Refugee support services
When refugees arrive in South Africa, life is extremely tough. They face trauma, xenophobia and poverty. They cannot find employment, open a bank account or receive proper health care because of the stigma, status and lack of documentation of refugees. Some are forced to become involved in criminal activities just so they can survive.
Xenophobic attacks on refugees and their businesses, and even killings, were already frequent in our partner communities, but the situation is worsening. Political parties are using the issue of foreigners to gain votes during election season, which is igniting xenophobic reaction and resentment.
Joining a microfinance group enables refugees to set up small businesses so they can provide for their families’ needs.
Our partners support refugees and foster healing and empowerment by providing:
Help with documentation, integration and settling into the community
Counselling and healing support for what they left behind in their home country and the challenges they encounter in South Africa
Legal advice for victims of xenophobic attacks. This support is vital because refugee victims can be fearful and desperate with no local contacts or knowledge of next steps
Referrals to Social Services, Lifeline, Refugee Services, Human Rights Lawyers and the Police
Workshops on gender-based violence and peace and reconciliation to challenge cultural norms and encourage dialogue between South Africans and refugees and between refugees from different regions
Microfinance training and loans to help people set up small businesses and provide for their families
School uniform and shoes and Life Skills for refugee young people so they can attend school regularly and focus on their learning.
E3 partners with Key Ministry International Church and Pastors Connect in Pietermaritzburg, Paran Christian Ministries Durban and Paran Cape Town in this work. They are the only organisations offering this type of support in their communities.
The difference your donation makes
£50 / $65 enables an E3 partner to run a workshop for 20 refugees on how to seek asylum, integration in the local community and reconciliation and conflict resolution between refugees from different regions. This brings peace, healing and a more secure future for refugees in South Africa.
E3 partners supported 1,500 refugees in 2025.