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South Africa

Healing intergenerational traumas caused by fractured family structures as a way to increase trust within communities. 

South Africa

Youth unemployment, substance abuse, and socio-economic problems paralyse communities in South Africa. Unhealed traumas of dysfunctional families are being passed on from one generation to the next. These traumas are addressed, and individual healing takes place to build better and stronger communities. 

Why is trust needed? 

Apartheid left a legacy of dysfunctional communities stemming from broken families, and the migrant labour system that separated men from their families enhanced the issues. This culture of dysfunctionality is aggravated by the absence of several generations of fathers in many families.   

The current reality is a generational transfer of present and past unhealed traumas, lack of parenting skills, broken families and a search for identity and belonging - among young people in particular. The focus of the trustbuilding project is on inner healing, and trustbuilding between parent/guardian and child, as a foundation for a more just and healthy society.  

How is trust built?

Organizing inner healing workshops

As change starts first from within, personal traumas are addressed through workshops and sharing sessions that explore the healing of individuals.

Addressing traumas in broken families

Family connections are repaired through intergenerational trustbuilding and family dialogues. 

Impact to date

The trustbuilding work shifted its focus to trauma healing with men to heal family traumas and dysfunctional families. Deep group sessions have been very confronting and beneficiary for the men who are offered trauma guidance in the process. 

'As black men, we are not used to allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, but for the first time in my life, I now understand the power of inner healing. I feel like a new person.'
~ Participant in Cape Town 

'The pain I have experienced in my life, I am now passing on to my family. It is a difficult cycle to break. These workshops have given me the tools I need to change this, which I intend to do.'
~ Participant in Johannesburg 

1,725

direct beneficiaries

15

people trained

90

trustbuilding events held

Learn more about Trustbuilding in South Africa

Anthony Duigan 
Chair of IofC SA Council  

Mantwa Gladys Mabe  

Cleopadia Mohlaodi 
National Coordinator