South Africa

Number of people served in 2020: 4,260

At the end of 2017, South Africa hosted close to 90,000 refugees and more than 190,000 asylum seekers, many of whom came from Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  

Our Work in South Africa

JRS South Africa works with refugees in urban areas like Johannesburg and Pretoria to provide medical care and support income generation. Since Johannesburg is home to the largest urban refugee population in the world, JRS works tirelessly with refugees to create sustainable livelihoods, provide vocational training, and to assist in setting up small businesses. 

JRS South Africa’s work is supported by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.

Education Education is a life-saving intervention that helps displaced children and families to see beyond their displacement.
Education
Livelihoods Livelihoods programs and opportunities focus on empowerment, self-reliance, and sustainability.
Livelihoods
Psychosocial and Pastoral Support Displaced people often experience trauma due to their displacement. These services aim to meet the variety of complex spiritual and psychosocial needs.
Psychosocial and Pastoral Support
Advocacy and Protection Advocacy aims to shape laws, policies, and public opinion to be just and generous for the benefit of victims of forced displacement.
Advocacy and Protection
Health Care Health services are often needed to help refugees through their displacement and effectively reduce health risks.
Health Care

See Our Work

Women sewing clothing and other items at JRS South Africa’s Arrupe Centre. (Jesuit Refugee Service)
Women enrolled in the JRS South Africa Elderly Program practice yoga. (Jesuit Refugee Service)
Women dancing at the JRS South Africa World Refugee Day celebration. (Jesuit Refugee Service)

Stories





With greater need for vaccine equity, JRS global advances education, access 31 Jan 2022
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JRS South Africa & PRM: Protecting Health in a Turbulent Year 07 Apr 2021
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South Africa: The Impact of Health Care Services on Those in Exile 13 Jan 2020
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Contact

JRS South Africa Country Director:

Sehorane Lehlomela 

sehorane.lehlomela@jrs.net 

Project locations:

Johannesburg, Pretoria 

Visit the JRS Southern Africa Facebook Page