800 20 50 26
• National emergency ambulance |
10177 or 122 from a cell phone
• Suicide Crisis Line | 0800 567 567
or SMS ‘help’ to 31393 and someone will
call you
If you reach out and can’t get through
or nobody responds immediately or you
don’t get the help you need or you don’t
‘click’ with the first person you talk to, call
again or ask to speak to someone else.
Don’t stop looking for help until you
find it, because the situation you’re in is
temporary. It WILL change. And people
do care. You are not alone, even though it
may feel like that, right now.
HELPLINES FOR THOSE WHO
SERVE OTHERS
• 24-Hour Care Network Helpline for
Healthcare Workers | 0800 21 21 21
/ SMS 43001
• NPOwer SA, 24-Hour free mental
health & support helpline for all NPO,
NGO & NPC workers in SA | 0800
515 515 / SMS 43010 | Do the anxiety
survey on their site | www.npowersa.
org | f Npowersa
SOMEONE TO TALK TO
Befrienders South Africa | Free and
confidential emotional support – you don’t
even have to say who you are | 24-
Hour helpline: 051 444 5000 | Office
hours: 8:30-12:30 Mon-Fri: 051 444 5691
| befrienders@wsinet.co.za | www.
befrienders.org > Select your country
LifeLine South Africa | Free. Speak to a
counsellor who will listen, offer emotional
support, information about resources and
professional counselling, and assist you to
identify available options and choose for
yourself | 011 715 2000 (office hours)
| safetalking@lifeline.org.za | www.
lifelinesa.co.za | f TheLifelineSouthAfrica
24/7 national counselling lines |
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 61
MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH
• GBV | 0800 150 150 (free to call or text)
• HIV/AIDS | 0800 012 322 (toll-free call)
• Crisis/emotional support | 0861 322
322 (shared telephone cost.) Or WhatsApp
084 922 8808 – text or ask for a call back.
Or contact a Lifeline provincial centre
(available only during office hours) |
• Eastern Cape | 043 743 7266
• Free State | 057 357 2746
• Gauteng
• Ekurhuleni | 011 421 0384 / 422 4242
• Johannesburg | 011 728 1331
• Krugersdorp | 011 665 2281
• Tshwane/Pretoria | 012 804 1953
• Vaal Triangle | 016 428 1740 / 428 1640
• West Rand | 011 665 2281
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Durban | 031 303 1344
• Pietermaritzburg | 033 342 4447
• Zululand | 035 797 3250 / 789 2472
• Limpopo | 015 291 2556 / 073 878 7593
• Mpumalanga | 013 755 2635
• North West
• Klerksdorp | 018 462 7838
• Mahikeng/Mafikeng | 018 381 0976
• Rustenburg | 014 594 1592 / 3158 / 1455
• Northern Cape | 053 050 1067 / 053
832 8533
• Western Cape |
• Cape Town | 021 461 1113
• Garden Route | 044 343 2769
Contact a Lifeline centre close to you to
volunteer your services or learn how to
become a counsellor to help others.
– Lilian Piwunu
loveLife | Are you young and feeling
powerless and hopeless? Talk to a loveLife
counsellor. It’s free | 0800 121 900 or
send a PLZ CAL ME to 083 323 1023 |
talk@lovelife.org.za | www.lovelife.org.za
| f loveLifeNGO
Suicide Crisis Line | 24 hours / 7 days a
week. Free. Ask to speak to someone in any
of the official languages of South Africa |
0800 567 567
Many faith-based organisations also
offer support in the form of spiritual
guidance and counseling. If you can’t
call someone, go to a church near
where you live and ask to speak with
the preacher or priest.
Photo | Jan Tinneberg | Unsplash
Are you
looking for
a sign not to
give up?
THIS IS IT!
If you’re depressed,
grieving, suicidal,
traumatised, in an
abusive relationship,
HIV infected, addicted,
unemployed, homeless
or just feeling hopeless ...
Find someone to talk to.
Tell them what’s going
on with you.
Ask for help. It is free.
Your life matters!
GENERAL SUPPORT
Also see MENTAL HEALTH in the EDUCATION:
RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS & EDUCATORS
pages elsewhere in the directory.
Doing What Matters
in Times of Stress:
An Illustrated Guide
GROUNDING UNHOOKING
MAKING ROOM
ENGAGING BEING KIND
ACTING ON YOUR VALUES
Doing What Matters in Times of Stress:
An Illustrated Guide | A well-researched
self-help resource published by the World
Health Organisation (WHO). Helps people
understand how stress affects their mental
and general health, and equips them with
practical techniques to cope with stress.
Download a free PDF document & audio
exercises. Google the title or go to: bit.ly/
WHOStressManagement
– Eckhart Tolle
– Marcus Aurelius
Facebook | In recognition of the
repercussions of too many stresses on
mental health, Facebook has partnered
with experts from around the world to find
information and support. On FB, search for
‘Emotional Health’ to get to the portal |
www.facebook.com/emotional_health
Masiviwe | A movement that aims
to improve mental health and increase
access to mental health care. Includes free
screening tools & a directory of psychosocial
support services | hello@masiviwe.org.za
| www.masiviwe.org.za | f MasiviweZA
Mental Health Information Centre of
Southern Africa | An information,
referral and education service. Resourcerich
website | Contact via the website
| www.mentalhealthsa.co.za | f
mentalhealthsa
OpenCounselling | A free US-based
directory, includes a database of low-cost
mental health care counsellors/services
in SA. Search by city/postal code. Or scroll
to the bottom of the site and select ‘South
Africa’ to be taken to a page with links and
free hotlines for: National suicide crisis lines
| Alcohol & substance abuse | Domestic
& sexual violence | Eating disorders
| Gay & lesbians + | Other disorders
| Sexual health/pregnancy | Youth &
Parenting. Information-rich site | www.
opencounselling.com
PsychCentral | Information & a free
newsletter about all aspects of mental health
and well-being | www.psychcentral.com
World Health Organisation | A wealth
of free resources, publications, free apps
and information under ‘Health Topics’
organised alphabetically under ‘Fact sheets’.
Includes an overview of each condition,
assessment, symptoms, causes, care,
treatment guidelines & human rights info.
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62 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
MIGRANTS & REFUGEES
– Antonio Guterres
t
DEFINITIONS
• Refugee | A person who fled their
country because their life, safety or
freedom was threatened by war, political
violence, natural disaster or events that
seriously disturb the public order; who
has crossed national boundaries and who
has been granted asylum and therefore
legally resides in the new country.
Refugees are entitled to the same
basic rights as South African citizens:
employment, health services, education,
social grants, etc.
• Asylum seeker | A person who has left
their home country as a refugee and is
seeking asylum in another country.
• Asylum | Shelter/protection from danger
• Migrant | A person who moves from
one place to another, especially to find
work or better living conditions. There are
legal and illegal immigrants.
• Legal immigrant | Any person who is
not a citizen of South Africa, who resides
in the country under legally recognised
and lawfully recorded processes.
• Illegal or undocumented migrant
| These are people who have either
illegally entered South Africa or have
overstayed their permission to be here.
Want to know what life is like
for a refugee in SA?
Watch this short movie ... and
imagine yourself in their shoes.
You
Tube
In Another Prison
- Migrants in Johannesburg
Download this thought-provoking poetry
book at https://southafrica.iom.int/
Free Download ‘Must-Read’
Asylum at a Price
How corruption impacts those seeking
legal protection in South Africa.
PROJECT LOKISA
www.corruptionwatch.org.za
EDUCATION & PSYCHOSOCIAL
SUPPORT FOR REFUGEE
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Also see STUDY OPTIONS, CAREER GUIDANCE
& FUNDING SOURCES in the EDUCATION:
RESOURCES FOR LIFELONG LEARNING pages
326 Project | Bridging education for
refugee and migrant children in JHB, helping
prepare them to transition into mainstream
schools. Subscribe to their newsletter.
• Sacred Heart College, 15 Eckstein St,
Observatory, Johannesburg | 011 487-
9000 | office.shc@three2six.co.za
• Observatory Girls’ Primary School, 22 De
La Rey St, Observatory, Johannesburg |
011 487-1100/1 | office.obs@three2six.
co.za
• Holy Family College, 40 Oxford Rd,
Parktown, Johannesburg | 011 486-
1104 | office.hfc@three2six.co.za
communication@three2six.co.za | www.
three2six.co.za | f Three2SixProject
Refugee Children’s Project (RCP) |
Facilitates the integration of unaccompanied
refugee minors, as well as refugee children
and their families, into local communities.
Projects include: an Early Childhood
Development Centre, children and youth
development programmes, facilitating
access to education, academic support,
skills development and entrepreneurial
training for teen girls and women, food
parcels, advocacy for the rights of refugee
children | 11 Natal St, Bellevue/Yeoville,
Johannesburg | 011 333 9266 | rcp@
rcp-africa.org | www.rcp-africa.org
Search for and download A Guide for
working with Vulnerable Children at
Lawyers for Human Rights: www.lhr.org.za
United Nations High Commission for
Refugees (UNHCR) | Info-rich website.
Click on ‘DO YOU NEED HELP?’ at the top
of the home-page then select South Africa.
In the menu on the left, select Education
for info on how the education system
works, how to enroll your child in school,
what to do if you cannot afford the school
fees, where to get technical, vocational and
higher education, where to find bursaries
and scholarships, etc | www.unhcr.org |
f UNHCR
Unity for Tertiary Refugee Students
(UTRS) | Promotes the rights of refugees
and asylum seekers at tertiary education
level. Provides financial & other support to
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 63
MIGRANTS & REFUGEES
make tertiary education accessible to such
students | 078 608 2518 / 083 345 7949
| bidandif@gmail.com / gsutrs@gmail.com
| www.utrsafrica.co.za
GBV & HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Also see:
• SAFE PLACES, ASSISTANCE & MORE under
SEXUAL & OTHER ABUSE OF CHILDREN in the
CHILD WELFARE pages
• GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE, as well as RAPE
in the CRISIS SUPPORT pages
• DOMESTIC ABUSE, INCEST & GENDER-
BASED VIOLENCE, as well as EMERGENCY &
TRANSITIONAL SHELTERS in the GENDER &
VIOLENCE ISSUES pages
• FAMILY WELL-BEING, RELATIONSHIP &
MARRIAGE COUNSELLING in the WOMEN &
FAMILY pages
Human Trafficking Hotline |
0800 222 777
National Human Trafficking Helpline |
Free & confidential 24/7 | 0800 222 777
Salvation Army | Anti-Human Trafficking
toll-free line 0800 073 728
#EndTrafficking
GOVERNMENT BODIES
For assistance with accommodation, also
see LAND, HOUSING & ESSENTIAL SERVICES
elsewhere in the directory
Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
| Assists immigrants with legal status,
marriage, birth & death registration in
SA. Useful information about the refugee
application process and about what the
law says about Refugees & Asylum seekers.
Download the Refugees ACT | www.
dha.gov.za > Immigration > Refugee
Status & Asylum | Questions? Contact
a provincial office between 8 – 15.30, Mon
– Fri. See “Office Contacts” in the menu on
the left of the home page for provincial
office numbers. Or contact the DHA Head
Quarters in Tshwane/Pretoria | 012 406
2500 / Contact Centre 0800 601 190 |
hacc@dha.gov.za or submit a question via
the website | www.dha.gov.za | f
Department of Home Affairs
Online extension service | Allows a
holder of an asylum seeker visa (section 22)
or a refugee status permit (section 24), to
request an extension of validity via email
to the Refugee Reception Centre where
the last extension was made. See email
addresses below. Include only your permit
number in the subject line. In the case
of families, each member must submit a
request for an extension individually and
each application must be sent in a separate
e-mail message, even if they are sent from
the same email address. DO NOT SEND
REPEAT EMAILS.
DHA Refugee Reception Centres |
Immigrants wishing to apply for asylum may
do so only at a Refugee Reception Office.
• Cape Town Refugee Reception Centre
| Custom House, Old Government Bldg,
Cnr Heerengracht & Adderley Sts |
021 421 9173 / 9200 | Refugee visa
extensions: CTrrc.extension24@dha.gov.
za / Asylum seeker visa extension: CTrrc.
Extension22@dha.gov.za | Physical
offices closed until further notice
• Desmond Tutu Refugee Reception
Centre | Pretoria, Gauteng | 012 395
4174/4000 / 066 473 0631 | Refugee
visa extensions: DTRRC.Extension24@
dha.gov.za / Asylum seeker visa extension:
DTRRC.Extension22@dha.gov.za
• Durban Refugee Centre | 137 Che
Guevara Rd, Glenwood, Durban, KwaZulu-
Natal | 031 362 1201 | Refugee visa
extensions: DurbanRRC.Extension24@
dha.gov.za / Asylum seeker visa extension:
DurbanRRC.Extension22@dha.gov.za |
Physical offices closed until further notice
• Gqeberha Refugee Reception Centre
| 2 Neil Boss Rd, Korsten, Gqeberha/
PE, Eastern Cape | 041 404 8304/
05/ 11 / 074 643 3755 | Refugee visa
extensions: PERRC.Extension24@dha.gov.
za / Asylum seeker visa extension: PERRC.
Extension22@dha.gov.za | May not be
fully operational
• Musina Refugee Reception Centre | 8
Harold Grenfell St, Musina, Limpopo |
015 534 5300 / 083 852 0104 | Refugee
visa extensions: MusinaRRC.Extension24@
dha.gov.za / Asylum seeker visa extension:
Musinarrc.Extension22@dha.gov.za
NOTES:
1. To facilitate translation services, the
Refugee Centres are open to different
nationalities/languages on different
days. Call or Google to establish which
languages are served on which days.
n
n
n
n
Did You Know?
Unaccompanied minors may
not be deported – regardless of
their status – but must report
directly to a Department of
Social Development office to
receive protection under the
Child Protection Act.
Child refugees have the same
rights as South African children
and are entitled to assistance
from the government. This
includes the right to education,
shelter, healthcare services and
social grants.
Adults: in case of detention,
imprisonment or deportation,
even if you are an illegal
immigrant without legal papers,
you have the right to:
• An interpreter if you do
not understand any of the
languages spoken.
• Contact and seek assistance
from the consular authorities of
your own country.
• Get in touch with a family
member and a lawyer.
• Free legal assistance if you
cannot afford it.
• Remain silent at the time of
detention.
• Receive medical treatment in
the case of an emergency or
serious illness.
• Have children in your care
remain with you. In fact: you
may not be separated from
them.
In the case of minor criminal
offences, you have the right to:
• Not to be detained in the same
cell as criminals.
• Dignified and respectful
treatment by the police and
other authorities.
• Refuse to pay bribes or provide
sexual favours. It is a crime if
any official demands this.
• Due process before the
law, before deportation or
imprisonment.
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64 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
SENIOR CITIZENS
– Nelson Mandela
Millions of senior citizens in townships are living in abject poverty and regularly experience isolation, abuse and
neglect. This is exacerbated by weakened family ties, financial insecurity, limited mobility, and a lack of access to
quality healthcare. Dire living conditions are the norm for many older persons who live in neighbourhoods rife
with crime and with limited access to basic services such as water, electricity and emergency services. Many are
also unaware of their rights and lack the resources or information to seek help when they need it. Despite this,
many older persons still support large families on their meagre pensions and are often the sole breadwinner in
the household. For an older person who is bedridden and alone, accessing help can be nearly impossible.
– Ikamva Labantu
t
DEFINITIONS
WHO IS OLD?
AGEISM
is
just as
harmful
as
sexism
or
racism
Under the Older Person’s Act, a male is
defined as old at 65+ and a female at
60+. What you do with those years is
up to you, though.
WHAT IS ELDER ABUSE?
– Older Person’s Act 13/2006
Economic abuse | Improper or
unauthorized use or control of an older
person’s old-age pension, bank account,
retirement funds, savings, property
or other resources for the benefit of
someone else. Selling the property –
house, furniture or any other goods – that
belong to an older person without their
consent.
Exploitation | Employing a vulnerable
older person to perform services for
the benefit of another, such as taking
care of children, without a salary or
compensation.
Physical abuse | Any intentional
act, assault, bodily harm or injury, e.g.,
pushing, slapping, striking, biting, choking,
punching, stabbing, etc. – with or without
an object.
Psychological/emotional abuse |
Intentional and repeated action or
inaction that threatens, humiliates, insults,
ridicules, degrades, harasses, coerces,
intimidates, isolates, unreasonably
confines, emotionally distresses, punishes
or causes emotional pain to an older
person or invades the older person’s
privacy, liberty, integrity or security.
Neglect or abandonment | Denying
access to or failing to provide proper
food, shelter, medical treatment or
hygiene, or acting in a way that disregards
the vulnerable elder’s health, welfare or
safety.
Sexual abuse | Any conduct that
violates the sexual integrity of an
older person, including assault, rape,
penetration with an object, flashing
of genital organs, compelling an
older person to watch a sexual act –
electronically or otherwise – or using
sexual slurs against an older person. Any
sexual contact with a person who doesn’t
have the capacity or ability – mentally or
physically – to consent.
If any of the above is happening to you,
know that it is your right to ask for help
and protection. See HELPLINES below.
Any form of elder abuse is a criminal
offence in South Africa.
If you know or suspect that an older
person has been abused or suffers from
an abuse-related injury – in their home
or an institution – you MUST report
it without delay to the Department of
Social Development and the police.
Failure to report the abuse of an older
person is a crime punishable by law.
Signs of abuse may be physical, such
as bruises or wounds, bed sores, lice,
illness and lack of medical care, weight
loss because of lack of nutrition or
hydration, or behavioural changes, such
as withdrawal, fear and anxiety.
Also: take seriously attempts from the
elder to communicate what’s going on.
If the person is neglecting themselves
or shows signs of depression, grief or
dementia, it may be time to look for
outside assistance or find alternative
accommodation in a place where the
elder can be cared for.
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 65
SENIOR CITIZENS
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Download the above publication, free of
charge, from The South African Human
Rights Commission web page, and learn
about your human rights | www.
sahrc.org.za > Publications > Pamphlets
> Human Rights and Older Persons
HELPLINES
CALL CHARGES
• Numbers that begin with 10 are free from
a landline, but not from a cell phone
• 0800 numbers are free from any phone
• 0860 and 0861 numbers: you pay the
cost of a local call OR a reduced flat rate
WHERE TO REPORT ELDER ABUSE
Age-in-Action | Careline: 0800 204 190
Or call the number for your province. See
Age-in-Action under SOCIAL SERVICES &
ACCOMMODATION elsewhere in this section)
Department of Social Development |
Contact the nearest Social Development
Office | Or call the Helpline: 012 312
7727 | Or write to customercare@dsd.
gov.za
SAPS Crime Stop | Anonymously report
who did what, to whom, when, where, why
and how, to any of the following |
• The MySAPS App (free download)
• USSD string *134*10111 #
• SMS to Crime Line at 32211
• Call 08600 10111 (share call)
Call any of the following for information,
guidance, legal and other assistance:
Gender-based Violence Command Centre
| Anonymous and confidential telephonic
information, counselling and referrals in
all 11 official languages | 24-Hour, free
helpline: 0800 GBV GBV (0800 428 428) or
text *120*7867# (FREE from any cellphone)
| Or SMS ‘help’ to 31531 and someone will
call you back | Skype: ‘HelpMe GBV’ for
members of the deaf community
Lifeline | 0861 32 23 22
South African Human Rights Commission
| Lodge a complaint about individual or
institutional violations of the rights of older
persons via the website | www.sahrc.org.
za > Lodge A Complaint | Or download
the complaint form in any official language,
complete it in your own time, and email it
to complaints@sahrc.org.za | Or call 011
877 3600 / WhatsApp 082 059 6520 |
Or find a provincial office number on the
website: www.sahrc.org.za
South African Social Security Agency
(SASSA) | Report financial irregularities
(e.g. unauthorised deductions) | 0800
601 011 | GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
Also notify a community social worker,
health care worker and/or a traditional
leader and ask for immediate assistance
and medical attention, as needed. Keep
a written record of your actions and
reports. You may need this later, should
the case go to court.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
See the HUMAN RIGHTS pages
elsewhere in the directory.
– Anonymous
FOOD, HEALTH & PSYCHOSOCIAL
SUPPORT PROGRAMMES
Also see, elsewhere in the directory:
• HUNGER RELIEF in the FOOD, HUNGER &
NUTRITION pages
• The SOCIAL WELFARE & HUMANITARIAN
SUPPORT pages
NATIONAL / MULTIPLE PROVINCES
Badisa | Service centres providing
meals, transport, home-based care, medical
support and socialisation to enable older
persons to live independently in the
Eastern, Northern and Western Cape. Call
for information about facilities near you
| Head office: 021 957 7130 | info@
badisa.org.za | www.badisa.org.za | f
BadisaCharity
Meals on Wheels Community Services
SA | Serves more than 30 million meals
in towns, cities, rural areas and squatter
settlements every year. Contact for a service
point closest to you | 086 00 00 700 |
adminc@mealsonwheels.org.za | www.
mow.org.za | f mowcsa
EASTERN CAPE
See organisations listed under NATIONAL /
MULTIPLE PROVINCES elsewhere in this section
FREE STATE
See organisations listed under NATIONAL /
MULTIPLE PROVINCES elsewhere in this section
GAUTENG
Amcare | A multi-purpose health and
social development organisation servicing
poor and vulnerable persons in the
Greater Alberton area of Ekurhuleni | 15
Heidelberg Rd, Newmarket Park, Alberton
| 011 869 5856 | socialworkservices@
amcare.org.za | www.amcare.org.za |
f AmcareAlberton
NG Welfare | The Dutch Reformed
Church’s registered welfare arm in the Vaal
and West-Rand areas of Gauteng. Call to
find out what services are available near
you | Head Office: 104 Peter Mokaba Ave,
Potchefstroom | 018 297 3928 | info@
ngwelsyn.co.za | www.ngwelfare.co.za |
f ngwelsyn
KWAZULU-NATAL
Muthande Society for the Aged (MUSA)
| Runs programmes that alleviate poverty,
reduce social isolation, assist in acquiring
skills, help the frail, ill and HIV/AIDS affected,
train family members and care givers
on health and social issues, and provide
paralegal services to enable senior citizens
to live as independent members of society
| 10 Langa Place, Lamontville, Durban |
031 942 9715 / WhatsApp 083 784 9225 |
info@muthande.org.za | www.muthande.
org.za | f muthande
LIMPOPO
See organisations listed under NATIONAL /
MULTIPLE PROVINCES elsewhere in this section
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66 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
grandmothers
holding families together all over South Africa
Grandmothers in historically
disadvantaged South Africa have
always played a big role in the
upbringing of their grandchildren.
This tradition is not a cultural
one, but one fashioned by the
demands of apartheid. Black
people were not allowed to be
in ‘white’ areas unless they had
a work permit to be there. They
were certainly not allowed to
bring their families with them.
Husbands and wives worked far
apart from each other and from
their rural homes where they
were forced to leave their children
in the care of a grandmother
or auntie. The trend continues,
because the majority of black
mothers simply don’t earn
enough to bring their families
with them to the towns and the
cities where the jobs are. Besides,
the places which they can afford
as accommodation are often
unsafe, or simply don’t have
enough space to accommodate
a family – like the ‘maid’s rooms’
in previously white back yards
everywhere in our country. So, the
children are still left with gogo.
There is another reason,
nowadays, why millions of
grandmothers are bringing up
their grandchildren: they are
either nursing their own children
who are dying of AIDS or they
have buried them.

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 67
Photo | Tshikululu Social Investments | www.tshikululu.org.za | Courtesy of the First Rand Foundation
All over South Africa, these
grandmothers are holding families
together despite their grief –
often taking care of as many as
ten children on a meagre state
pension and, if she’s lucky, some
piece jobs.
At a time when she really should
be able to rest, her life is filled
with toil and suffering ... and
desperate poverty that she knows
will have dire consequences for
her grandchildren.
Here's what YOU can do to make a difference
• Stop justifying paying the minimum
wage to the women who clean
your house and support your life.
They are someone’s mother, auntie,
grandmother ... and the quality of their
lives is at your mercy.
• Start a support group at your church,
school or community center for the
women who take care of children in
their communities. Find out what they
need and start helping them practically
and materially.
• Give them access to information.
Make sure they know how to apply for
available social grants ... How to protect
themselves from getting HIV infected
when caring for an AIDS patient ... How
to grow vegetables to feed their family
... How to draw up a will to make sure
that their grandchildren will inherit
what is rightfully theirs ... How to
protect their human rights and what to
do if they are being abused ... How to
cope with the changing needs of their
growing grandchildren – including the
need for sex-education ... How to cope
with pain and loss ... And any other
subjects they want to know about. n

Poverty affects all of us.
It attacks the very fabric of our society.
It erodes self-respect and personal dignity.
It perpetuates the false belief that
human worth is linked to money, looks,
possessions and status.
It divides families and wrecks social
cohesion.
It is at the root of most violence.
It undermines our safety and destroys our
stability.
It ensures that the majority of our people
remain unemployable – unable to pay for
their own and their children’s education.
It cripples our workforce, reducing our
collective productivity.
It discourages foreign investment.
It destabilises the very foundations of
business: the expansion of a robust
consumer base.
Photo | Jan Tutter / flickr
l
We will all benefit if each of us does what is
within our power, in our circle of influence,
to help fellow citizens achieve their full
potential.
Everything is connected.
Everything affects everything else.

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 69
SOCIAL WELFARE & HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT
– Nelson Mandela
t
If you are in need of food, shelter or any
kind of assistance to keep your head
above water, please contact one or all of
the following:
• Your local municipality.
• A social worker at a community centre
or clinic.
• The people at a church near you.
• A traditional leader.
• The GOVERNMENT BODIES listed below
Also, look through the entire directory
for the contact details of organisations
that are designed to help in particular
situations, such as hunger, domestic
violence, addictions, etc.
Your life is important. Don’t give up
hope. Help is available.
GOVERNMENT BODIES
For assistance with accommodation, also
see LAND, HOUSING & ESSENTIAL SERVICES
elsewhere in the directory
Department of Human Settlements (DHS)
(National) | Makes it possible for all South
Africans to access adequate housing – a
right enshrined in the Constitution of our
country | 012 444 9000 / 0800 146 873
| info@dhs.gov.za | www.dhs.gov.za
| Provincial Departments | Each of the
following sites offer varying degrees of useful
resources & information |
Eastern Cape | 043 711 9901/2/3 |
www.ecdhs.gov.za
Free State | 051 403 3379/92 | www.
humansettlements.fs.gov.za
Gauteng | 011 355 4000 | www.
gauteng.gov.za/Departments
KwaZulu-Natal | 031 336 5300 / 033 392
6400 | www.kzndhs.gov.za
Limpopo | Cooperative Governance,
Human Settlements & Traditional Affairs |
015 284 5000 | www.coghsta.limpopo.gov.za
Mpumalanga | 013 766 6088 | dhs.
mpg.gov.za
North West | 018 388 5176 | www.nwpg.
gov.za/HumanSettlements/site/index.html
Northern Cape | Co-operative
Governance, Human Settlement and
Traditional Affairs | 053 830 9400 / 22 |
www.coghsta.ncpg.gov.za
Western Cape | 021 483 6488 / 3112 /
0623 / 0611 | www.westerncape.gov.za/
dept/human-settlements
Department of Social Development
| Responsible for providing social
development, protection and welfare
services to the public | customercare@
dsd.gov.za | www.dsd.gov.za | f
Department of Social Development
• National Care Helpline | 012 312 7727
Provincial Departments | Provincial
websites offer varying levels of useful info.
• Eastern Cape | 043 605 5419 / 043 605
5000 | www.ecdsd.gov.za | f Eastern
Cape Department of Social Development
• Free State | 066 487 6238 / 051 400 0302
/4/7 | www.socdev.fs.gov.za | f Free
State Department of Social Development
• Gauteng | 011 355 7600/56 / 7687 /
7878 / 011 227 0000 | www.gauteng.
gov.za/departments > Department of
Social Development | f Gauteng
Department of Social Development
• KwaZulu-Natal | 033 264 5400 / 3001/2/4
| www.kzndsd.gov.za | f KwaZulu-
Natal Department of Social Development
• Limpopo | 015 230 4300 / 015 293
6004 / 6053/4 | www.dsd.limpopo.
gov.za | f Department of Social
Development Limpopo - DSD
• Mpumalanga 013 766 3031 / 3098 /
3111 / 3156 / 3253 | www.dsdmpu.
gov.za | f Mpumalanga Department of
Social Development
• North West | 018 388 2000 / 388 3040
/ 018 387 3434 / 0255 | dsd.nwpg.gov.
za | f North West Department of Social
Development
• Northern Cape | 053 807 5600 / 053
874 9100 | www.northern-cape.gov.za /
socdev.ncpg.gov.za | f Northern Cape
Social Development
• Western Cape | 0800 220 250 /
021 483 5045 / 3858 / 3765 / 3158
/ 5445 | www.westerncape.gov.
za/dept/social-development | f
WesternCapeGovernment
National Development Agency (NDA) |
Support & provides funds to strengthen
civil society organisations that implement
development projects and provide services
to poor communities | 26 Wellington Rd,
Parktown, Johannesburg | National office:
011 018 5500 / Cape Town: 021 422 5175
| info@nda.org.za | www.nda.org.za
South African Social Security Agency
(SASSA) | Distributes social grants on
behalf of the Dept. of Social Development
to South Africans who need them the most.
See: SOUTH AFRICAN SOCIAL SECURITY
AGENCY (SASSA) CONTACT INFO elsewhere
in this section | www.sassa.gov.za
Thusong Service Centres | One-stop
centres where you can get information &
government services, such as assistance
with a grant, pension, unemployment and
ID documents. For provincial contact details,
see: ASSISTANCE WITH & INFORMATION
ABOUT SOCIAL GRANTS elsewhere in this
section | www.gov.za/about-government/
contact-directory/thusong
SOCIAL GRANT INFORMATION
Social security is a human right. It is what
supports us when something happens and
we can’t support ourselves, like when we
are children, get hurt or sick, lose a job or
grow old.
To improve the standard of living in our
country, social grants are available to all
South Africans, permanent residents and
refugees who reside inside our borders.
Multiple grants are not allowed. Grant
amounts are increased in April every year.
A GUIDE TO SA GRANTS
Black Sash | On their site you’ll find an
overview of the various social grants that
are available, who is eligible, the value of
each grant, the means test threshold, as
well as answers to common questions and
problems that people experience | www.
blacksash.org.za
• Under Your Rights, read or download info
about each particular social grant.
• Under Media & Publications: read, print
or download a comprehensive, free guide
to South Africa’s social grant system,
titled: Social Assistance: A reference guide
for paralegals. The guide is an invaluable
resource for professionals and lay people.
It provides information on the different
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70 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
SUBSTANCE ABUSE & ADDICTION
– David Sheff, Author of ‘Clean’
t
HELPLINES
• Alcoholics Anonymous | 0861 43 57
22 | Chat online: www.aachats.org
• Lifeline | 0861 32 23 22
• Narcotics Anonymous | 0861 00 69 62
• SADAG |
• Substance Abuse Helpline | 0800 12
13 14 (24 hours)
• 24 hr Mental Health Helpline | 0800
456 789 / 0800 21 22 23 (8am–8pm)
• Suicide Crisis line | 0800 567 567
• SMS ‘help’ to 31393 (they’ll call u back)
• WhatsApp chat: 9 am-4 pm, Sun-Mon
076 882 2775
• Office: 011 234 4837 / 011 262 6396
SAPS Crime Stop | Anonymously report
to any of the following |
• The MySAPS App (free download)
• USSD string *134*10111 #
• SMS to Crime Line at 32211
• Call 08600 10111 (share call)
• Substance Abuse Helpline | 0800 12
13 14 or SMS 32312
You
Tube
How
A short movie for
parents & teens
Addiction Happens
Our oldest son died of an accidental
heroin/fentanyl overdose on his
22nd birthday, in December 2015.
Our family produced this video to
help teens and their families
avoid the painful path of addiction.
Understand how addiction starts
and how to prevent it.
ALCOHOL ADDICTION
Alcoholics Anonymous SA | A free,
nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial,
apolitical fellowship of men and women
who have or had a drinking problem.
Membership is open to anyone who wants
to do something about their drinking
problem. Physical or online meetings
throughout South Africa. Details on website.
Register to access their online resource
library | National helpline: 0861 43 57
22 / 0861 HELP AA | Chat online: www.
aachats.org | Or send a message via the
website | www.aasouthafrica.org.za
Eastern Cape |
• East London | 58 Himalaya Rd, Braelyn
| 082 787 6973 | jumbopadayachee@
yahoo.com
• Gqeberha/PE & Garden Route | St.
Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Kobus
Rd, Gelvindale | 041 452 7328 | pe@
aasouthafrica.org.za
Gauteng |
• Alberton | 28 Hennie Alberts St,
Brackenhurst | 011 867 5950 | gso@
aasouthafrica.org.za
• Benoni | East Rand Benoni Central
Methodist Church, 26 Bunyan St | 011
421 1748 | aaeastrand@gmail.com
• Johannesburg | Wedge Gardens, 2
Whitney Rd, Whitney Gardens, Lyndhurst
| 065 932 5270 | jwra@aasouthafrica.
org.za
• Tshwane/Pretoria | NG Kerk Oosterlig,
Cnr Hugo & Lea St, Waterkloof Glen |
012 993 5827 | npaa@aasouthafrica.
org.za
• Vereeniging & Vaal Area | Three Rivers
| 081 795 6577 | aavaaltriangle@
gmail.com
KwaZulu-Natal |
• Durban | 107 Doone House, 379 Anton
Lembede St | 031 301 4959 / 301 9830
| kzn@aasouthafrica.org.za
Western Cape |
• Cape Town | Boland Bank Bldg, 18
Lower Burg St | 021 418 0908 |
westerncape@aasouthafrica.org.za
Alcoholics Anonymous Apps | There
are a number of FREE AA apps available,
including:
• 12 Step Toolkit AA | Daily steps to
keep you from relapsing into active
alcoholism
• Meeting Guide | Search for meetings
near you.
• AA Big Book | Chat with others in
recovery, listen to podcasts +. Also
available as an audio book on a separate,
free app: AA Big Book Audio
Online Intergroup AA | Online help
with drinking problems, as well as AA
recovery meetings worldwide. Browse the
directory to find what suits your needs:
video, telephone, email or chat – available
in a variety of languages. Or list your own
meeting. Membership is free for those
seeking help as well as those offering help
| www.aa-intergroup.org
This Naked Mind | A resource-rich,
science-based website. Freebies include a
web-class, newsletter, podcasts + | www.
thisnakedmind.com | f thisnakedmind
TEDtalks | How I overcame alcoholism,
Claudia Christian
YouTube | Search for ‘Alcohol Addiction’ for
hundreds of informative videos
Responsible Consumption
The Association of Alcohol
Responsibility and Education |
Partners with public and commercial
concerns to promote moderation and
encourage responsible marketing
of alcohol through education and
awareness campaigns that address
the harmful consumption of alcohol
in these areas:
• Underage drinking
• Binge drinking
• Drinking and driving
• Drinking and walking
• Drinking while pregnant (Causing
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
• Responsible trade facilitation
Resource-rich website | Atholl
Towers, 129 Patricia Rd, Sandown |
010 110 7160 | info@aware.org.za
You
Tube
| www.aware.org.za | Aware ZA
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 71
SUBSTANCE ABUSE & ADDICTION
FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME
The damage caused to the developing
fetus by alcohol exposure during
pregnancy is permanent and
irreversible. It is called Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome (FAS) and it is the most
common and completely preventable
cause of mental and physical disability
in the world. See the article Damaged in
the Womb, following this section.
FASfacts | Programmes and campaigns
to decrease and prevent the prevalence
of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal
Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) | 1
Baring St, Worcester, Western Cape |
023 342 7000 | info@FASfacts.org.za |
www.FASfacts.org.za
Foundation for Alcohol Related Research
(FARR) | Education, prevention and
intervention projects to reduce birth
defects caused by alcohol consumption
during pregnancy across South Africa.
Diagnosis and support for children affected
by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
(FASD), and their families | Amber
Place, 42 Bloemhof St, Bellville, Cape
Town | 021 686 2645/6/7 | info@
farrsa.org.za | www.farrsa.org.za | f
FoundationForAlcoholRelatedResearch
YouTube | Search for ‘Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome’ for hundreds of informative videos
– Drew Barrymore
SUPPORT FOR THOSE AFFECTED
Al-Anon | Support for people who have
been affected by someone else’s alcoholism.
Special support for children of alcoholics
(Alateen), as well as for adult children of
alcoholics. Site contains helpful information,
resources for professionals, and contact
details for physical or electronic meetings
in different parts of South Africa | 24 hr
Helpline 0861 252 666 | alanongso@
iafrica.com | www.alanon.org.za
YouTube | Addiction: Loving an Addict,
Healing the Pain | The dos and don’ts
of helping a drug addict recover / Maia
Szalavitz | Wasted: Exposing the Family
Effect of Addiction
BOOKS
Clean | A myth-shattering look at drug
abuse and addiction treatment, based
on cutting-edge research, by David Sheff,
author of Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey
Through His Son’s Addiction
High | The book that David Sheff and his
son, Nic, wrote after Nic got clean.
VIDEOS, ETC.
TEDtalks | Addiction and Recovery:
A How to Guide, Shawn Kingsbury |
Addiction – don’t let the bear catch you,
Steve Gill | The human element of
recovery from mental illness and addiction,
Apryl Pooley | Unlocking the Cure to
Substance Use Disorder, Brad Finegood
YouTube | 8 Essentials for Recovery
from Addiction | Addiction Policy
Forum | A ReThink of the Way we
Drink | bignoknow - Noah Thomas |
Brené Brown on Empathy | Center for
Motivation & Change | Drug Addiction
and the Brain | Finding God Through
Addiction & Astrophysics: The New
Universe & the Human Future w/ Nancy
Abrams | Johann Hari: Everything you
think you know about addiction is wrong |
Finding sobriety on a mountaintop | Fit
Recovery | How Addiction Affects The
Brain | In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts
/ Dr. Gabor Maté | Jordan Peterson &
Russell Brand: How to Beat Addiction |
Jordan Peterson - How to treat addiction
effectively | Six Steps to Life-Altering
Change for Addicts and Convicts | Talk
Sober | The #1 Reason You Cannot Beat
Your Addiction | The Best Explanation of
Addiction I’ve Ever Heard – Dr. Gabor Maté
| Vaping, Marijuana, and the Effects on
the Adolescent Brain with Dr. Ruth Potee |
Vaping: The Hit Your Brain Takes
COCAINE ADDICTION
Cocaine Anonymous South Africa |
A fellowship of people who share their
experiences to solve their common problem
and help others recover from their addiction
| Helpline: 063 268 8794 | help@ca.org.
za | www.ca.org.za | f CASouthAfrica
GAMBLING ADDICTION
cghub | An information page about
compulsive online and other gambling |
www.cghub.co.za
Gamblers Anonymous | Info-rich
website. Physical & online meetings |
Volunteer helplines:
• Gauteng | 060 624 7140 / 081 874 1249
• KZN helpline | 031 207 4075
• Western Cape | 079 368 4477
Call only at reasonable hours. If not
answered, call again as they do not return
calls | Contact via the website | www.
gasouthafrica.wordpress.com
South African Responsible Gambling
Foundation | Free out- and inpatient
treatment programmes, telephone or
face-to-face counselling by qualified
professionals countrywide, available
24/7 for problem gamblers & their
families. Resource-rich website with quiz
to determine if you have a problem |
Sunnyside Office Park, 32 Sunnyside Dr &
Carse O’Gowrie Rd, JHB | 24/7 helpline: 080
000 6008 / 011 026 7323 / WhatsApp 076
675 0710 | Helpline@responsiblegambling.
org.za | www.responsiblegambling.org.za |
f sargf.org.za
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>

72 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
WOMEN & FAMILY
t
The traditional definition of a family
is a group consisting of two parents (a
mother and a father) and their children
living together as a unit. Another
definition of a family is a group of
two or more persons related by birth,
marriage or adoption who live together.
In reality, families exist in many forms.
Sometimes they live together, sometimes
not. Sometimes there are children and
sometimes not. Sometimes they are
related, sometimes not. There are singleparent
families, cohabiting couples,
gay couples (with two fathers or two
mothers), child-headed families, as well
as extended and combined families.
If you need help with a crisis pregnancy or know
someone who needs help, go to
www.crisispregnancy.org.za
and search the database for service
providers in your province
– Lyndon Johnson
crisis pregnancy & adoption services for
every province, plus a host of resources
about options, adoption, who to talk to,
etc. | www.crisispregnancy.org.za
Life SA | A platform where you can
quickly, anonymously if you wish, get help.
Talk to us | 061 804 0460 | m.me/
lifesahelpdesk | f lifesahelpdesk
Pregnancy Help Network | A network
of pregnancy help organisations across
South Africa. Look on the website or call/
WhatsApp for information about help
near you | 073 162 2334 | office@
pregnancyhelpnetwork.org.za | www.
pregnancyhelpnetwork.org.za | f
Pregnancy Help Network
Women, as the bearers of children,
are traditionally regarded as the main
caregivers of children. They can be
young, single, married or not, or they
could be a granny.
But women are not always the
caregivers of children, either. Many
fathers take care of children.
Everyone agrees that the family – in
all its myriad forms – is the primary
means of socialising children. It is in
the family where a child first learns the
basic values and norms of the culture in
which they will grow up.
CRISIS / UNWANTED
PREGNANCY COUNSELLING
Also see:
• ACCREDITED ADOPTION SERVICE PROVIDERS
In the CHILD WELFARE pages
• PREGNANCY, CONTRACEPTION & ABORTION
SERVICES In the HEALTH pages
And in this WOMEN & FAMILY section, look for:
• BABY SAVER LOCATIONS
– Jeanie W. French
NATIONAL
BabyLine | A dedicated phone/WhatsApp
support service for mothers needing
counselling and support, manned by social
workers who will connect the mother with
a network partner in her local area | 082
069 9067 | www.peaceagency.org
Baby Savers SA | A national coalition
of NPOs and PBOs that provide a safe
alternative to unsafe baby abandonment
through the use of a baby saver. Also
offers crisis pregnancy counselling through
their network | info@babysaverssa.
co.za | www.babysaverssa.co.za | f
BabySaversSA
Crisis Pregnancy | Website contains a
comprehensive, searchable database of
Wandisa Specialist Adoption & Child
Protection Organisation | Counsels
birth families in crisis; refers for relevant
support; provides safe relinquishment
options after birth; ensures protection and
care of abandoned babies and children |
Orange House, 63 Caledon St, Somerset
West | 021 852 8025 / 079 063 4144 |
info@wandisa.co.za | www.wandisa.com
| f adoptingthroughwandisa
EASTERN CAPE
Heart Matters Pregnancy Care Centre
| A safe, free and confidential space for
women who are seeking guidance due
to an unplanned pregnancy. Pregnancy
testing, peer counselling, ongoing support
and counselling, pre- and ante-natal
classes, assistance with adoption, post
abortion stress and more | Makhanda
/ Grahamstown | 083 731 9732 |
heartmatterspccentre@gmail.com | f
heartmatterspregancycarecentre
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 73
WOMEN & FAMILY
FREE STATE
Anchor of Hope / Pregnancy Crisis
Centre | Information, counselling,
support, pre and postnatal care, and
temporary accommodation for pregnant
women and their babies after birth |
Bloemfontein and surrounding rural areas
| 083 325 1899 | info@anchorofhope.
co.za or contact via the website | www.
anchorofhope.co.za
House of Hope | Counselling and
support for unplanned pregnancies |
226 Stateway, Bedelia, Welkom | 057
101 0286 / 081 398 7609 | info@
houseofhopefs.co.za | www.
houseofhopefs.co.za
Pregnancy Crisis Centre | Information
& counselling | 9 Huguenot St, Willows,
Bloemfontein | 082 382 8020 |
pccofhope@gmail.com | www.pccofhope.
org.za
GAUTENG
Catholic Women’s League Adoption
Society | Margaret House, 33 Roberts
Ave, Kensington, Johannesburg | 011
618 1533 / Crisis service: 011 614 3149
| admin@cwladoptions.co.za | www.
cwladoptions.org.za | f cwladoptions1
CrossRoads PHC | Option counselling
for women facing an unplanned/crisis
pregnancy with volunteer counselors at this
Pro-Life NPO. Also provides loss counselling
following miscarriage or abortion | 1121
South St, Hatfield, Tshwane/Pretoria | 076
324 5565 | contact@crossroadsphc.co.za
| http://www.crossroadsphc.co.za/ | f
CrossRoadsPregnancyHelpCentre
El Roi LIV Lanseria | Counselling and
support for pregnant mothers | Plot 90
Pelindaba Rd (R512), Lanseria | 079 558
9090 | babyhome@live-lanseria.com |
www.live-lanseria.com | f elroibabyhome
Hope Ithemba | A pregnancy crisis
centre offering compassionate assistance,
education & counselling in crisis/unwanted
pregnancy situations | Caray House, 4
Eighth St, Springs | 011 811 6766 / 073
783 3033 | info@hopeithemba.co.za |
www.hopeithemba.co.za
Impact Africa Diepsloot | Prenatal,
postnatal and parenting counselling and
training. Adoption services | 835 Ravele
St, Ext 2, Diepsloot, Johannesburg |
071 618 2002 | impactbabyrescue@
impactafrica.org | www.impactafrica.org
Nea-Zoia / Crisis Pregnancy Care Centre
| Counselling and support for women
in an unplanned pregnancy crisis or who
are suffering from post-abortion stress.
Volunteer counsellors | Evander St,
Rooihuiskraal North X1, Centurion/Midrand
| 082 412 1472 | info@neazoia.co.za
KWAZULU-NATAL
KZN South Coast Hot Spots |
Counselling & support | 082 353 5556
/ 071 687 2900 | kznhotspots@gmail.
com | www.kznhotspots.co.za | f KZN
South Coast Hot Spots - Turning Point Crisis
Counselling
Open Arms | An online crisis pregnancy
centre. Offers counselling and emotional
support | 5 Vimy Rd, Bluff, Durban
| WhatsApp 084 488 1359 | help@
openarmssa.org | www.openarmssa.org
| f openarmssa
LIMPOPO
Open Door Pregnancy Help Center | 11
Erasmus St, Flora Park, Polokwane | 083
383 7047 | opendoorphc.office@gmail.
com | f Open Door Pregnancy Help
Center - Polokwane / Pregnancy care centre
MPUMALANGA
Born 2 Care for the Community | A
Pregnancy Crisis Centre (and more) for
the greater Delmas community. Free,
confidential, caring and non-judgemental
advice and practical support | (Welfare
Offices), Cnr 4th Ave & 6th St, Delmas |
073 643 1357 | info@born2care.co.za |
www.born2care.co.za | f born2care
Litsemba Centre | (Operated by
Mamkhulu.org) Free pregnancy tests,
confidential, professional counselling, &
support for unplanned or crisis pregnancies.
Resources for a healthy pregnancy.
Parenting skills training. Support groups
for teen moms. A safe space | Daantjie,
Mbombela | 066 183 0835 / 067 793
8226 | www.mamkhulu.org
NORTH WEST
Touch Community Network | Pregnancy
and HIV testing, crisis pregnancy support
and counselling | 143 Bethlehem Dr,
Rustenburg | 014 592 3363 | contact@
neolife.org.za | www.touchnetwork.org.za
| f neo.birthtouchcommunity
NORTHERN CAPE
Badisa | Pregnancy counselling and
adoption services throughout the NC. Call
for info about facilities near you | Head
office: 021 957 7130 | info@badisa.org.za
| www.badisa.org.za | f BadisaCharity
Are You Pregnant
And Need Information
And Advice?
Call 0800 864 658 now and talk
with someone about adoption as
an option. Or visit www.adoption.
org.za for more information.
Jogébed Care Centre | A child, youth
care and crisis pregnancy centre. Telephonic
and face-to-face counselling. Support and
social worker interventions | Upington |
082 555 8522 / 082 538 0404 | jogebed.
mw@gmail.com | www.jogebed.co.za |
f jogebed
Here’s what YOU can do
to make a difference
As a concerned onlooker |
n
Talk to the women you know
about contraception.
n
Share information with pregnant
women about the options and
support that are available.
n
Adopt a child.
As a policy-maker |
n
Make sex education – including
information about contraception
– a compulsory subject at school.
n
Make contraception easily
available, everywhere.
n
Educate health officials not
to shame young people
who request assistance with
contraception, but to help them.
n
Educate public health workers
to support unwed pregnant
women with information
that can help them make
the right decisions for their
circumstances.
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>

74 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
WOMEN & FAMILY
– Maria Popova
There is also a ‘mini-pill’ that uses
only progestin, a synthetic form of the
progesterone hormone for people who
have allergic and other reactions to
estrogen.
The Patch | Uses a combination of
estrogen and progestin, but instead
of taking a daily pill, the user sticks a
waterproof sticker on their skin. Patches
come in packs of three. The user puts on
a new patch each week for three weeks
and then has a patch-free week during
which a period typically occurs.
Birth Control Injections | Contains
progestin and protects against pregnancy
for three months. A health care provider
typically administers it, in an arm or the
buttocks, every 12 to 14 weeks.
All hormonal and medical interventions can
have side effects, like spotting, weight gain,
mood swings, etc. Discuss the pros and
cons with a medical practitioner before you
decide. If the side effects are severe, ask to
try another option.
A Guide to Birth Control / Methods of Contraception
NO PRESCRIPTION NEEDED
Condoms | Highly effective in
preventing pregnancy and the ONLY
contraception that also prevents sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) including
HIV/AIDS. Government-issued condoms
are available free of charge at clinics and
government buildings.
Spermicide | A sperm-killing chemical
that comes in a gel or foam, that the user
inserts in the vagina before every instance
of intercourse. Not as effective as other
options at preventing pregnancy.
Diaphragm or cervical cap | A small,
circular dome made of thin, soft silicone
that’s inserted into the vagina before sex.
It covers the cervix and suction helps it
stay in place, so that sperm can’t reach
an egg. It is highly effective when used
correctly and with a spermicide, but it
does not protect against STIs. It must be
fitted (measured for size) and prescribed
by your healthcare provider. You will need
a new measurement if you lose or gain
weight or after having a baby.
PRESCRIPTION NEEDED
The Pill | Hormonal birth control pills
stop ovulation and can be highly effective
if taken roughly the same time every
day. There are hundreds of birth control
pills on the market. The most common
ones use a combination of the hormones
estrogen and progestin.
The Ring | Different options are
effective for different periods of time.
Some must be replaced once a month
and some once a year. The user inserts
the ring, leaves it in for about three weeks
and then removes it for a week. They use
similar hormones as the pill and the patch
but are effective for longer periods.
MEDICAL PROCEDURE REQUIRED
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) | These
are considered to be among the most
effective forms of birth control. You
don’t need to remember to take, apply,
remove, reinsert or do anything once it
has been inserted. And, depending on
the type, the IUD can remain effective
for three to 12 years! It is also a highly
effective emergency contraceptive if
inserted within 5 days after having had
unprotected sex. A doctor or medical
professional must insert the T-shaped
device into the uterus. The procedure
takes about five minutes. There are two
types of IUDs: Hormonal, which secretes
progestin, and copper, which doesn’t
contain hormones.
Birth Control Implants | A small rod
– about the length of a matchstick – is
inserted under the skin of the upper arm
and is effective for around three years. It
has the lowest failure rate of all nonpermanent
birth control methods. It takes
only a few minutes for a doctor or nurse
to insert the device. No pelvic exam is
required.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
Emergency contraception | Also
called the ‘morning-after pill’. Reduces
the likelihood of getting pregnant after
unprotected sex. There are two types
of pills: one that requires a prescription
and can be taken up to 5 days after
unprotected sex. The other one is
available at pharmacies, without a
prescription, and must be taken no later
than 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Pharmacies are legally required to ask
questions and ask you to sign a form.
Emergency contraception contains high
doses of hormones that delay the release
of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation) and
inhibit fertilization, allowing sperm in the
reproductive tract to die out.
It should never be used as regular birth
control because the high hormonal
content will cause strong side effects.
Besides, it is far more costly than simply
getting regular contraception at a clinic.
Emergency contraception also will not
terminate a pregnancy and will not cause
a spontaneous abortion. It prevents
fertilization, that’s all.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are 99.9%
effective as emergency contraception if
inserted within five days of unprotected
sex. An added advantage is that you then
have regular protection.
(See MEDICAL PROCEDURE REQUIRED
elsewhere on this page.)
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southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 75
WOMEN & FAMILY
PERMANENT BIRTH CONTROL
Tubal Ligation | It is a minimally
invasive procedure commonly known as
getting your ‘tubes tied’. It permanently
protects against pregnancy and is not
reversible. Many women who already
have children opt to have the procedure
done during a C-section or right after
giving birth.
Salpingectomy | Involves removing
one or both fallopian tubes.
NOTES
Most contraception methods are
available free of charge at public health
clinics throughout SA.
If you are badly treated because
you’re young, see Problems with a
Government hospital or clinic? in the
HEALTH pages.
If they don’t have stock, send a ‘Please
Call Me’ to Stop Stockouts or WhatsApp
call them on 084 855 7867 | 011
728 7365 | report@stockouts.org |
www.stockouts.org | f stockouts.
Otherwise, go to a private health clinic
or medical doctor.
Also see PREGNANCY, CONTRACEPTION
& ABORTION SERVICES in the HEALTH pages.
BIRTH CONTROL FOR MEN
Vasectomies | A 20-minute surgery
that can be done in a doctor’s office. The
procedure involves cutting and sealing
the sperm-carrying tubes in the scrotum.
Vasectomies can be reversed.
– Naledi Pandor
Here's what to expect
as a teen mother
Statistics show that
a Your boyfriend is likely to disappear from the
scene within a year of the baby being born –
unless you both have family support to continue
the relationship. African traditions make this
difficult – not allowing the male access to the
child until ‘damages’ have been paid. Tensions
develop when this is not possible and the
couple often move on to other relationships.
a You will probably never complete your schooling
– unless you have extraordinary support.
60 – 70% of pregnant teens permanently
drop out of school. But you can change that.
Download Chapter 8 of the BASIC EDUCATION
RIGHTS HANDBOOK: Pregnancy at https://
section27.org.za > Search for Basic Education
Rights Handbook then find the relevant chapter.
a You are more likely than other young people to
be unemployed, unless you finish your studies.
a The children of teen mothers are at greater risk
of mental and emotional problems, often as a
result of abuse and neglect because the mother
does not have the emotional maturity to deal
with the demands of a baby.
See SUPPORT FOR SINGLE & TEEN PARENTS
elsewhere in the WOMEN & FAMILY section
Photo | iStock
– Aristotle
>>>

76 | southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory
YOUTH
All you have is all you need.
Live fearlessly and NEVER give up!
Are you young
and homeless?
Are you thinking about
running away from home?
Do you live in a household
without any adults?
Photo | UNESCO
Here are some things you can do to
change your situation for the better |
n
Contact Childline on their 24-Hour,
free helpline: 116
n
Speak with someone at any church
near where you live. They will know
how to get help for you.
n
Contact any organisation listed
under STREET CHILDREN, YOUTH &
CHILD/YOUTH-HEADED
HOUSEHOLDS, as well as CHILD
WELFARE ORGANISATIONS in the
CHILD WELFARE pages.
n
Also see SUPPORT FOR HOMELESS,
IMPOVERISHED, DESTITUTE &
ADDICTED PEOPLE, as well as
SHELTERS & PROGRAMMES FOR
HOMELESS PEOPLE, in the SOCIAL
WELFARE & HUMANITARIAN
SUPPORT pages.
n
Look through the directory for
resources that can help you create
a better life for yourself.
Don’t give up hope! Keep looking
until you find help. There are many
people and organisations out there
that care and would like to help.
t
South Africa’s four mobile operators all offer
free access to education websites (and more).
Find out from your service provider what’s
possible. MTN: OpenTime | Vodacom:
ConnectU | Cell C: CONNECT4FREE |
Telkom / 8ta: Zero Rated Websites
BIRTH CERTIFICATES, IDENTITY
& OTHER DOCUMENTS
Here is a list of documents that you will
need throughout your life:
1. Birth certificate | This is the
linchpin that holds everything else
together. You cannot apply for any of
the below documents without it, which
means that you cannot study after
Matric, enter formal employment, get
a driver’s license, travel outside the
borders of South Africa, open a bank
account or apply for grants. In short,
you won’t be able to launch your adult
life without a birth certificate.
If you don’t have one, see BIRTH
CERTIFICATES in the CHILD WELFARE
pages elsewhere in the directory for
information about what you need to do
to get one.
2. Identity document | You can apply
for an ID document as soon as you turn
16. You will need:
• Your birth certificate
• A certified copy of the ID of one of
your parents or legal guardian
• Death certificates if your parents have
died
• Proof of residence: an envelope
or communication posted to the
address where you live. Or a letter
from a bank or cell phone company
confirming your address. If these
documents are addressed to your
parent or legal guardian, they must
supply an affidavit confirming that
you live at that address.
The first ID document is supplied free of
charge, but if you lose it, you will have
to pay for a replacement.
If you don’t have an ID and are having
problems obtaining one for whatever
reason, contact:
Thusong Service Centres | One-stop
centres where you can get assistance
with ID documents. Contact the relevant
provincial office (below) to get the number
and directions to a Thusong Service Centre
closest to you.
• Eastern Cape | 043 722 2602
• Free State | 051 448 4504
• Gauteng | 011 834 3560
• KwaZulu-Natal | 031 301 6787
• Limpopo | 015 291 4689
• Mpumalanga | 013 753 2397
• North West | 018 381 7071
• Northern Cape | 053 832 1378/9
• Western Cape | 021 697 0145
Or access information about any Thusong
Service Centre in South Africa here: www.
gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/
thusong
Or contact any of the organisations
listed under WELFARE & HUMANITARIAN
SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS in the SOCIAL
WELFARE & HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT
pages to ask for assistance with getting
your ID.
3. Matric certificate | This single
document determines your access
(or not) to formal study opportunities
and employment opportunities. It is
replaced as a ‘door-opener’ only once
you obtain a next qualification. It, too,
requires possession of a birth certificate.
If you’ve lost or damaged your matric
certificate, contact your old school or
the Department of Basic Education
for assistance. If your Matric results
were poor and bar you from tertiary
education, apply to re-write Matric. See
MATRIC in the EDUCATION: PRIMARY
& SECONDARY SCHOOL SUBJECT
RESOURCES pages.
Access to many opportunities will
depend on you having one or all of the
above three documents. Keep them
safe, clean, not folded, in individual
plastic sheets in a large envelope, box
or lever-arch file. Use this to store
Add your non-commercial listing to the next edition of the Directory. It is free | www.southafricanconversations.co.za/resource-directory

southafrican CONVERSATiONS resourcedirectory | 77
YOUTH
everything that will help you in your life:
educational certificates, job references,
letters of recommendation, etc.
Watch this TEDtalk to understand the
issues around life without documentation
| I am 30 years old, and a month ago I
got my first passport, Maha Mamo
– Langston Hughes
COOL FREE THINGS ONLINE
Also see COOL TOOLS FOR STUDENTS in
the EDUCATION: PRIMARY & SECONDARY
SCHOOL SUBJECT RESOURCES pages
Obooko | Books that are legally licensed
for free download in PDF, ePub & Kindle.
Many sites now offer access to free books.
Obooko has a section that caters for books
that were written for teens or young adults–
available to read on smartphones while on
the go | Use this exact URL: www.obooko.
com/category/free-books-for-teens
Also see: FREE VIRTUAL LIBRARIES & OTHER
SOURCES OF FREE BOOKS & INFORMATION
in the EDUCATION: ACCESS TO BOOKS
pages, elsewhere in the directory
FREE Wi-Fi
National & provincial governments,
as well as individual cities have
gone to great lengths to make Wi-Fi
available to all the people of South
Africa. Google “Free Wi-Fi in ...” (the
name of your area or nearest centre
of commercial activity) to see what
is available, where.
YouTube | Interesting channels |
#WeTheNetSA | Art Prof: Create &
Critique | chescaleigh | COLORS |
Elaine | Emmanuel Acho | Feminist
Frequency | JJ Olatunji | Kay Yarms |
Kyle Haganami | Lasizwe Dambuza |
Liziqi | Magda Civil | marinashutup
| Nyma Tang | Pap Culture | Russell
Brand | Sibu MpanzaSA | Simone
Giertz | Siyanda Mohutsiwa (also watch
her 2 amazing TEDtalks: ‘Is Africa’s Future
Online?’ and ‘How young Africans found a
voice on Twitter’) | Thato Rampedi |
vlogbrothers | Vusi Thembekwayo |
(Not channels, but look for vids that feature
Haile Thomas or Zulaikha Patel ... and be
inspired.)
YouTube | Learning channels: Big Think
| LearnOutLoud | PBS Idea Channel
| Smithsonian Channel | Ted | The
School of Life | Wisecrack
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
Department of Social Development
| Responsible for providing social
development, protection and welfare
services to the public. Contact the office in
your province to find out what programmes
and facilities are available for youth in your
area | customercare@dsd.gov.za |
www.dsd.gov.za | f Department of Social
Development
• National Care Helpline | 012 312 7727
Provincial Departments | Provincial
websites offer varying levels of useful
information.
• Eastern Cape | 043 605 5419 / 043 605
5000 | www.ecdsd.gov.za | f Eastern
Cape Department of Social Development
• Free State | 066 487 6238 / 051
400 0302/4/7 | www.socdev.fs.gov.
za | f Free State Department of Social
Development
• Gauteng | 011 355 7600/56 / 7687 /
7878 / 011 227 0000 | www.gauteng.
gov.za/departments > Department of
Social Development | f Gauteng
Department of Social Development
• KwaZulu-Natal | 033 264 5400 /
3001/2/4 | www.kzndsd.gov.za | f
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social
Development
• Limpopo | 015 230 4300 / 015 293
6004 / 6053/4 | www.dsd.limpopo.
gov.za | f Department of Social
Development Limpopo - DSD
• Mpumalanga 013 766 3031 / 3098 /
3111 / 3156 / 3253 | www.dsdmpu.
gov.za | f Mpumalanga Department of
Social Development
• North West | 018 388 2000 / 388 3040
/ 018 387 3434 / 0255 | dsd.nwpg.gov.
za | f North West Department of Social
Development
• Northern Cape | 053 807 5600 / 053
874 9100 | www.northern-cape.gov.za /
socdev.ncpg.gov.za | f Northern Cape
Social Development
• Western Cape | 0800 220 250 /
021 483 5045 / 3858 / 3765 / 3158
/ 5445 | www.westerncape.gov.
za/dept/social-development | f
WesternCapeGovernment
Department of Women, Youth and
Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) |
Advocates for, monitors and empowers
women, youth and persons with disabilities
to ensure their meaningful participation in
all areas of the economy and the workplace
| 012 359 0000 / 0011 / 0013 / 0071 |
ministry@women.gov.za | www.dwypd.
Tube
gov.za | f dwypdza | You
DWYPD
MENTORSHIP PROGRAMMES
Also see, elsewhere in the directory:
• MENTORSHIP in the ENTREPRENEURSHIP,
as well as in the MEN & BOYS pages
• PROGRAMMES FOR GIRLS & YOUNG
WOMEN in the WOMEN & FAMILY pages
Khulisa Social Solutions | Helps
mentees discover key personality traits and
aptitudes; matches mentees with career,
entrepreneurship or skills development
pathways; promotes positive behaviour,
enhanced motivation and increased wellbeing
| 011 788 8237 | info@khulisa.
org.za | www.khulisa.org.za | f Khulisa
You
Tube
Social Solutions | Khulisa Solutions
Learn to Become a Mentor
Bright Stars Mentorship
Programme | Free,
downloadable training materials
to develop mentors, templates to
screen and appoint mentors, and
more. A project of The Peace Agency
| www.brightstarsmentors.org.za
The Chronicle of Evidence-Based
Mentoring | Expert information
on youth mentoring | www.
evidencebasedmentoring.org
National Mentorship Movement | An
NPO that connects volunteer mentors with
mentees (entrepreneurs, unemployed youth
and students) for the reciprocal sharing of
knowledge, experience and wisdom. The
service is free. The aim is to help create
confident and successful people, transform
the economy, grow employment, build
relationships of trust across society and
create a sustainable future for all South
Africans | Register online to become
Kindly report missing or incorrect information to talk.to.us@southafricanconversations.co.za >>>

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