Support us

Human Rights are not yet a reality for everyone who lives in South Africa

Despite our very progressive Constitution, many of our people have still not realised their most basic human rights, particularly their socio–economic rights. After 55 years, the Black Sash remains committed to alleviating poverty and inequality as well as building a culture of rights-with-responsibilities in South Africa.

The Black Sash believes that

  • Social and economic justice are fundamentally important to making democracy work for everyone;
  • The government must be accountable to ALL its people, and attend to their basic needs in a participatory and dignified manner;
  • And all members of society must take responsibility for reducing inequality and extreme poverty.

What does the Black Sash do?

  • We educate people about their rights 
  • We advocate for policies which promote and protect rights 
  • We monitor rights-based service delivery 
  • And we advise people on how to access rights within the law


We work in the following areas:

  • Comprehensive Social Protection - campaigning for inclusive and integrated policies and working for the realisation of rights in practise.
  • Social Services and Subsidies – working for accountable local governance and effective service delivery to marginalised communities.
  • Consumer Protection for the Poor - building a fair credit and consumer environment.

Who do we help?

The Black Sash assists anyone who needs help - South African citizens as well as migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

Over the last 5 years the Black Sash has:

  • given human rights advice on over 40 000 matters;
  • put more than R54 million back in clients’ pockets through our interventions with business and government institutions;
  • reached over 45 000 people through our rights education activities in communities through the public media and our website;
  • helped to reform legislation such as the Credit Act;
  • and helped to win the constitutional right for children up to the age of 18 to access social assistance.

You can help us to make human rights real in South Africa!
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how you can help