South African Refugee-Led Network

27/04/2026

This Freedom Day, we celebrate 75 years of the Refugee Convention and we speak honestly. Recent criminal incidents targeting foreign nationals in South Africa are an affront to our Constitution, our values, and our history. South Africa's story is one of and . SARLN stands firm: these are criminal acts, must be prosecuted as such, and will not define us. We recommit to building communities where every person can thrive.

26/04/2026

In a time of growing uncertainty and rising criminal activities across South African Cities, refugee leaders cannot remain silent.

SARLN leadership across , , and convened to reflect on the current realities facing refugee communities and to shape collective, community-led responses.

As we mark , this moment is a reminder that protection, safety, and dignity are not optional "they are rights". The call to action is clear: refugees must be part of the solutions that affect their lives.

12/12/2025

For the first time in our history, will take its place at the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review 2025 — a powerful step forward for refugee-led organising in South Africa.
This milestone is only possible thanks to the generous support of , , , and our donors who believed in our vision and lifted our voices.
At the , we will proudly share the experiences, challenges, and solutions shaped by our communities in regard to our pledges. Together, we move closer to a world where displaced people lead the decisions that shape their lives in .

14/08/2025

While in Kenya, the Devolution Conference 2025 — the country’s premier governance forum — is underway under the theme “For the People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice.” Meanwhile, in South Africa the and have just signed a aimed at deepening cooperation in the areas of funding, international representation, and documenting lessons learned.

13/08/2025

Some of us are born on the move. Home is not just a place—it’s a story, often untold. But without proper documentation, who are we? Too often, those advocating for us overlook the importance of the documents. That’s why I’ve chosen to raise my voice in the community: to ensure that young people like me are seen, heard, and recognized. Every story matters, and with support, we can turn our journeys into lasting impact.

12/08/2025

You put so much effort into your community, reaching those who are furthest behind. No amount of money could ever be enough to say “thank you” for what you do. Whenever an opportunity arises for to bring a smile to your face, we will do it without hesitation. Thanks also to funders such as and its partners who do not restrict us in how we use their support. , you are a precious resource to us, and your is our first priority.

12/08/2025

We are a national organisation, and while we understand the importance of international platforms, we must ask ourselves: what case study can we present there if we don’t have a solid local movement? How can we implement lessons learned internationally when we lack a strong foundation at home?

This is a mistake many of us in the , , and sectors make — we overlook national platforms and focus too heavily on international ones, expecting change to follow. It doesn’t work that way. Otherwise, we will remain experts only in attending workshops and capacity-building sessions, moving from one event to another without creating real change.

That is why we invest all our energy in building strong, locally based movements — and we are grateful to the donors who understand our approach and have supported it.

11/08/2025

shapes narratives, amplifies voices & drives change.

When community leaders use it well, local stories become global, influencing policy & inspiring action.

Great insights from , Exec Director .

11/08/2025

On behalf of the South African Refugee-Led Network (SARLN), we extend our heartfelt salute to you, .

We may not be in Cape Town to welcome you in person and celebrate this remarkable journey of courage and perseverance, but your ride from Goma 🇨🇩 to Cape Town 🇿🇦 speaks volumes to us. It is a journey that echoes the lived experiences of so many Congolese refugees in South Africa — especially those from the eastern provinces — whose paths to safety have been marked by hardship, resilience, and an unshakable hope for peace.

You have reminded the world that behind every journey is a story, and behind every story is a determination to find a place to call home.

Your bold act has become a moving symbol of our shared struggle and shared dream:
✊🏾 Peace in our lands
🌍 Freedom of movement without fear
🤝 Solidarity among Africans, wherever we may be

We walk — and ride — this path together.

10/08/2025

It’s a Sunday afternoon, and delegates from across South Africa are on their way to Pretoria for our — shaping strategies to address the challenges faced by both refugees and host communities.

This year is special — we’re honoured to host the Director of . A powerful reminder that community-led solutions work and deserve your support. 💪🌍

20/06/2025

A powerful and timely piece by . Thank you for amplifying the diverse voices of refugee-led organisations and their allies across Africa. On World Refugee Day 2025, this article stands as a testament to resilience, solidarity, and the importance of inclusive storytelling.

Today is World Refugee Day. First observed on 20 June 2001, the day aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by refugees and to honour their resilience and courage. This article provides a brief overview of the day and profiles the work of 30 African NGOs dedicated to addressing refugee-re...