Standing up for KZN

From 2021’s deadly protests to this week’s devastating floods, KwaZulu-Natal has been absolutely wrecked in the last year, and its embattled residents need our help more than ever. Over 248 schools and 6000 homes have been damaged, so far, with death count is well in excess of 300. Thousands of people are displaced and require the bare essentials; food, water, clothing and organisations across eThekwini are doing their best to provide these necessities and provide safe temporary habitation. 

In such an unequal world, where wars, disasters and conflict disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable, it is easy to feel guilty or overwhelmed. However, within our relative privilege and in our role as contributing members of society, sometimes taking a step back and looking at what we can do to help, no matter how big or small, makes the biggest difference.

We have compiled this list of organisations to make it as easy and efficient as possible for you to contribute essential goods or donations to where they are needed most. These national and Durban-based organisations need support from the country in their hour of need, or are doing the best they can to assist victims. Most of these organisations require clean water, food, clothing and essential toiletries and good-Samaritans outside of Durban can donate to their bank accounts. It is best to do your research into exactly what these organisations require, so your assistance is used most efficiently. Most of these organisations are engaged in charity work outside of their assistance to the floods, so make sure you reference where you want your money to be used.

GIFT OF THE GIVERS 

Gift of the Givers says that hot meals, blankets, bottled water, warm clothes, sanitary pads and diapers are the initial requirements for those in low-lying areas who have lost their possessions.

Bank: Standard Bank

Account name: Gift of the Givers

Branch code: 057525

Account number: 052137228

Reference: KZN Floods.

Umhlanga Women’s Association 

The UWA supports the Umhlanga as a non-profit organization, and is a collective of women from all walks of live assisting the community through various ways.

LUNGISISA INDLELA VILLAGE 

LIV Village provides long term foster care, their flagship community is based in Durban and is home to 170 vulnerable children and 33 foster mothers. They assist with healthcare, entrepreneurship, schooling and more.

Account Name: Lungisisa Indlela Village

Bank: First National Bank

Branch Name: Umhlanga Crescent

Branch Code:220629

Account Number: 6242 0878 946

ITHEMBA LETHU 

Bank: Nedbank – Current Account  Account Name: iThemba Lethu  Account Number: 130 1240 958. Branch: 130 126.

MEALS ON WHEELS

NPO Meals on Wheels is providing cooked meals at the camps where displaced residents are sheltering, especially the eThekwini municipality, iLembe district and parts of the uMgungundlovu and Ugu districts.

Bank: ABSA

Account name: Meals on Wheels Community Services SA

Account number: 4076236605

Reference: Your Name/Flood relief

ISLAMIC RELIEF SOUTH AFRICA 

Islamic Relief, one of the most effective organisations in the world, offers access to essential infrastructure and services such as healthcare, food, water and sanitation.

Bank: Standard Bank Account Name: Islamic Relief SA Branch: Fordsburg Branch Code: 005205 Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ Account No: 005318459

ROBIN HOOD FOUNDATION

Co-ordinator of the Robin Hood Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in KwaZulu-Natal, Jackie Psannis, told TimesLIVE  there is a need for non-perishable items, clothing and household items.

The six drop-off sites for donations are:

CGA Agencies, 235 Underwood Road, Pinetown, 031 708 1018, 8am-4pm;

Broadway Pharmacy, 5 Swapo Road, Durban North, 031 563 8216, 8am-7pm;

Wool ’n Weave, Lilies Quarter, Old Main Road, Hillcrest, 031 765 2770, 9am-4pm;

Dormehl Phalane Real Estate, Gillitts Centre, Clifton Road, 082 726 1956, 8.30am-4.30pm; and Washwell Granada Laundry, 16 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga, 083 299 4008, 7.30am-4.30pm.

Bank: Nedbank

Account name: The Robin Hood Foundation

Branch code: 164826

Account number: 1648160948

Reference: Your Name/Flood relief

HOPE SA 

THE ANGEL NETWORK

The Angel Network NPO in Durban is offering relief to affected communities with clean water and food which can be dropped off at Gate A at Kings Park Stadium, SA Harvest Warehouse, Jackson Road, St Martins Church, 12 Chelsea Drive, Durban north, and Gate 3, 3 Far Lane, Mt Edgecombe.

Bank: Standard Bank

Account name: The Angel Network Durban

Branch: 051001

Account Number: 10145040508

Reference: Flood relief

FARMERS AID SA 

DOKIMOS MINISTRIES

NPC, Dokimos Ministries International and the ABC Forum of Churches is working with several churches to provide food, warm clothing, blankets and other resources for those left destitute. They are also offering counselling services and assisting with rebuilding.

Monetary contributions can be sent to:

Bank: FNB

Account name: Dokimos Ministries International NPC

Account Number: 62734534268

Reference: Your name/ KZN relief

PENNY APPEAL SA

Penny Appeal SA has asked for minimum donations of R100, as part of its Help for 100 project.

CITY HOPE

City Hope is an NPO that directly assists people affected by the devastation from natural or man-made disasters through a network of volunteers, churches and partner organisations.  

LENDING HAND FOUNDATION 

Lending Hand Foundation is a public charity organisation supporting vulnerable children with education and other essential services.  

SA HARVEST

SA Harvest takes a revolutionary and sustainable approach to ending hunger in South Africa. The are running a donation drive for flood relief and require non-perishable food, blankets, toiletries, nappies and clothing. 

Bank: FNB

Account Number: 62693490478

Branch Code: 255955

Branch: RANDPARK RIDGE