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Habitat for Humanity South Africa
 | |  | | | Habitat's Work in South Africa | Number of families served this year*: 35
Full house sponsorship cost: US$15,700
| | South Africa News and Stories | Octavia’s story
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South Africa -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l 1
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Building in Protea South in Soweto, South Africa
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Archbishop Desmond Tutu is a Patron of Habitat for Humanity South Africa
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Why Habitat is needed in South Africa
Boasting abundant natural resources and excellent infrastructure, South Africa bears all the hallmarks of a highly developed country. However, considerable economic and social problems remain from the apartheid era and unemployment figures are high.
Extreme poverty in rural areas drives people to the cities in search of employment. Fifty seven percent of the population now lives in overcrowded urban areas and one third lives on less than US$2 a day.
Despite proactive government policies, almost 10 million South Africans live in poverty housing in vast informal settlements known as townships. Occupants of townships often live without adequate services in overcrowded shacks pieced together with cardboard, corrugated iron and scrap wood.
How Habitat helps
Since its formation, Habitat for Humanity South Africa has provided shelter for 11,000 people and brought volunteers together across racial, economic, cultural and social divides.
Twenty percent of South Africa’s population is infected with HIV/AIDS. Habitat South Africa aims to build 60 new homes for AIDS orphans and vulnerable children, many of whom are living in appalling conditions.
Highlights
- Since 1996, Habitat for Humanity South Africa has built nearly 2,500 houses in 17 communities across the country.
- Today, the traditional Habitat program has evolved into more than building homes. Each project is uniquely tailored to suit the needs of the homeowner, the environment and social conditions of the communities and the available funds.
Facts about South Africa
Location: Southern tip of the African continent
Population: 45.3 million
Languages: English, Zulu, Xhosa, Setswana, Sesotho, Afrikaans and other local dialects
Climate: Semi Arid; sub-tropical along the coast
Religions: Christianity, Islam, indigenous beliefs
Government: Republic
Economy: Main exports include gold, diamonds, chromium and other metals and automobiles
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