Programs & Initiatives
SACU strengthens connections among Southern Africans in the United States while promoting the cultures, voices, and interests of the Southern African region. Through cultural programming, community engagement, advocacy, networking, media, and service, we create opportunities for people to connect, celebrate, learn, and give back:
Community Building; Arts, Culture & Heritage; Business & Professional Networking; Media & Storytelling; Outreach & Advocacy; Immigration & Civic Engagement; Community Support & Development, Southern African Relief & Development Support.
Our Program Areas
Community Building
We create welcoming spaces where Southern Africans and friends of the region can build lasting relationships, strengthen community ties, and celebrate shared experiences.
Programs & Activities
- Southern African Reunion (picnics, braais, and other activities)
- Community picnics and braais
- Social dinners
- Networking meetups
- Sporting tournaments and recreational events
- Family-friendly gatherings
Arts, Culture & Heritage
We celebrate and promote the rich cultures, traditions, and creativity of Southern Africa while increasing the visibility of Southern African culture in the U.S.
Programs & Activities
- Cultural festivals and celebrations ie Ubuntu Festival
- Fashion shows featuring Southern African designers and their collections.
- African dance and cultural performances
- Storytelling and heritage programs featuring Music, food, and arts showcases
Business & Professional Networking
We support entrepreneurship, professional growth, and economic connections between Southern African communities in the diaspora.
Programs & Activities
- Programs & Activities
- Southern African Business Expo (SABE)
- Professional networking events
- Business networking receptions
- Entrepreneur showcases
- Partnerships with businesses and organizations
- Trade and investment dialogue
Outreach & Advocacy
We collaborate with community organizations, public institutions, and government agencies to strengthen the Southern African community and advocate for issues affecting Africans in the United States.
Programs & Activities
- Community representation initiatives such as active participation with the African Advisory Group – Montgomery County.
- Strategic partnerships
- Government and civic engagement with local and federal government
- Participation on advisory boards and community committees
- Representation of Southern African interests at local, state and federal government levels
Media & Storytelling
We connect Southern Africans through media, digital platforms, and storytelling that highlight our communities, cultures, achievements, and current affairs. We also cover Southern African events and issues.
Programs and Activities
- Southern African Connection (digital platform)
- Southern African Connection (Public television & YouTube program)
- Southern African News resource
- Social media engagement
Community Support & Development
We support both Southern African communities in the Southern African diaspora by providing resources, support and visibility to empower our local southern african community.
Programs & Activities
- Community resource distribution
- Supporting Emergency relief efforts of local non-profits.
- Hosting athletic activities and tournaments such as volleyball, netball, and soccer games.
- Providing leadership and volunteer opportunities for community members, including the youth.
- Support for vulnerable families (ie Food security initiatives with Manna)
- Community health & wellness initiatives such as the African inspired Zumba-thon.
Immigration & Civic Engagement
We promote informed, non‑partisan civic participation and support community members as they navigate immigration systems and policies that affect African immigrant families. Our focus is on empowering individuals to engage confidently in civic life while accessing reliable guidance on immigration‑related matters.
Programs & Activities
- Southern Africans for American Immigration Reform (SAFAIR) initiative.
- Immigration education in partnerships with local attorneys
- Community information sessions
- Policy advocacy based on the lived experiences of our community and assessing community needs
- Partnerships with immigration organizations
- Civic participation initiatives such as voter registration booth and information at Ubuntu Festival and other events.
Southern Africa Relief & Development Support (SARDS)
We support Southern African communities in Southern Africa through our diaspora‑to‑Africa development initiatives, providing humanitarian assistance during disasters and contributing to long‑term community development across the region
Programs & Activities
- Emergency relief efforts
- Disaster response fundraising with partner organizations
- Community learning initiatives (ie build a library through Africa Library Project)
Our Impact
Through these initiatives, SACU:
- Connects Southern Africans across the United States.
- Celebrates and preserves Southern African cultures and heritage.
- Promotes professional growth and economic opportunity.
- Amplifies Southern African voices through media and storytelling.
- Advocates for the needs of African immigrant communities.
- Builds partnerships that strengthen the broader African diaspora.
- Supports humanitarian and development initiatives across Southern Africa.
- Inspires future generations through leadership and community engagement.
“ A Community’s strength lies in the Stories we Tell and the hands that Build Together ”
— Zakes Mda