South Africa: Transparency & Accountability

The Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) program, funded by the U.S. Mission to South Africa, is a grass-roots grant assistance program that allows U.S. Ambassadors to support local requests for small community-based development projects. The purpose of the SSH is to support communities through modest grants that will positively impact local communities. Proposals must be designed to promote good governance or to increase transparency and accountability in government in South Africa. Preference will be given to organizations which have established relationships with the private sector, NGOs or government bodies and demonstrate sustainability and a clear way to scale up activities. Proposals which complement U.S. Mission objectives will also receive preference. After the grant money is used, the project must be able to continue operating on its own or with help from the community.