Irish Aid has provided funding support to South Africa since 1994. The Irish Aid country programme is managed by the Irish Aid team at Embassy Pretoria. Irish Aid also provides funding support to South Africa from its Civil Society and other funds. In 2013 the Irish Aid South Africa country programme was worth €2,966,000. Total Irish Aid support to South Africa in 2013 was €4,723,000.
Ireland’s programme in South Africa has two aims: (i) to ensure services which address issues such as gender-based violence, and which provide support to those who suffer from HIV, AIDS and TB are more integrated at community level and (ii) to improve capacity to enhance South Africa’s socio-economic growth and development.
The first part of the programme operates in Limpopo Province. Through NGO partners, the programme seeks to create a supportive environment for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and HIV and AIDS. It will also engage with men and boys on these issues.
The second part aims to develop skills and strengthen human resources capacity across a range of sectors in order to facilitate socio-economic growth in line with the Africa Strategy, through the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme. The fellowship will allow up to 10 students to undertake post-graduate studies in the disciplines of business management, public administration and food science. Training in commercial law for lawyers from previously disadvantaged communities will continue.
