Working in The Province of Southern Africa

(Includes South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Mozambique, Angola and St Helena)

The Province is the oldest in Africa. British Anglicans met for worship in Cape Town after 1806, with the first Bishop appointed in 1847. The twenty-four dioceses of the Province extend beyond the Republic of South Africa and include the islands of St. Helena and Tristan da Cunha, Mozambique (Lebombo and Niassa), the Republic of Namibia, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Kingdom of Swaziland and Angola. In July 2005 the Province started the process to change its name to 'The Anglican Church in Southern Africa'. Mothers' Union began in three diocese in 1904 and is now active across 23 of the 24 diocese, and in six countries in the Province.

Basic education training has been promoted throughout the whole of the province of Southern Africa by Mothers' Union . Classes are held at churches and much time is spent training the facilitators well. Computer literacy classes have been started in many parts of the province and are popular, whilst basic literacy classes are being held within others. Mothers' Union members also support the studentsby offering creche facilities for those with children. This has enabled many more to learn that would not have other wise had the opportunity.

The Wellness Management programme was started in 2003, aimed at raising HIV/AIDS awareness. One member from each diocese was trained to facilitate the programme alongside members of the Anglican Women's Fellowship. Training has been cascaded throughout churches and communities to enable more members to hold HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns.

Mothers' Union members are also active in their work with children. Orphaned children are taken care of through the "Adopt an Orphan" programme. Day care and drop in centres for children have also been started. Some members in South Africa have become foster parents in their communities with the assistance of the Ministry of Social Development.

Many have started nutrition programmes by encouraging Mothers' Union members to start vegetable gardens to support families and needy people in their local communities. Mothers' Union members are also running soup kitchens assisting child headed families with meals before school.

Marriage counselling and pre-marriage courses are another way that Mothers' Union members are serving their communities in Southern Africa. These courses are offered for the church family, where members support one another in prayer and fellowship too.