From the start of the First Order different patterns of life emerged. 

Some were eager to keep to the very simple life of Francis and his companions while others sought a more monastic form of life.  As a result different branches of the First Order emerged.

Two of these branches are to be found  here in South Africa, the Capuchins and the Friars Minor. The first foundation of friars in South Africa came to KZN from Bavaria  in 1932.

The Friars Minor, meaning 'little brothers', commonly known today as the Franciscans, and the Capuchins work closely together, for example, in Pretoria their young friars, still in formation, study side by side.

The Capuchin friars have a very strong presence in the Cape while the Friars Minor can be found in Gauteng, KZN and the Eastern Cape.

The friars, witnessing to fraternity as an essential element of Christianity, seek to build up the Church through their parish ministry, education, retreats and the like.

They are also very involved in addressing the social challenges of our time providing care for HIV-AIDS patients, promoting inter-faith dialogue, offering skill-training and much more.