St John - South Africa

18/06/2026

Behind every great first aid programme are the people who deliver it.

This week's Programme has brought together first aid training leaders from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Malawi, Mauritius and South Africa. Long days of training, and time around the table too, because the relationships built here are what hold a regional network together.

Different countries, one shared mission: consistent, lifesaving first aid training, everywhere St John teaches it.

17/06/2026

Learning by doing 🤲

A focus of this EMEA Master Trainer week is experiential learning: the idea that people remember far more when they practise a skill than when they only hear about it. It shapes how our trainers are taught to teach.

📷 Craig Hartley, Director of Training at The Order of St John South Africa, leading a session on the Programme.

A big thank you, too, to Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and its EMS team, whose Joint BLS Summit and seminar earlier in the week set the tone for this kind of hands-on learning.

15/06/2026

St John South Africa is proud to host the EMEA Master Trainer Programme.

From 15 to 19 June 2026, we welcome first aid training leaders from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Malawi and Mauritius to Fish Hoek, Cape Town, for an intensive week of train-the-trainer development. Six nations, one shared standard of lifesaving care.

The programme is part of the EMEA Excellence and Equity in Training Initiative, throughSt John International. The goal is simple: wherever in the world someone learns first aid from St John, the training should be consistent, current and genuinely lifesaving.

The week began this past weekend with skills assessments, including adult, child and infant CPR and a participant pre-course assessment, so every delegate starts from the same up-to-date standard before training begins.

Every master trainer who completes the week returns home ready to train more trainers, multiplying lifesaving skills across their communities.

Follow along as we share the week.

01/06/2026

Most people know the line: "Annie, are you okay?" 🎵

But few know its link to first aid training.

Watch this quick video to discover the surprising connection between CPR training, a resuscitation mannequin, and one of pop culture's most recognisable lyrics.

🔗https://www.youtube.com/shorts/m2sv_tEvfac

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/05/2026

The Priory for South Africa is delighted to announce the appointment of The Venerable Michelle Pilet as Subprelate-Designate for the Priory for the triennial 24 June 2026 – 23 June 2029.

An experienced and respected member of the clergy, The Venerable Pilet brings a depth of pastoral, spiritual and leadership experience to this important role, supporting the Priory’s life of faith and service. She will succeed The Right Reverend Edward Daniels KStJ, whose faithful and devoted ministry has provided invaluable spiritual guidance to the Priory over many years. Upon vacating the office of Subprelate, Bishop Daniels will take up the appointment of Vice Chancellor for the forthcoming triennial. We extend our sincere gratitude for his dedicated service.

The Priory looks forward with great anticipation to The Venerable Pilet’s contribution as Subprelate, as she helps to nurture and strengthen the spiritual life and mission of the Order in South Africa as the first woman to hold this office.

05/05/2026

The Priory for South Africa is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Nolitha Fakude as Prior-Designate for the Priory for the triennial 24 June 2026 – 23 June 2029.

A distinguished and respected business executive and Chair of Anglo American South Africa, Ms Fakude brings over three decades of leadership experience across the Mining, Oil and Gas, Retail and Financial Services sectors. She has served on several company and industry boards, including President of the Minerals Council of South Africa, President of the Black Management Forum and President of the International Women’s Forum South Africa. Nolitha is widely acknowledged for her dedication and commitment to advancing transformation, inclusion and equity, particularly systemic challenges affecting women and youth within organisations and broader society. She received the Charlotte Maxeke Chairperson’s Award for exceptional leadership and a profound impact on community development in 2024.

She will succeed The Most Reverend Thabo Makgoba KStJ, Archbishop of Cape Town, whose inspiring and dedicated leadership has guided the Priory over the past nine years. We offer our sincere gratitude for his outstanding service, which will continue within the Order.

As the first woman to lead the Priory, Ms Fakude’s appointment marks a landmark moment in the history of South Africa’s oldest medical NPO. The Priory looks forward with great anticipation to her leadership and to working closely with her in the years ahead.

16/04/2026

Looking to use your expertise for something meaningful?

St John South Africa seeks to appoint an Independent Non-Executive Chair for our Audit & Risk Committee - a high-level governance role supporting transparency, risk management, and long-term impact.

🟢 Learn more about this role at stjohn.org.za/careers

Interested candidates are invited to submit:
▪️ A brief CV (maximum 3 pages)
▪️ A short cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation for serving in this volunteer governance role

✉️ [email protected]
📅 Closing date: 15 May 2026 | Interview date: 29 May 2026

16/02/2026

📢 We’re hiring!

We’re looking for a highly organised Administrator with strong communication skills and solid computer literacy to support our training and compliance operations. The role suits someone with at least 1 year’s admin experience, who’s confident working with systems, capturing accurate data, and juggling multiple priorities in a busy environment.

▪️ Applications close 20 February 2025
▪️ [email protected]
▪️ stjohn.org.za/careers

26/01/2026

Collaboration is the key to sustainable impact! 🤝🌿

We are thrilled to share the results of the Olifants North Game Reserve Vision Screening Project. In partnership with the Balule Outreach Trust and with the support of stakeholders like Ms. Robyn-Lynne Reid, we delivered vital eye care to a remote community where access is often limited.

The Impact by Numbers:
👁️ 303 beneficiaries tested
👓 61 pairs of spectacles dispensed
📈 103% more spectacles provided than originally predicted

This variance highlights a critical, hidden need in our rural communities. Because of this success, we are looking forward to potentially continuing this initiative on an annual or biannual basis to ensure lasting visual wellness for the region.

Thank you to everyone involved for helping us serve humanity.

20/01/2026

🎒 The most important school supply isn't in their backpack.

It’s the first week of school. You’ve got the stationery, the uniform, and the lunchbox. But there is one tool your child uses for 80% of their learning that you can't buy at a store. Their Eyes.

Many parents mistake vision problems for behavioral issues. A child who is "acting out," "lazy," or "distracted" might simply be exhausted from trying to focus on a blurry board.

Swipe through 👉 to see the 5 silent signs that your child might need glasses. Number 3 is the most common sign of digital eye strain in 2026. Don't wait for the first report card to realise there’s a problem.

The St John Solution: Our Eye Care Division offers comprehensive screenings that go beyond just reading letters on a wall. We check for muscle balance, tracking, and health.

Give your child the best start to the academic year. Book a screening at one of our Eye Care Centers across SA.