THE SOUTH AFRICAN RED CROSS SOCIETY
The South African Red Cross Society is a member organization of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which is the largest volunteer driven organization on earth. The Red Cross Society has 100 million members and a presence in 189 countries. In August 2007 the South African Government recognized The South African Red Cross Society as an Official Auxiliary to the Government in Humanitarian Aid. Humanitarian services in South Africa can be traced back to the late 1800’s. The South African Red Cross Society was established in 1921 and admitted into the IFRC in 1929. Today the South African Red Cross Society is a member of the IFRC Governing Board.
It has three main components:
- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
- 189 member Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
As partners, the different members of the Movement support communities in becoming stronger and safer through a variety of development projects and humanitarian activities. The Movement also works in cooperation with governments, donors and other aid organizations to assist vulnerable people around the world.
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT SOCIETIES
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies was founded in 1919 in Paris in the aftermath of World War I. Originally known as the League of Red Cross Societies it was renamed in October 1983 as the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. In November 1991 it became the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The Federation supports humanitarian activities by Red Cross in each country, including providing emergency relief for natural disasters, the development of new social welfare initiatives, caring for refugees and simply caring for the vulnerable in society.
THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS RED CRESCENT MOVEMENT
In 1859, after witnessing the devastation of the Battle of Solferino, Swiss humanitarian Henry Dunant was deeply affected by the suffering of wounded soldiers and the lack of medical aid. This experience led him to propose the creation of relief societies made up of trained volunteers to care for the wounded during times of war.
To address military concerns about civilian involvement, the 1863 Geneva International Conference agreed that volunteer medical personnel would be placed under military command. This ensured they would operate under military discipline and receive the same protections as official army medical staff.
Originally present on battlefields, Red Cross volunteers now provide aid during natural disasters, health emergencies, and social welfare situations. This expansion reflects the movement’s dedication to responding to human suffering wherever it exists.
Founded in 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is the original body of the Red Cross Movement. Under the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC acts as a neutral intermediary during armed conflicts, providing protection and assistance to victims of war, reuniting separated families, visiting detainees, and offering essential medical care.
Guided by its core principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality, the Red Cross continues to serve as a global symbol of compassion, support, and hope in times of crisis.
THE RED CROSS IN SOUTH AFRICA
On New Year’s Day, 1896, four doctors approached President Paul Kruger for permission to form an ambulance corps. President Kruger not only gave the doctors his personal blessing, but his Volksraad also made a grant of 500 pounds for equipment, considered a most generous contribution in those days.
Six months later the Government of the South African Republic signed the Geneva Convention, and the ambulance corps took steps to become an independent Red Cross Society, Het Transvaalsche Roode Kruis. During 1899, a National Society was formed in the Orange Free State Republic, and later that year a British Red Cross Society branch was established in the Cape Colony.
From its earliest beginnings in South Africa, the Red Cross made no distinction between frontiers, race or political creed. During the South African War (1899 – 1902) the Society expanded rapidly, receiving aid from the Red Cross in the Netherlands, Germany, Britain, Belgium, Russia and Canada. Their common purpose was to relive the suffering of the wounded, sick combatants, regardless of who they were fighting for and to pass on information regarding persons killed, wounded or captured.
With the return of peace in 1902, the Red Cross Movement in South Africa became dormant until it was revived in 1913, when its objectives included spreading knowledge of first aid, home nursing and hygiene, as well as carrying out relief work for the injured, sick and wounded.
The South African Red Cross Society itself was founded in 1921 with the amalgamation of the various Red Cross entities which existed in the country. It was recognised by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1928 and admitted into the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in 1929.
Over the years, the work of the Red Cross in South Africa has changed to reflect the environment in which it is working. The National Society is organized into five regions under the control of elected National Council. Each region has several branch offices and which in turn have several committees with representation from the communities.
As a vitally important partner in this country’s health and welfare network, its principle concerns can be summarised in one sentence: to encourage and promote the improvement of health, the prevention of disease and the mitigation of suffering.
The South African Red Cross Society is one of the 189 members of the Federation and responds to needs in each province, territory and provides relief during minor and major disasters and emergencies throughout South Africa.
Core Values
The South African Red Cross Society is one of the 186 members of the federation and responds to needs in each province and territory, and provides relief during minor and major disasters and emergencies throughout South Africa.
Service to Humanity
Community centred
Accountability and trust
Inclusion
Innovation
Business Excellence
