Our mission & values
OUR MOTTO
Pro Fide – Pro Utilitate Hominum
For the Faith and in the Service of Humanity
St John promotes physical, mental and spiritual health and well-being. That is the vocation we share and we will build an enduring community in which all its members can find purpose and enjoyment. It is built on our motto and our mission “Pro Fide (for the faith), Pro Utilitate Hominum (in the service of humanity)” and embodies the Christian principles of our founders.
St John is an international family of charities whose mission is to lead globally in First Aid and medical responses to community healthcare needs.
Together to enhance the reach and effectiveness of St John globally through focus on the two aspects of its Motto.
To encourage all that makes for the spiritual and moral strengthening of humanity;
To encourage and promote all the work of humanity and charity for the relief of persons in sickness, distress, suffering or danger without distinction of race, class or religion; and
To render aid to the sick, wounded, disabled or suffering.
Our first four values are based upon our view of human need, in which we promote physical, mental and spiritual health and well-being, guided and inspired by the Christian principles of our founders: Respect, Unselfishness, Excellence, Openness and transparency
Our next four values are concerned with how we behave within St John, building an enduring community with a shared vocation based on timeless principles of virtue and honour: Devotion, Togetherness, Diversity and inclusiveness, Faithfulness
OUR VALUES
Everyone should feel included in our St John family.
What is St John, and what do we do?
St John South Africa is part of a global health impact organisation providing first aid, healthcare, and support services in over 40 countries worldwide.
As part of the Order of St John—accredited with the United Nations—we contribute to global health efforts. Currently, there are over 168,000 volunteers, nearly 12,000 paid staff, and more than 2.2 million people treated annually through our global network.
We’ve been active in South Africa since 1883 and have become known for providing quality eye care and first aid training across six of the nine provinces. Our work spans both urban and underserved communities.
In addition to healthcare services, we offer home care training courses and run a successful youth development programme. Our Cadet programme feeds into the St John Brigade, a structured volunteer system that supports our mission across the country.
Is St John an NGO?
Yes, we are! St John South Africa is a registered non-profit organisation, and we’re proud to be one of the oldest charities in the world—with our roots going back more than 900 years.
From the beginning, we’ve been committed to offering care to the sick and the poor, regardless of faith, and that remains true today. Our mission is to improve health and well-being—especially in underserved communities—through community training programmes.
We welcome support from individuals and businesses who want to contribute to our work. Donations help us extend our reach, and qualifying contributions receive Section 18A tax certificates.
What does St John Brigade do?
The St John Brigade is our volunteer arm, active in South Africa for over 150 years. It’s made up of trained volunteers from all walks of life, united by a commitment to first aid and emergency care.
Our Brigade teams provide medical support at major public events, including the Comrades Marathon, Durban July, and Fort Nottingham Highland Games. They also support disaster relief efforts and assist at elderly and children’s care homes.
In many communities underserved by public healthcare, our Brigade plays an essential role in delivering medical support and building resilience.
What do St John Cadets do?
Our Cadet programme is aimed at young people, typically between 11 and 17 years old, who want to learn valuable life skills and contribute to their communities.
As a Cadet, you can get involved in:
Learning first aid and basic healthcare skills
Volunteering at public and national events
Supporting your community through service projects
Developing leadership and communication skills
Participating in outdoor activities and national/international award programmes
Many of our Cadets grow in confidence, form lasting friendships, and build a strong foundation for future careers in healthcare and community service.
Where does St John come from?
St John operates under a royal charter from the United Kingdom, but we are an international organisation with local branches in many countries—including South Africa.
Here at home, we’ve been working since 1883 and continue to evolve in line with local needs. While our heritage is British, our commitment is South African.
How is St John different from the Red Cross?
St John and the Red Cross are often seen as similar—and for good reason. Both are globally respected humanitarian organisations focused on health and emergency aid.
We’re not in competition. In fact, our work complements each other’s. At St John, we focus on first aid training, eye care, youth development, and event medical support. The Red Cross centres its efforts on disaster response, refugee aid, blood donation, and broader health education.
We both belong to the wider International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the world’s largest humanitarian network. Together, we bring essential services to millions of people in need.