The Peace Centre has been a pillar in promoting peace and justice in South Africa. Originally created to challenge Apartheid, we now focus on addressing the roots of violence in communities, particularly in schools and under-resourced areas.
Since rebranding, The Peace Centre continues its mission of fostering peace, equality, and justice, aligning with South Africa’s democratic values. Our work empowers vulnerable communities, offering support and building resilience to break the cycle of violence. In doing so, we address the triple oppression of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
As a dynamic, community-driven non-profit (PBO No. 18/11/13/3083, NPO No. 011-709), we forge partnerships and drive collaborative action toward a more peaceful and just society through networking, advocacy, research and other peace initiatives.
A MESSAGE TO OUR FRIENDS
At The Peace Centre, we are amid an exciting transformation to ensure we remain a world-class organization. While the Covid-19 pandemic challenged our work, it also gave us an opportunity to reimagine our approach. Through an extensive strategic review, we’ve refined our services, resources, and procedures to be more agile and impactful. Our focus has shifted towards engaging skilled contractors and passionate volunteers, allowing us to deliver high-quality programs without the overhead of a large permanent staff.
Our network of Friends has grown, and their unwavering support—especially from the Quakers—continues to fuel our mission. Now, more than ever, we invite both new and long-standing friends to join us in this renewed journey. Together, we can drive lasting change and build a more peaceful, just society. Will you be part of this movement?
This renewed, leaner Peace Centre needs your support.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
Despite over three decades since the end of Apartheid, South Africa still faces extreme inequality, with disadvantaged communities bearing the brunt of issues like failing education, youth unemployment exceeding 70%, and economic recession. Corruption remains deeply entrenched, stifling progress and perpetuating hardship for ordinary citizens. The Covid-19 pandemic has only worsened these challenges, leaving many feeling unheard, with violence often seen as the only outlet for change.
At The Peace Centre, we believe that lasting change must come from within individuals and communities. Our programs focus on personal responsibility, self-respect, and empowering people to take control of their futures.
While funding is essential to our work, we welcome partnerships with those able to support or self-fund any of our programs.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- We work across all levels of society to drive sustainable change.
- Our approach empowers individuals and communities to take action.
- We provide tools and training to prevent and reduce violence.
- We advocate for accountability from elected representatives.
- Through public advocacy, we fight corruption and promote policy reform.
- Collaboration is key, and we work with like-minded partners to amplify our impact.
Please convey my thanks to the committee, staff and field workers for the fantastic work that the Peace Centre continues to do despite the pandemic and very negative circumstances.
The professionalism and dedication exhibited by The Peace Centre in training and supporting the Ambassadors were commendable. The holistic approach to youth development has proven to be an invaluable asset to the communities they engaged with.
I herewith wish to fully endorse without reservation the Quaker Peace Centre and the Hilltop Empowerment Centre, in particular the character and philosophy of the late Rommel Roberts.
I have had the pleasure of collaborating with the Centre in previous initiatives, and I have witnessed first-hand the transformative impact their work has had on individuals and communities. Specifically, their commitment to youth development has resulted in long-term, measurable success, including increased employment opportunities, entrepreneurial ventures, and enhanced leadership capacity among young people.
I had the honour of being mentored by the late Mr. Rommel Roberts, a dedicated activist who stood for the principles of Ubuntu and peace. His contributions to society, rooted in non-violence, were immeasurable. He worked closely with leaders like Archbishop Desmond Tutu and others, striving tirelessly for justice and unity.
It is with great respect and appreciation that we write this letter in support of The Peace Centre and their tireless efforts in driving impactful community development initiatives. While we have not directly collaborated on their Peace Ambassadors Program, we have had the privilege of working with The Peace Centre on a significant project focused on renewable energy and sustainable agriculture in Gugulethu.
