Success Stories from South Africa
Stories of Impact
Behind every programme is a story of resilience, determination, and renewed opportunity. Across South Africa, Islamic Relief works with communities to address the root causes of poverty through sustainable development initiatives that support livelihoods, strengthen food security, and create pathways toward self-reliance.
These success stories highlight the real impact of that work. They offer a glimpse into the lives of individuals and families who have received support through Islamic Relief’s programmes and who are now building brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
From small-scale farming and livelihood support to skills development and community empowerment, each story reflects the power of partnership between compassionate supporters and communities striving for lasting change.
Explore the stories below to learn how lives are being transformed and how sustainable support can create meaningful, long-term impact.
Livelihoods and Skills Development
Juma Ndayizeyi
After fleeing conflict in Burundi and losing his business and ability to work due to a debilitating accident, Juma enrolled in Islamic Relief’s APESRA Welding Training Programme. Today he runs a thriving welding workshop in Philippi, employing and mentoring two assistants.
Entrepreneurship and Refugee Support
Rogers Ngezahayo
Rogers travelled over 4,500km from Burundi to South Africa in search of safety. Through Islamic Relief’s APESRA Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme, he transformed a street cobbling operation into a shop in Atlantis City Mall, wholesaling handmade leather goods across Cape Town.
Sustainable Livelihoods and Agriculture
Nombulelo Dada
After losing her eyesight in 2008, Nombulelo refused to let loss define her future. Through Islamic Relief’s Agri-Farming Programme, she learned to farm without sight and founded Siyaphila, a home-based agricultural venture that supports her household and community in Khayelitsha.
Water
Saleem
Saleem’s story is a reminder that meaningful change often begins with meeting a basic need. When communities are given the tools and support to sustain themselves, resilience begins to flourish.
Education and Community Development
Thandokwethu Primary School
Once facing a severe lack of learning resources, Thandokwethu Primary has been revitalized with a brand-new library space. This transformation provides students with a vibrant environment to foster literacy, ignite creativity, and build a brighter academic future.