Southern Cape Against Removals (SCAR) was established in 1987, at the height of the Apartheid repression, in support and solidarity of communities resisting forced removals. SCAR had her roots clearly vested in Lawaaikamp, an informal settlement in George. In preparation for the first democratic election, filled with hope that the new government would address past injustices, SCAR changed name to the Southern Cape Land Committee in 1993, with the Southern Cape Land Committee Trust registered in 1998.
The name change was a clear reflection of the shift to support communities which face similar struggles and to facilitate the process of land reform. Strategic shifts were needed in the early 2000's to advance land and agrarian transformation in post-Apartheid South Africa. The organisation did not only work in the Southern Cape and the name became problematic in some of the areas, especially in the Eastern Cape.
SCLC's vision is for a vibrant, sustainable and vibrant countryside where there is no poverty, people are living lives of dignity, family values and community culture are upheld, the environment is protected and there is a more equitable access to and control over natural resources and opportunities.
SCLC is a NGO working with excluded rural women, men and youth in the Garden Route, Central Karoo of the Eastern Cape towards agrarian transformation. Challenging unjust societal conditions which maintain skewed power relationships we commit ourselves to conscientize and organize through supporting people-driven organisations and movements for change. Acknowledging the specific inequalities which farm dwellers face in terms of tenure security and labour SCLC will prioritise supporting organisation amongst farm dwellers and workers. SCLC will raise awareness around the effects of patriarchy on the systematic exclusion and oppression of women and support women's activism.
SCLC will enhance the capacity of rural people in seeking alternatives for agrarian transformation and in protection of the environment through agro-ecological land use, the forming of agricultural co-operatives, the promotion of rural markets and up-scaling of produce.
SCLC will seek strategic alliances of like-minded organisations towards building movements for change and critical mass. SCLC will continue to implement clear and sound management systems and strategies, access resources and capacitate staff and board members
SCLC believes that transformation will only take place through conscientized and organised people's movements and campaigns. SCLC further acknowledges real transformation can only take place when skewed power relations in terms of gender, race, class, and economy are exposed and interrupted.
SCLC’s vision, mission and core intent reflect the commitment to being shaped by people's struggles. SCLC's praxis is one of accompaniment of people's struggles and creating an enabling environment to support solidarity through exchange programmes (peer learning), political education, networking, supporting campaigns, enhancing capacity around alternatives and building collaborations to strengthen impact. SCLC's practices are participatory and inclusive, SCLC does not bring solutions but listens to, shares analysis and crafts strategies together with people.
The exposure and awareness raising gained through working alongside SCLC has resulted in the emergence of articulate leaders and leadership structures. SCLC has a rich history of supporting people's struggles. SCLC, and the activists and movements with whom SCLC works, have experience and understanding around organizing which has informed the organization's praxis. SCLC considers itself a learning organisation.
The Board of Trustees are volunteers selected for their commitment to the objectives of the organisation, knowledge of the region and context and skills. The primary function of the Board of Trustees is governance, in particular financial accountability. The Board monitors all contracts, income and expenditure, does the final release of all expenditure on a weekly basis as well as providing strategic leadership to the organisation
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Treasurer
Trustee
Trustee
SCLC staff are committed activists with skills and experience in supporting rural women and men in organizing themselves towards agrarian transformation.
Executive Director
Programme Manager
Admin & Finance Manager
Programme Manager
Organisational Administrator
Fieldworker
Fieldworker
Fieldworker