When heavy rains, wind and snow battered the Western Cape in 2024, disaster relief organisations went above and beyond the call of duty to serve humanity.
As always, Mustadafin Foundation was ready and willing to roll! Workers and volunteers, were swiftly mobilised. Our trucks loaded and set out into rural, flooded areas before sunrise and often got back at 9pm. Soaked, freezing and hungry – our teams were committed to doing this for as long as it was needed.
Like many aid organisations, the Mustadafin Foundation is not perfect. It has daily struggles and issues – but by the grace of the Almighty, the Mustadafin Foundation has stood the test of time. Mustadafin Foundation is no “fly-by-night” organisation. We have been serving humanity, and more specifically the vulnerable and those in need for nearly 40 years.
The phenomenal Mustadafin team is led by Director, Ghaironesa Johnstone-Cassiem. She is indeed a woman who leads by example. She leaves in the early hours of the morning, gets back late at night and will wade through waist-high water to cook for, distribute and feed those in need. She is also the woman who needs to ensure that there is constantly funding and donations coming in so that Mustadafin Foundation can feed around 25 000 people per day – every day. Even when there are no weather disasters. Everyday, individuals and organisations asks for assistance from Mustadafin, so that they may assist in their communities.
According to Johnstone – Cassiem their goal as an NPO is to strengthen civil society by prioritising communities and create support structures to empower people for independence. “We have the responsibility to improve the living conditions of human beings through, Poverty Alleviation, Education, Community Development, Health Care and Disaster Relief. We are committed to making a difference by serving our communities each and every day. Rain or shine. People must eat, they must be educated and empowered”
“A person cannot think learn on an empty stomach. Mustadafin started with our first ECD centre in the township of Crossroads in the 90’s, today we support 23 Early Childhood Development Centres(ECDs) and manage four of our own ECD centres.”
Sadly, the learning centres have been burgled on numerous occasions, staff distributing food in areas have been hijacked and donor funds are drying up. How does one cope with all of these constant obstacles? Johnstone – Cassiem pragmatically says: “ We don’t have the luxury of not carrying on. We put our heads down, do the work and trust in the Almighty”
When asked why she thinks that Mustadafin Foundation remains standing after nearly 40 years, she puts it down to teamwork: “ I have the most phenomenal team. Every single person who is, or has been a part of Mustadafin – whether as a worker, donor or volunteer – is responsible for what we are able to do. We serve humanity together. A huge thank you to all the individuals and organisations who have partnered with us over the years. When our trucks arrive in affected communities, queues of over 200 meters form within minutes. There are so many more people that still need our help. We still have to feed over 25 000 people daily. There is lots more work to do”
Like Mustadafin Foundation, there are many organisations, individuals and feeding schemes who run on fumes, but who have huge impact on communities. We should be financially assisting these organsiations if and when we can. One might think that a R50/ month is too little. It isn’t. No amount is too big or too small. If at all possible, make charity towards aid organisations like Mustadafin Foundation part of your monthly budget. If you can’t give money. Then give of your time. Give good quality clothing, blankets, perishable and non – perishable foods. Just give. For one day it could be you or yours who needs help.
Should you want to donate, please contact us on:
021 633 0010
or Whatsapp 071 282 7966
Banking details
Mustadafin Foundation
Branch Code: 025909
Account number: 072 778 377
“If every man helps his neighbour, then who will need help”
