Immigrating to a new country is never just about paperwork—it’s about people. It’s about figuring out where you belong, how to navigate a new system, and how to rebuild a life from the ground up.
And behind the scenes, in so many of those journeys, are women. Women who carry the invisible weight of helping their families settle, women who connect the dots in new communities, and women who build support networks where there were none.
That’s the heartbeat behind the South African Institute of Canada—a nonprofit dedicated to helping South Africans not just survive, but thrive in Canada.
Founded in 2024, SAIC is still young—but it’s already making a meaningful difference. From job boards to social events, from business directories to cultural celebrations, it’s creating a central space where South Africans across Canada can access support, resources, and one another.
A lot of the heavy lifting is done by volunteers—and, unsurprisingly, many of them are women. People like Lois Weber, who quietly runs the day-to-day operations. Or the mothers who organize Boerewors Roll Days in small towns. Or the women who answer late-night WhatsApps from newcomers with questions about SIN numbers and school enrollment.
“We’re not trying to recreate South Africa in Canada,” Lois says. “We’re trying to help people make Canada home—and still feel proud of where they come from.”
At its core, the South African Institute of Canada is about connection. It’s about knowing that somewhere out there is someone who gets it—someone who’s walked this path before, and is willing to walk a little of it with you.
Because when women lead, communities grow. And this one is growing beautifully.
