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About ActionAid
South Africa

Part of a global movement fighting poverty and injustice in over 40 countries, rooted in feminist principles and community-led change.

Our Mission

Fighting Poverty
& Injustice

ActionAid South Africa (AASA) is a human rights-based organisation that works to eradicate poverty and injustice. We believe that poverty is not just about income — it is also about the poverty of rights, dignity, access and power.

We prioritise working with marginalised people facing discrimination and those dispossessed by disaster, violence and inequality — partnering with grassroots organisations and social movements in the communities we serve.

Our Vision

A world free from poverty and injustice in which every person enjoys their right to a life of dignity and security.

Our Approach

Rights-based, feminist, community-led. We believe that people most affected by injustice are best placed to lead the fight against it.

ActionAid South Africa team
1993
Founded
What Guides Us

Our Core Values

These principles shape every decision, campaign, and relationship at ActionAid South Africa.

Feminist Principles

We centre the voices, leadership and rights of women and girls in all our work, recognising that gender justice is inseparable from economic and social justice.

Community-Led Change

We believe the most sustainable change comes from within. We support and amplify the voices of communities rather than imposing external solutions.

Accountability

We hold governments and corporations to account while practising the same transparency and accountability internally with our partners and supporters.

Transformative Change

We seek systemic change that addresses root causes, not just symptoms — challenging the structures of power that perpetuate poverty and inequality.

Our Journey

Three Decades of Impact

1993

Founded

ActionAid South Africa established as part of ActionAid International, bringing global anti-poverty expertise to the country.

2000

Rural Focus

Seven rural Local Rights Programmes (LRPs) established, deepening impact in communities facing extreme rural poverty.

2010

Urban Expansion

Recognised that 60% of South Africans live in cities, AASA began expanding its work into urban areas.

2015

YUWM Launch

The Young Urban Women Movement launched — a transformative initiative putting women's economic justice at centre stage.

2020

Climate Justice

Climate justice and resilience became a core strategic pillar, responding to the climate crisis disproportionately affecting poor communities.

2026

Today & Beyond

Operating across 6 provinces with 40+ international partners, continuing to fight for a just, equal South Africa.

Global Network

Part of a Global
Movement

ActionAid South Africa is part of ActionAid International — one of the world's leading anti-poverty agencies. Our global network gives us the power to connect local struggles to international solidarity.

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