Acacia Global

Acacia Global is a U.S.-based nonprofit that partners with non-governmental organizations and community leaders in South Africa to develop the next generation of leaders, meet basic human needs, and address social justice issues.

Founded in 2012, Acacia Global is led by a board of directors who have been involved for nearly 20 years with HIV/AIDS, nutrition, income-generation, education, and leadership development programs in the townships outside of Cape Town, South Africa.

Over the course of our work we have developed deep relationships with individuals and nonprofit organizations that make positive change in communities profoundly affected by poverty, disease, and a lack of educational and economic opportunities.

The places we work

South Africa has a population of 55 million people. Approximately 10 percent of these people control 90 percent of the country’s wealth. Despite the country’s reputation as an economic powerhouse on the African continent, fully one-half of all South Africans live in poverty. More than one in four people are unemployed and, in the townships, nearly seven in 10 young people are without a job. The lack of employment and quality education opportunities impacts daily life in the townships. Thousands of black Africans live in informal settlements. There is limited access to clean water and sanitation. Disease, mental health issues, and violent crime are major issues affecting poor communities.

The townships are also home to incredibly dedicated and talented community activists and leaders. The individuals and organizations with whom we partner are unwavering in their determination to improve the lives of the hundreds of thousands of women, men, and children who call townships like Khayelitsha and Guguletu home.