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Civic Foundry

Focus areas

Where social infrastructure changes the most

Social infrastructure addresses South Africa's persistent inequities by improving access to essential services. These are the four areas where we concentrate.

Learners walking towards a newly completed school building.

01 · Project type

Education

Infrastructural challenges in South African schools take many forms, from limited access to services to schools operating in unsafe structures.

As the population continues to grow, this pressure is only expected to increase, leading to a greater shortage of adequately equipped schools in the future.

A rural clinic under construction.

02 · Project type

Health

12%

of South Africa's medical resources are allocated to rural areas

South Africa's healthcare infrastructure remains under significant strain, with a gap between access in rural and urban areas.

Without reliable and nearby facilities, already vulnerable communities are placed under further strain, reinforcing existing inequalities.

The exterior of a gender-based violence support centre.

03 · Project type

GBV Centres

35%+

of women over 18 have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime

Gender-based violence remains one of South Africa's most pressing social challenges, and many cases are believed to go unreported.

GBV Centres provide safe, accessible spaces where survivors can access integrated support services.

Workers installing a water pipeline through rocky ground.

04 · Project type

Water

1 in 5

South Africans lack access to safe, sufficient and reliable drinking water

Ageing infrastructure, climate pressures, and growing demand continue to strain the country's water resources.

Vulnerable communities consequently face increased health risks, reduced economic opportunities, and deepening social inequalities.

Focus initiatives

Every project is shaped by one or more initiatives

Each initiative provides a focused approach to planning, implementation, and impact measurement, so a project responds to its specific objectives while contributing to measurable outcomes.

  • A sanitation block under construction in a rural settlement.

    WASH

    Water, sanitation and hygiene

  • A new water pipeline being laid.

    Water Security

    Reliable supply and resilient reticulation

  • Solar panels installed across a school roof.

    Climate Resilience

    Energy and infrastructure that withstands pressure

  • A clinic building under construction.

    Health

    Facilities that close the rural access gap

  • A furnished room inside a gender-based violence support centre.

    GBV

    Safe spaces with integrated support services

  • An interactive smartboard installed in a classroom.

    IT

    Connectivity and digital learning capability

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