Helping people stand up to violence
How We Do It
Through our supporters, we continue building a more just society
Why is the Peace Centre needed in South Africa?
South Africa needs the Peace Centre to help build the kind of community that supports and uplifts its members. The essential change will only come through community effort. Without this, hopeless intergenerational poverty will continue and violent protest will be seen as the only way of getting heard.
Change is still needed 25 years after the end of Apartheid despite some progress. We have actual hunger among the most disadvantaged, an education system that churns out too many unemployable (youth unemployment nearly 70%) and authorities very widely seen as uncaring and grossly corrupt.
Covid-19 has made existing problems amongst our disadvantaged citizens much worse with jobs and homes lost.
The Peace Centre works with others to tackle these problems and bring about change.
Message to our Friends
The Cape Town Peace Centre has gone back to its roots. That is to work in the disadvantaged communities to help people cope with violent and difficult situations. Covid-19, since March 2020, has impacted the projects.
It has adapted to meet changing and challenging situations. The Centre, over the years, had developed a strong administrative and training base employing very professional salaried staff. Maintaining these overheads became unsustainable in 2019. The previous four years had seen a drop in overseas funding with difficulty in motivating funders – despite ever increasing violence in general society.
An extensive strategic review of services, resources, policies and procedures was undertaken, with an assessment of the abilities of the Centre. Now emphasis is on community work using mainly contractors and volunteers rather than projects run by highly paid permanent staff from the head office.
This renewed, leaner Peace Centre needs your support.