
Founded in 2001 in response to xenophobic violence in Cape Town’s Nyanga township, we operate on the belief that conflict is often a symptom of unaddressed human rights needs. By bringing diverse groups together, we turn “us vs. them” into a unified movement for justice.
We work side by side with communities to protect human rights, empower youth, and build sustainable solutions. Guided by empathy and innovation, our team embodies the spirit of unity and resilience that defines Africa Unite.
Africa Unite (AU) is a Human Rights and Youth Empowerment organisation that works with citizens, refugees, and migrants to prevent conflicts, enhance social cohesion and promote socio-economic development.
We strive towards a united and prosperous Africa where all people live together harmoniously and peacefully.
We dedicate our working hours to collaboration, creativity, and community impact. Whether refining digital advocacy tools, supporting partners, or advancing projects, our team is consistently present and committed to driving meaningful change.

Building communities where justice, equality, and dignity are safeguarded.

We train over 150 "Human Rights Ambassadors" annually who return to their streets to educate and protect their neighbors.

Operating in over 25 schools, we treat the school as a "mini-country," where elected student "ministers" solve real-world problems like bullying and school safety.
Following the end of apartheid and the establishment of a nonracial, democratic government in 1994, South Africa experienced a significant influx of immigrants. While most refugees and asylum seekers did find a safer environment and a better quality of life in this beautiful country, unfortunately, many also faced hardship and suffering. Conflict in communities between the migrants and the locals grew, crime rates rose, and discrimination was rampant.
Fueled by concerns over rising crime and xenophobia in their community, in 2001, youth from New Crossroads, Nyanga, Cape Town, came together to address these challenges. In response to the violence and discrimination they saw being perpetrated against asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants, they founded AU.
With support from the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (IDASA), AU was officially launched in 2003 and became an autonomous organisation in 2004. We have since grown to provide support, education, and resources to help migrants both integrate into and build up their communities.
We implement our mission and realize our strategic objectives through multiple approaches.
Our programmatic focus centers on building the knowledge and skills of peer educators, facilitating reciprocal learning exchanges among citizens and foreign nationals, and creating platforms for intercultural dialogue in communities to address needs. We partner with like-minded organisations committed to building peaceful, sustainable communities through participatory strategies.
Specifically, we:










Join us in advancing human rights, social cohesion, and youth empowerment.