What we do

SHADE
Sojourner: Help, Advocacy, Development, Education

Philosophy

SHADE is a faith-based non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, South Africa, working in countries throughout the African continent.

SHADE focuses on serving the needs of displaced people through networking and reestablishment of community. SHADE seeks to address some of the root causes of displacement.

Because of SHADE’s position and character, it is uniquely placed to respond appropriately to the various problems which Africa is struggling with at the moment. Situated in South Africa, SHADE has access to up to date technology which link it to a powerful network worldwide, while making its work in Africa accessible. Formed within a faith community, SHADE has the historical backing which lends it energy and credibility. SHADE’s ecumenical links mean that it is able to accommodate a broad spectrum of belief and serves the needs of people without prejudice toward their personal commitments. As a strong volunteer organisation, SHADE benefits from the expertise of many professionals who give sacrificially of their time and skills.   SHADE’s understanding of displaced people is broad. SHADE prefers to use the term sojourner, which simply means “stranger in a strange land”. People are displaced for many reasons. In Africa these reasons are both economic and political but the technical terms “refugee” and “asylum seeker” only apply to those who have been displaced because of conflict or persecution. This is too narrow a definition, especially when one considers that much of the poverty in Africa is caused in large measure because of the political consequences of corporate exploitation and nationalist greed, both of which amount to persecution, if not war. It is important to note that displacement happens within countries as much as between countries. SHADE makes no distinction in offering its services to sojourners.
Read about our history