The Event Support Program at the South African Institute of Canada (SAIC) was created to help South Africans across Canada successfully organize community events and gatherings. While many Saffas are eager to bring people together for a lekker kuier, the admin side—permits, insurance, and regulations—can turn a simple get-together into a bureaucratic nightmare.

In Canada, even something as innocent as a boerie roll day can come with a stack of paperwork. From health permits to venue bookings and liability insurance, there are rules for just about everything. The problem? Most people organizing events are volunteers, just trying to stay connected to their roots, but without the legal status to sell tickets or secure event insurance, it can feel like a losing battle. The Event Support Program is here to help cut through the red tape, making sure that lekker South African events don’t get lost in Canadian bureaucracy.

How SAIC Supports Community Events

The program provides assistance in several key areas:

• Permit Guidance & Compliance – Helping organizers understand and secure the necessary permits for public gatherings, food sales, and venue use (because nobody wants a surprise visit from the inspector mid-braai).
• Event Insurance & Financial Handling – As a registered non-profit, SAIC allows event organizers to operate under its umbrella, making it possible to collect payments, purchase insurance, and handle finances in a compliant manner—without the headache.
• Promotion & Awareness – Events supported by SAIC gain access to marketing channels, including the Howzit Canada platform, newsletters, and social media, helping spread the word and get more bums on seats (or around the fire).
• Administrative & Logistical Support – Providing templates, checklists, and best practices to streamline the planning process and make life a little easier for event organizers.

By offering these services, the Event Support Program ensures that more South Africans in Canada can host cultural, social, and networking events without unnecessary stress. Whether it’s a bring-and-braai, a potjiekos competition, or a market day, the goal is simple: to help Saffas keep the gees alive, wherever they are in Canada.

If you’re interested in hosting an event and want to find out how we can help, drop a mail to Lois at lois@thesouthafricaninstitute.ca.