Unrest in SA: How You Can Help The country was left reeling following violent looting across parts of the country this past week. With supply chains disrupted, large parts of KwaZulu-Natal – which was hit hardest by the almost week-long unrest – as well as some areas in Gauteng now face food and fuel shortages. With clean-up in progress and main transit roads slowly re-opening, residents in these provinces are in need of basic household items, medicine, clothing and pet essentials. Here’s how you can help.
KZN AND GAUTENG
GIFT OF THE GIVERS
Considered the largest disaster relief foundation in the country, Gift of the Givers wasted no time in mobilising community members to assist. However, the organisation is currently only accepting monetary donations “to protect full warehouses from being targeted”. If you’d like to provide financial assistance, you can find out more on the Gift of the Givers website.
REBUILD SA
Founded in the midst of the unrest, Rebuild SA is a volunteer group which aims to connect those affected by the riots with volunteers eager to assist. Should you wish to assist, you can fill out a volunteer form. If you or your business need assistance, you are required to fill out an affected business form. You can also find out more about already-active projects by visiting their Facebook page.
AFRICAN MUSLIMS AGENCY SA
Operating in 29 countries, AMA has been focused on upliftment of communities in need since 1987. AMA has stepped up in recent days to assist communities in both KZN and Gauteng affected by the civil unrest. Currently providing food, AMA is asking for monetary donations. You can find out more about how you can assist on the AMA Facebook page.
KZN ONLY
LIV DURBAN
Started in 1997, LIV (Lungisisa Indlela Village) primarily focuses on providing assistance to orphaned and vulnerable children. However, following the recent devastation in KZN, LIV Durban has set up an emergency fund to provide food, medical supplies, fuel for generators and transport costs. For more on how you can donate, visit the LIV Durban Facebook page.
HOPE SA
Focused on assisting with food shortages in KZN, Hope SA has organised chartered flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to get much-needed food and other supplies into the province. They also aim to provide supplies by road once it is safe to do so. In the meantime, Hope SA has asked for financial assistance to help cover the transport costs. You can find out more about the organisation on the Hope SA website.
While we encourage all South Africans to come together and provide assistance in any way possible, it’s important to always keep in mind that not all fundraising campaigns are necessarily above board. Please research any campaign properly before providing financial or material aid to ensure your donations reach those who need it most.