Islamic Relief South Africa aims to be among the first on the ground when disaster strikes. Our dedicated Local Emergencies Fund is structured to enable rapid mobilisation, with the goal of reaching affected communities within 72 hours of a crisis. This pre-positioned funding means we do not have to wait for a fundraising campaign before we can act.

Speed matters in emergencies. The faster aid reaches families, the more lives and livelihoods can be protected. That is why maintaining a standing emergency fund is central to how we operate.

We respond to a wide range of natural and man-made disasters across South Africa. Our teams have experience responding to:

• Informal settlement fires that destroy hundreds of structures and displace entire communities overnight
• Severe storms, floods and tornadoes that damage homes, roads and infrastructure across multiple provinces
• Drought and water crises affecting rural and peri-urban communities
• Community-level food insecurity crises triggered by economic shocks or supply disruptions

We work wherever the need is greatest, guided by our commitment to serving all people regardless of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.

Yes. Some of our most significant recent local emergency responses include:

• Masiphumelele fires, Cape Town: Approximately 82 structures were destroyed, leaving around 450 people displaced. As a humanitarian relief partner to the City of Cape Town, Islamic Relief provided hot meals for seven consecutive days and distributed food parcels once temporary structures were rebuilt.
• Western Cape storms: Severe winds, torrential rain and flooding affected over 10,000 people across the province. We coordinated our response with Cape Town Disaster Risk Management, delivering hot meals, sandbags, mattresses, blankets and clean water to those in need.
• KwaZulu-Natal storms and tornado: A massive storm and tornado on the northern coast left over 1,200 people homeless in Tongaat and parts of eThekwini, with widespread power outages adding to the crisis. Our teams deployed emergency shelter materials, food, clean water and hygiene packs.

We do both. Immediate relief, such as food, water, shelter and hygiene supplies, is the first priority. But we do not leave once the cameras move on. Islamic Relief South Africa remains present in affected communities to help families rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods, and regain stability.

Where communities face recurring disasters, we also invest in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) work, helping people to prepare and protect themselves before the next emergency strikes. This long-term commitment is what sets us apart from once-off relief efforts.

Coordination is essential to an effective emergency response. Islamic Relief South Africa works as a recognised humanitarian relief partner alongside government bodies, including the City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management, to ensure our response is aligned with official assessments and does not duplicate efforts.

We also work alongside community leaders, religious organisations, and other NGOs to reach the most vulnerable people as efficiently as possible. This collaborative approach ensures that aid goes where it is needed most, without gaps or duplication.

Yes. Islamic Relief South Africa is a registered independent non-profit organisation, operating in South Africa since 2004. Our NPO registration number is 043-357-NPO. We are fully accountable to our donors, our beneficiaries, and the communities we serve, and we publish an annual impact report detailing how every rand is spent.

You can donate to our Local Emergencies Fund at any time, not only when a crisis is in the news. Your donation allows us to pre-position resources and respond immediately when disaster strikes. Donations can be made:

• Online at donate.islamic-relief.org.za
• By calling our toll-free number: 0800 111 898
• Via EFT using our published bank details

No. Islamic Relief South Africa serves all people in need, regardless of race, religion, gender, political affiliation or belief. Our work is guided by Islamic values of compassion and justice, but our assistance is extended to every person who needs it. We allocate resources based on need alone, and we never expect anything in return.

We conduct thorough needs assessments before and during every response to ensure resources are directed to the most vulnerable people. Our Grant Application Process (GAP) helps us identify and verify eligible families and communities. We also work with local community leaders and social workers who have on-the-ground knowledge of who is most in need.

Our commitment to transparency means we report publicly on how funds are used. Approximately 87 cents of every rand donated reaches our programmes directly.