The South African Red Cross Society

11/06/2026

SARCS Strengthens Community Resilience in Ba-Phalaborwa, Limpopo

The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) conducted Community-Based Health (CBH) and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Emergencies training in the Mashishimale community, within the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. The programme also included Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) training, equipping community members with practical knowledge and skills to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and climate-related challenges.

As part of the ongoing humanitarian response, the SARCS Provincial Team, together with the SARCS Headquarters team and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies delegation, distributed relief items to vulnerable households in Mashishimale. The intervention provided much-needed support to affected families while reinforcing SARCS's commitment to building safer, healthier, and more resilient communities through preparedness, awareness, and humanitarian assistance.

10/06/2026

SARCS Strengthens Community Engagement and Disaster Preparedness in Mukumbani Village, Limpopo

The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) continued its commitment to building resilient communities through a Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) initiative conducted in partnership with the Tshivhase Council at Mukumbani Village in the Thulamela Local Municipality. The engagement provided an important platform for community members to share concerns, access information, and strengthen collaboration with humanitarian stakeholders.

As part of the intervention, SARCS distributed relief items to vulnerable households and conducted awareness sessions on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Anticipatory Action (AA), and disaster preparedness. Community members were equipped with knowledge and practical measures to help them better prepare for and respond to potential hazards, contributing to safer and more resilient communities in the face of increasing disaster risks.

10/06/2026

SARCS and Standard Bank Deliver Relief to Disaster-Affected Communities, Free State

Following the devastating storms, strong winds, and heavy rains that affected several communities across the Free State, the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS), in partnership with Standard Bank, has been providing humanitarian relief to affected households. Yesterday, relief distributions were conducted in Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo, and Bloemfontein, where families received essential support to help them cope with the impact of the disaster.

Today, the relief operation continued in Rouxville, reaching additional vulnerable households whose homes and livelihoods were affected by the severe weather conditions. Through this partnership, SARCS and Standard Bank remain committed to supporting communities in times of crisis, ensuring that affected families receive much-needed assistance while recovery efforts continue.

10/06/2026

SARCS and Partners Support Flood-Affected Families in Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal

Following heavy rains and strong winds that caused significant damage to homes in Ward 1 and Ward 5 of Jozini, the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS), in partnership with Her Royal Highness Queen KaMayisela Zulu, responded swiftly to provide humanitarian assistance to affected families. Relief items were distributed to support households whose homes and belongings were damaged by the severe weather conditions, helping to address their immediate needs and restore dignity during a difficult time.

The heavy rains also resulted in flooding that destroyed household gardens, washing away crops and impacting food security for many vulnerable families. The loss of gardens further deepened existing challenges faced by these communities, forcing some women and mothers to seek alternative means of feeding their families, including fishing for sustenance. In response, SARCS, together with HRH Queen KaMayisela Zulu and with support from Standard Bank, donated seedlings to affected households to help them revive their gardens, rebuild their livelihoods, and strengthen their resilience against future shocks. This initiative aims to support long-term recovery by promoting food security and sustainable community development.

09/06/2026

SARCS Launches DREF Operation and Distributes Relief Assistance Thohoyandou, Limpopo

The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) successfully launched its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) operation at Ha-Begwa Village in Thohoyandou, Thulamela Local Municipality, accompanied by the distribution of essential relief materials to affected and vulnerable beneficiaries. The intervention forms part of SARCS's ongoing commitment to providing timely humanitarian assistance to communities impacted by disasters and emergencies.

The launch was honoured by the presence of IFRC Head of Delegation, Ms. Mercy Laker, together with her delegation, SARCS National Headquarters representatives, the Limpopo Chairperson Mr Matakanye, Limpopo Provincial Office, Musina Branch staff, and dedicated SARCS volunteers. The event highlighted the strength of collaboration within the Red Cross Movement and reaffirmed the commitment to supporting communities in need. The launch and distribution were successfully conducted, bringing much-needed relief and hope to the beneficiaries of Ha-Begwa.

08/06/2026

SARCS Supports Disaster-Affected Households in Chavani Village, Limpopo

The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) conducted humanitarian relief distributions in Chavani Village, within the Makhado Local Municipality, following recent disasters that affected vulnerable households in the area. Families impacted by the adverse events received essential relief items aimed at addressing their immediate needs and helping them recover with dignity. The intervention forms part of SARCS's commitment to providing timely humanitarian assistance to communities affected by emergencies and disasters.

In addition to the relief distribution, SARCS engaged community members through a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness session and discussions on community volunteer structures and capacity-building opportunities. These activities aimed to strengthen community resilience, promote social cohesion, and empower residents to play an active role in disaster preparedness, response, and the prevention of GBV. Through integrated humanitarian action, SARCS continues to support communities on their journey toward recovery and resilience.

08/06/2026

Ubuntu Initiative and the Global Climate Resilience platform launch.

Mail & Guardian

08/06/2026

Extract from Mail & Guardian on the occasion of the launch of the Ubuntu Initiative and the Global Climate Resilience platform.

07/06/2026

05/06/2026

SARCS Attends National Launch of Lenacapavir Rollout in Secunda, Mpumalanga

Today, the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) joined government, healthcare partners, civil society organisations, and key stakeholders at the national launch of the Lenacapavir rollout in Secunda, Mpumalanga. The event marked a significant milestone in South Africa’s ongoing efforts to strengthen HIV prevention and reduce new HIV infections through innovative and accessible healthcare solutions. Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV prevention medication administered twice a year, is expected to play a transformative role in the country’s HIV response.

The launch highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, humanitarian organisations, communities, and development partners in advancing public health outcomes. SARCS remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote health, dignity, and resilience in communities across South Africa, while contributing to efforts aimed at ending HIV as a public health threat and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to life-saving prevention services.