The Kingdom of Yugoslavia did not give too much attention to the community of Yugoslavs in the Union of South Africa.[2] The state did not send teachers, priests or financially assistance to local associations, such as was the case with communities in North and South America.[2] In 1941, According to the first Yugoslav general consul in Cape Town Stojan Gavrilović, the local community was in chaotic situation.[2] In 1942 the Royal Yugoslav Army sent agents on a mission to Cape Town to recruit local male civilians of Yugoslav descent to help with the war effort.
In 2012 the case of extradition of Željko Ražnatović killer Dobrosav Gavrić from South Africa to Serbia attracted media attention in both countries and South African journalist and editor in chief of City Press claimed that state become a haven for Serbian criminals.[7]
Serb Club "Zavičaj", Church and School Municipality Saint Sava, Serb Cultural and Artistic Society "Africa" and Association "Serbian Unity" are active in South Africa.[9]