The Irish people have a long and strong connection with South Africa. We have a proud tradition of missionary and anti-apartheid support in the country.
South Africa is classified as a middle-income country, but continues to suffer from the legacy of apartheid.
Ireland's programme in South Africa prioritises health, education and gender equality. The programme is operated by Ireland's embassy in Pretoria. Ireland has funded development programmes since 1994.
Background
South Africa is the second largest economy on the African continent. It has abundant natural and mineral resources and a well-developed private sector.
The Government is undertaking a number of initiatives to promote economic growth. While extreme poverty has declined, unemployment is high, particularly among young people in the 15- 24 year-group. Women are more likely to be unemployed than men.
South Africa experiences high levels of violence. Women are particularly at risk.
Ireland’s aid work in South Africa
Irish Aid in South Africa covers three main policy areas.
Health
Inequality and the delivery of health services remain major challenges. The country is still affected by the legacy of the HIV and AIDS epidemic.
Ten years ago an estimated 17.9% of the adult population aged 15 and 49 years lived with HIV. This put a strain on already poor health facilities. The impact of HIV and AIDS is most felt by poorer people, particularly women, children and the elderly.
Education
There are two key elements to Ireland’s work in education. The first is our flagship Kader Asmal fellowship programme. This initiative is named in honour of Professor Kader Asmal who taught at Trinity College Dublin.
A co-founder of the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement, he was part of the team that negotiated South Africa’s transition to democracy. The programme provides scholarships to students from South Africa to study at Master's degree level in Ireland.
The second focus is supporting life skills training in vocational training institutes. These programmes have expanded to cover five institutes across the country.
Gender-based violence (GBV)
Gender-based violence remains a significant concern in South Africa. South Africa reports over 20,000 murders a year. Women are particularly vulnerable to violence.
Irish Aid funding
Irish Aid supports projects that focus on violence prevention. We fund community organisations to provide help to survivors of GBV.
An example of this work is the Sonke Gender Justice programme. This programme works with communities to reduce the threat of violence to women.
Ireland also works with the UN and civil society to ensure that resources are allocated to assist survivors.