How long has USAID been working in South Africa?
USAID programming in South Africa began in 1979, through the Human Rights Fund which supported non-governmental organizations working on human rights activities. A more comprehensive program was established in 1986 and assisted South African victims of apartheid through scholarships, the human rights fund, and economic support programs for disadvantaged South Africans. In 1986, USAID had a budget of $7 million. Funding for USAID programs spiked to $212 million after South Africa’s new democratically elected government took power. For more information see our history page.
