Frequently Asked Questions
Find out how Islamic Relief South Africa empowers individuals, women, youth and refugees to build lasting economic independence and break the cycle of poverty.
About Our Livelihoods Work
What does Islamic Relief’s sustainable livelihoods work involve?
Islamic Relief South Africa works to improve the opportunities and long-term sustainability of livelihoods among vulnerable and marginalised groups. Rather than providing ongoing handouts, our approach focuses on empowering people to achieve lasting economic independence through:
- Microfinancing and small business grants
- Entrepreneurship mentorship and business development support
- Vocational and skills training
- Agricultural training and support
- Language and literacy training for refugees and asylum seekers
We believe that when people have the tools, skills and resources to support themselves, entire families and communities are transformed.
What is the Integrated Development Programme and who does it help?
The Integrated Development Programme (IDP) is one of Islamic Relief South Africa’s flagship livelihoods initiatives. It is designed to upskill and empower women and youth who are disproportionately affected by unemployment and economic exclusion in South Africa.
The programme targets 200 women and 400 youth across KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, providing them with professional skills training, entrepreneurship and small business development support, mentorship, and agricultural training. The goal is to help participants create sustainable incomes, contribute to their communities, and achieve long-term self-reliance.
One recent example of the programme’s impact: an IDP-backed business won a tender to sew 200 school uniforms for a local school, demonstrating exactly the kind of sustainable economic participation the programme is designed to create.
How many people have benefited from Islamic Relief’s livelihoods programmes?
Islamic Relief South Africa’s livelihoods programmes have supported nearly 3,000 people through vocational training, microfinancing, mentorship, and entrepreneurship support in our most recent reporting period. Each person supported represents not just an individual, but a family and a community that benefits from their increased economic stability.
Does Islamic Relief support refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa?
Yes. Through the Assistance, Protection, Education and Self-reliance for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (APESRA) project, run in partnership with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Islamic Relief South Africa facilitates access to education, skills development, language and vocational training, and community services for refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa.
The most recent phase of this project, which ran over an 18-month period, supported 124 refugees and asylum seekers in the Western Cape to achieve greater self-reliance. This work reflects our commitment to serving all vulnerable people, regardless of their nationality or legal status.
How does the livelihoods programme connect with orphan and child support?
Islamic Relief South Africa takes an integrated approach to breaking the cycle of poverty. Many of the women participating in the Integrated Development Programme are guardians of children supported through our Orphan Sponsorship Programme.
By empowering these caregivers with the skills and resources to generate a sustainable income, we ensure that the entire family benefits. Children are more likely to stay in school, eat nutritious meals, and access healthcare when their caregivers have stable livelihoods. This interconnected approach is what makes our work truly transformative.
Does Islamic Relief support women specifically in its livelihoods work?
Yes. Women are at the centre of our livelihoods programming. We recognise that women in South Africa face compounding barriers to economic participation, including caregiving responsibilities, gender-based discrimination, and limited access to capital. Our programmes are designed to address these barriers directly.
The IDP has a specific focus on women’s participation in the agricultural sector, providing training, tools and market linkages to help women build sustainable agricultural enterprises. We also provide mentorship and peer support networks to help women navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business.
Getting Involved
How can I support Islamic Relief’s livelihoods work?
You can support our livelihoods programmes by making a donation online at donate.islamic-relief.org.za, by calling our toll-free number 0800 111 898, or via EFT. You can specify that your donation should go towards livelihoods and economic empowerment programmes.
Businesses and organisations can also partner with us to fund specific programme components such as vocational training cohorts, small business grants, or agricultural starter kits. Please contact us at info@islamic-relief.org.za to discuss partnership options.
Is my donation to livelihoods programmes tax deductible in South Africa?
Yes. Islamic Relief South Africa holds Section 18A status, which means qualifying donations are tax deductible. A Section 18A certificate will be issued upon request. Please contact us at info@islamic-relief.org.za or call 0800 111 898.
Does Islamic Relief only help Muslims in South Africa?
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, justice and accountability, 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 from those we serve.