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Unreached people group

Anglo-South African

World population1.6M
LanguageEnglish
ReligionChristianity
Reached
19.778%
Evangelicals
Eurasian PeoplesAnglo-Celt
Who they are

Anglo-South Africans form an English-speaking community with British colonial roots in South Africa. Distinct from Afrikaners in both language and cultural traditions, they have historically exerted strong influence in commerce, industry, finance, and the country’s major universities.

They are concentrated mainly in large urban areas such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. While sharing South Africa’s complex history, they maintain a strong sense of connection to English literature, traditional British sports, and the cosmopolitan environment of major cities.

History and origin

The British presence was established in the early nineteenth century with the capture of the Cape and the organized arrival of settlers in 1820. Over subsequent decades, the discovery of gold and diamonds accelerated immigration from the British Isles, sparking prolonged tensions with both Afrikaners and indigenous African peoples.

During the apartheid era, although many maintained liberal stances in parliament and the press, the group benefited from the existing economic structure. Today, Anglo-South Africans seek to redefine their role and contribution within a democratic, multicultural society.

Where they live
5
Countries
1.6M
World population
CountryShare of the peoplePopulation
South Africa Significantly reached
91,5%
1.456.000
Australia Significantly reached
6,7%
106.000
New Zealand Significantly reached
1,3%
20.000
Ireland Significantly reached
0,3%
5.500
Lesotho Partially reached
0,3%
4.100
How they live

Daily life for Anglo-South Africans is essentially urban and modern. They hold prominent positions in the corporate sector, finance, medicine, and the arts. Family life typically places high value on quality formal education, travel, and an active lifestyle connected to the globalized world.

Sports culture is prominent, with a strong passion for cricket and rugby. On weekends, social gatherings often center around outdoor barbecues and trips into nature. Despite urban comforts, families face ongoing concerns regarding personal safety and the nation’s economic uncertainties.

What they believe

Most families have historic Christian roots, linked to Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, or Roman Catholic churches. However, secularism has advanced rapidly in recent decades, and church attendance has declined among recent generations, often limited to weddings, baptisms, and funerals.

At the same time, there is an active segment involved in dynamic evangelical and charismatic churches in the major cities. In these settings, faith is lived out with fervor, contemporary worship, and strong dedication to Bible study in small groups.

Language and the Bible

The community has full and unrestricted access to the Scriptures in modern English, with countless translations, Bible studies, devotional literature, and digital resources readily available. The central challenge is not Bible translation, but deep and transformative engagement with the sacred text within a culture increasingly shaped by secular worldviews.

The Bible in this people's language

A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.

English Complete Bible
Audio recordings Available Jesus Film Available

Translation data: Joshua Project.

Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)84.815%
Evangelicals19.778%
Barriers to the gospel

The main spiritual barrier is not a lack of access to the gospel, but rather secularism and modern materialism. For many, the Christian faith has become merely a cultural formality or family tradition. Economic comfort and intellectual skepticism lead younger generations away from personal commitment to Christ, fostering indifference toward the biblical message.

Needs

Urban crime and institutional instability generate discouragement and prompt the emigration of many skilled professionals. The people need renewed hope concerning the future of their homeland and a willingness to build genuine bridges of racial reconciliation.

Spiritually, there is a need for deep discipleship that transcends nominal faith and inspires moral courage, compassion, and practical service to underprivileged communities across the nation.

What to pray for
Intercede for this people
For mature local churches actively engaged in ministries of reconciliation and social justice.
For mature local churches actively engaged in ministries of reconciliation and social justice.
That Anglo-South African believers may be committed to proclaiming the gospel to unreached peoples in the region.
For faithful Christian leaders to mentor the next generation amid the country's socioeconomic uncertainties.
For faithful Christian leaders to mentor the next generation amid the country's socioeconomic uncertainties.
For faithful Christian leaders to mentor the next generation amid the country's socioeconomic uncertainties.
For faithful Christian leaders to mentor the next generation amid the country's socioeconomic uncertainties.
For protection and wisdom in the face of social tensions and urban crime.
For the strengthening of fraternal bonds and unity among Christians of diverse ethnic backgrounds in South Africa.

Pray for Anglo-South African

Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.

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