Photo by Dean Arther Holmes
Safrea is a professional association of freelance workers in the media and communications industries. Members are writers, photographers, editors, social media managers, proofreaders, graphic designers, illustrators, researchers, translators and other experts in communication, who offer a broad range of skills and specialities.
Founded in 1999, Safrea promotes the interests of freelance media specialists, campaigns to improve their professional standing and to make working as a freelancer more rewarding.
Safrea offers members a continually evolving free archive of resources, training materials and members-only content on our website. We also host free webinars, a vibrant members-only online forum, and a publicly available directory of our talented members’ profiles, portfolios and contact details. Members regularly share work leads and contacts on the forum, while employers post commissions or search our directory for the right freelancer for the job.
Safrea is a registered non-profit organisation and is tax exempt.
Photo by Deryn Graham
Photo by Dean Arther Holmes
Safrea Governing body
Safrea is governed by an elected Board, assisted by an elected Advisory Committee, an appointed part-time Executive Administrator and volunteer sub-committees.
Safrea's Governing Body
Safrea’s Mission Statement and Vision
Mission Statement
“To connect and champion Southern Africa’s freelance media and communications professionals – helping you get noticed, stay connected, and keep growing.”
Safrea has been established to build a community of independent professionals who advance the interests and prestige of Safrea members in their role as media and communications freelancers. This includes but is not limited to:
- To foster solidarity and excellence among freelancers and promote cooperation in all matters of common concern.
- To advance the adoption of professional standards and ethical conduct in both freelancers and employers.
- To provide information that will assist freelancers in negotiating suitable payments and contracts.
- To provide a forum for the dissemination of information useful to freelancers and prospective clients.
- To serve as the collective voice of freelance media professionals in Southern Africa.
- To form formal alliances or informal networks with Associations and agencies that can advance the interests of media professionals.
Safrea’s Vision
Safrea is the only professional network in Southern Africa dedicated to empowering freelance media and communications professionals – connecting you with peers, promoting your skills, and giving you the tools to grow your career.
Business Implementation Framework
The BIF ensures we continue to serve our members with a clear and focused purpose.
Safrea has created five supporting programmes to assist with the execution of its mission.
- The Membership Programme
- The Member Opportunity Programme
- The Professional Development Programme
- The Communications and Public Relations Programme
- The Advocacy Programme
To support the above programmes, four additional programmes were created:
- The Governance Programme
- The Intellectual Capital and Organisational
- Structuring Programme
- The Infrastructure Optimisation Programme
- The Finance and Funding Programme
Photo by Colin Windell
Photo by Dean Arther Holmes
Safrea’s Governing Documents and Reports
Safrea Constitution
Business Implementation Framework
PAIA Manual
Policy and Procedures Manual
(Members only)
Meeting Minutes
(Members only)
Annual Report
(Members only)
Rates Survey Report
Safrea’s annual Rates Report aims to understand the evolving nature of the freelance media industry.
Rates Report
Photo by David Papenfus
Photo by David Papenfus
Safrea Member Disclaimer
Safrea is a voluntary, non-profit association for professional freelancers in Southern Africa. The organisation supports freelancers and employers working together, but does not accept responsibility or liability for its members.
Safrea is a voluntary, non-profit and public benefit association for professional freelancers in Southern Africa. All applicants are vetted before being awarded membership of the association.
Safrea publishes the profiles of its members on this website. The purpose of the members directory is to help establish contact between those who need and those who offer professional media or communication services. Safrea itself does not provide, supervise or manage professional services for the clients of its members.
While Safrea endeavours to establish and encourage best practice guidelines for independent media professionals in Southern Africa, it does not act as a legal entity on behalf of either its members or the entities utilising the services of its members.
The association does not accept any responsibility or liability for the actions or inactions of any individual members. Accordingly, Safrea will not participate in dispute resolutions regarding disagreements between members and their clients. In cases of non-payment for work that a member can prove has been commissioned and delivered within the agreed terms, we will bring pressure to bear on the defaulting client.
Safrea encourages anyone engaging a Safrea member to inform us of any behaviour or incident that may be constituted as unethical or unprofessional. The association will investigate all such complaints internally, but reserves the right to decide whether or not to communicate its acts or conclusions as a result thereof.