Mustadafin Foundation is celebrating Women’s Month by recognising the women driving its community programmes, with women now making up 96% of the organisation’s workforce.
Founded in 1986 during the political unrest in Crossroads, Mustadafin Foundation was established to provide food, shelter and counselling to women and children affected by violence and displacement.
Forty years later, that mission has grown into one of South Africa’s leading community development initiatives, delivering disaster relief, daily feeding schemes, education, healthcare, home-based care, poverty alleviation and support for young mothers and vulnerable families.
Today, women form the backbone of that work, accounting for 96% of Mustadafin’s staff and leading programmes that restore dignity, create opportunities and strengthen communities across the country.
Under the leadership of Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, the organisation says compassion, service and community partnerships have remained at the centre of its work throughout its four-decade journey.
“Over the past 40 years, we have witnessed something truly remarkable,” said Johnstone-Cassiem. “Young lives have blossomed, volunteers have become leaders, and communities have become partners. Hope has multiplied, with each act of kindness planting new seeds of compassion that continue to grow across South Africa.”
She said the anniversary is not only an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s achievements but also to reaffirm its commitment to serving communities with compassion, dignity and hope.
While Mustadafin’s programmes have expanded significantly since 1986, its purpose has remained unchanged: helping people through practical support while creating opportunities for individuals and families to build more secure futures.
Every meal served, every learner supported, every elderly person cared for and every family assisted after a disaster reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to improving lives through community-driven action.
As South Africa marks Women’s Month, Mustadafin says it is celebrating the women whose dedication has helped shape the organisation’s legacy while inspiring the next generation of community leaders.
The foundation believes compassion knows no boundaries and remains committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of their circumstances, is treated with dignity, respect and hope.
