About the Black Sash

Our Vision

A South Africa in which:

Human rights are recognised in law, respected and implemented in practice, particularly socio economic rights;
All sectors of society (state, private sector and civil society) take responsibility for reducing poverty and inequality including social and economic justice;
The government is accountable to all its people and attends to their basic needs in a participatory and dignified manner; and
The Constitution is protected, promoted and fulfilled by all and the rule of law is respected.

Our Mission

is working towards the realisation of socio-economic rights, as outlined in the SA Constitution 1996, with emphasis on social security and social protection for the most vulnerable particularly women and children. We will, in the course of our work, explore options to significantly reduction of poverty and inequality.

We believe the implementation of socio economic rights demands open, transparent and accountable governance (state, corporate and civil society). To this end we will promote an active civic engagement by all living in South Africa and made possible by a strong and vibrant civil society comprising community based organisations, non-governmental organisations, coalitions and movements.

Our Values

In the execution of our work, we will uphold and promote the values of justice, integrity, dignity, rigour, the affirmation of women, independence and courage. Individual and collective non violent-action can transform own situation and impact on society as a whole.