The Salvation Army in the Republic of South Africa is an integral part of its international counterpart. It came to South Africa in 1883, when three officers arrived from London. Missionary work among the Bantu, begun in 1888, is now well organised, covering evangelical and social needs, with an increasing development of Bantu leadership. The Salvation Army in South Africa is directed by the territorial commander, and the work comprises both a church institution (with doctrines central to the orthodox Christian faith, and membership based on clearly defined standards of conduct) and a mission to the un-churched and needy, irrespective of race or creed. Almost 400 centres of evangelical work of varying size are maintained by the Salvation Army among Whites, Coloured people and Bantu.

The traditional social work of the Salvation Army is exercised through about 40 institutions of various kinds, for Whites and non-Whites, including hospitals, homes for needy children, hostels, eventide homes, and creches. One institution of special significance is the `retreat' for alcoholics at Muldersvlei, near Paarl. The officers and cadets of the Army in South Africa numbered almost 500 in 1972. They are drawn from all sections of the population. There are two training-colleges, one for White and one for Bantu officers, both on the Witwatersrand. A bilingual periodical is published, named The War Cry – Die Strydkreet.

Salvation Army work on the island of St. Helena and in Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland is also under the control of the headquarters in Johannesburg. The work in Rhodesia is controlled by a separate command from Salisbury. Zambia is also a separate command, with headquarters at Lusaka. In these countries evangelical, educational, medical and social work of some magnitude is undertaken, especially among the African peoples. Training-schools for nurses and secondary schools have been established there.

Tags: Bantu, creed, Die Strydkreet, Mozambique, Muldersvlei, Paarl, Salvation Army, St. Helena, Zambia