Always needed, Always there

A weekend of joy as some Diepsloot families received aid from us & Capital Land

2021-02-22T22:28:00.001-08:00

With looming uncertainty hopelessness in many communities due to the impact of COVID-19 and also ravaging rains, confusion, sorrow become the order of the day. With the weather changes, this means many people can not even afford to go out and look for part time jobs. Hunger and lack of basic necessities are what many families are facing. We as the SA Red Cross Society Johannesburg Branch have been doing our best to help those in need. We have been working with various stakeholders including local community structures in order to identify families who need urgent help. This past weekend we managed to help just over 60 households in Diepsloot with much need food parcels. Some of the recipients are child headed homesteads. Our capability to help is mostly influenced by the support of our generous donors. We do welcome all donations and note that by giving, you are investing in communities and the future generations.

More help for people from Alexandra, Sophiatown, Newlands and Regents Park.

2020-11-11T21:24:00.003-08:00

Always needed, Always there

Despite the bad unpredictable weather couples with ravaging shack fires, the Johannesburg Branch of the South African Red cross Society has been busy distributing much needed aid to the affected. We have been distributing food parcels and toiletries. We aim to continue helping those in need despite the bad weather. This week saw us distributing more food to the people of Alexandra, Newlands, Regents Park and Sophiatown.

This is made all possible by our loyal, caring donors and the distribution work is carried out by our heartfelt volunteers.

Cosmo City was great. Humanity in motion

2020-10-20T23:08:00.001-07:00

Always needed, Always there

As we continue helping the masses, we also spread love, safety and knowledge.

We reach out to help those in Tembisa

2020-10-20T22:54:00.003-07:00

Always needed, Always there

We continue reaching out to our people. More families received help from us in Tembisa.

More aid for our people in Diepsloot

2020-10-20T22:46:00.001-07:00

We Continue helping people during these times of need. With the help of our donors, we managed to deliver 100 food parcels.

Always needed, Always there

Aid for 3 Diepsloot families.

2020-09-07T22:06:00.003-07:00

Always needed, Always there

August became the worst month for 3 families in Diepsloot as their shacks were razed to the ground by fierce flames of fury. The cause of the fire remains unknown and the authorities are still working on it. Our local committee members were alerted of the disaster and they heeded the call to offer help. We managed to salvage whatever we had in our emergency storage to help the affected.

Deadly Fires cause havoc in a Johannesburg informal settlement

2020-09-07T22:00:00.001-07:00

Always needed, Always there

The weekend of the 31 August is one weekend that residents of Eloff street Extension Informal settlement in Johannesburg will never forget. According to the local community leader, they wee woken up by a loud bang around 12:30 AM.As the confusion mounted and ;lack of fire extinguishers, the fire was spreading very fast. In less than two hours, 35 shacks had been razed to the ground, leaving people with nothing at all except what they were wearing. As usual we sprung into action by bringing the much needed aid to the survivors.

2020-07-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

Always needed, Always there

Monday 27 July 2020 we responded to a call from the Diepsloot local committee of the South African Red Cross Society JHB Branch. They informed us of the hardships that local residents are going through due to the economic meltdown caused by the outbreak of the Novel Corona virus early this year, Since the outbreak, many people have lost their jobs and those who did odd jobs, this meant no source of income. And our concern was helping mostly Child headed homesteads, OVC's, The Elderly and the unemployed.

We responded to the call and we managed to scrape through from our limited resources and we delivered food parcels relying on the list that we were given by Social Workers from the department of Social development. Once again we are always grateful for any donations. Together we can help more people during these trying times.

Lending a helping hand in times of need.

2020-06-22T21:43:00.001-07:00

Always needed, Always there

With uncertainty growing within our communities. With the help of some donors or heartfelt people, we have been able to help where we can. All races are affected by this pandemic and we are here to give a hand when needed. Our ability to help is simply enabled by well wishers and kind people. Lately we got a call to help the community in Vrededorp just behind SABC Auckland Park and we responded with the little that we have. Please assist us so that together we can help as many people as possible.

COVID-19 prevention training and free screening

2020-06-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

Always needed, Always there

With the lock down rules gradually being eased, it is also opening opportunities for new infections. The Novel Corona virus has become one of the most dreaded disease of our time. We as the SA Red Cross Society Johannesburg branch, have been up on our toes in the fight against this disease. We have been training community members on how to curb the spread of the disease and also on how to take care of themselves should they suspect being exposed to the virus. On top of it all, we have been screening people for free in order to curb the spread and also crate awareness.

Winter fires cause havoc in Alexandra

2020-06-16T22:41:00.001-07:00

Always needed, Always there

As the cold tightens its grip in Gauteng, shack fires are a norm in some informal settlements and crowded areas. During the past few days we have noticed how some people have been left homeless because of these fires. Alexandra township has befallen victim to these fierce blazes. over 30 Shacks caught fire leaving almost 70 people homeless and this is only the beginning. We appeal to everyone who has the capability to help to lend us a helping hand in our efforts to hep those in need.

A healthy lunch during the chaos

2020-06-07T03:36:00.001-07:00

Always needed, Always there

As usual the Johannesburg Branch has been busy making sure that our young ones are well fed. With the Novel Corona virus still raging on, we have decided to provide daily meals to kids in and around Johannesburg.
All this is made possible by donations from our kind donors.

2020-06-04T01:34:00.000-07:00

Always needed, Always there

With the lock down regulations slightly eased up. We are finding ourselves working very hard to reach out to affected communities. With the help of Land Rover SA, Jaguar SA and the Minnie Dlamini Foundation, we have been distributing food parcels through out the country in order to help ease the burden caused by COVID-19

Hot meals for our kids in Alexandra

2020-06-02T00:16:00.000-07:00

Always needed, Always there

As the temperatures are dropping, we are seeing how our kids re not spared from the cold and hunger.
We have made it a point to provide local kids with hot meals daily and this may continue to happen if we get more support from the public and private sector.

Tembisa and Ivory Park volunteers give back to their communities.

2020-05-28T00:21:00.000-07:00

Always needed, Always there

During these trying times, we have seen many faces of human suffering. We are proud of our Tembisa and Ivory Park Volunteers who have sacrificed their stipends in the battle to help feed the needy. Our volunteers form these areas gathered their hard earned stipends to buy food parcels for Ten vulnerable homes in their area. We still don't know how to thank them for their noble deed.
Their efforts have helped us feed more families although we have limited resources. Their selflessness is highly appreciated.

Food parcels, COVID-19 Screening and testing in our Townships

2020-05-22T02:08:00.000-07:00

Always needed, Always there

As there seems to be no ending in human suffering yet, we as the Johannesburg branch have been working hard in trying to save lives and also make lives a bit better for many vulnerable families. With the support of Land Rover SA, Jaguar SA, Mrs Minnie Dlamini Jones and the Minnie Dlamini Foundation, we have managed to give dignity packs to over 200 families in the past 48 hours.
We have also been conducting free testing and screening for COVID-19 in vulnerable communities since it is clear that the majority of the people can not afford to pay for the services. Our commitment remains the same and that is to curb human suffering at all costs.

The battle against COVID-19 rages on in Cosmo City

2020-05-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

Always needed, Always there

As there future looks bleak due to the impact of the Novel Corona virus, our ground warriors have been working hard to educate the public about the disease. They have been teaching people on steps to take in order to avoid infections or spreading the disease. We have been placing placards at shopping centers and taxi ranks so that the public will stay updated and knowledgeable when in comes to beating COVID-19.
The education and training will continue in Cosmo City, Diepsloot and Honeydew.

COVID-19 and hunger in Alexandra

2020-05-18T22:25:00.000-07:00

Always needed, Always there

As the dreaded disease ravages our communities, people are not able to work or fend for themselves. We have been doing our best to help them with the basic necessities and it is tough for many.
We have found ourselves having to feed people through our Hot Meal program every day. We appeal to all heartfelt people to help us in making human lives a bliss.
The township of Alexandra has seen a surge in population, unemployment and hunger hence we are on our toes in helping them. During all the events, we have also been recruiting more volunteers and training them on how to help others regarding COVID-19

Screening for COVID-19 in Alexandra

2020-05-12T00:52:00.000-07:00

Always needed, Always there

The battle against COVID-19 continues, we have seen the strain in resources within communities. As the South African Red Cross Society Johannesburg branch, we have decided to help those in need by availing free screening and testing in vulnerable communities.
we have intensified our screening and testing in Alexandra due to the over population and also the fact that many people can not afford to pay for tests. We will be working in different townships until the situation gets better.

COVID-19 education and posters for Cosmo City residents

2020-05-12T00:43:00.001-07:00

Always needed, Always there

As the battle against the Novel Corona virus continues, The South African Red Cross Society Johannesburg branch has been up in arms against this deadly disease. Our forever hard working well wishers and volunteers have upped their game when it comes to teaching the public about safety measures.

we have been in Cosmo City at all major points to help teach people about this disease and how to avoid infection or spreading it. We also hanged posters at Shop entrances and ATM's so that people will have access to the much needed information.

The battle against COVID-19 and Poverty intensifies

2020-05-10T02:24:00.001-07:00

Always needed, Always there

As today marks 138 years of the Red Cross Society, the South African Red Cross society has intensified the battle against human suffering, poverty and diseases. With COVID-19 as the new kid on the block of killer diseases, the Red Cross Society in Johannesburg is leading in the fight against this Novel disease. In South Africa, due to the lock down in order to curb the further spread of the disease, many families have been left to starve due to lack of income.

In the past few days we have tailed the two men at the forefront, Mr Nathan Banda the Branch Manger and Mr Duncan Netshituka the Communications, Fundraising and Resources Mobilization manager. These two men are leading a team of over 150 Volunteers in various parts of Johannesburg they are busy helping the needy by distributing much needed food parcels, sanitizers, face masks , winter clothes and much needed toiletries.

Mr Netshituka confirmed that there is still a long way to go and the mammoth task will be made possible if everyone in the society gets involved and lends a helping hand, be it giving their time, money or any donations .

As seen on Thursday 07 May 2020 Food parcels worth over R800 each were given to families in need in the Johannesburg Metro and areas like Rossetenville, South hills, Alexandra, Newlands and Mayfair.

All this distribution was made possible by the donations from the public and business entities.

For any donations or inquiries please contact Mr Duncan Netshituka on 0614901509 and Mr Nathan Banda on 0823533738

All donations come in handy in times of need and having stockpiles of non perishables will enable the South African Red Cross Society to readily assist when needed.

These gentlemen have expressed gratitude and happiness towards the help they have received.

With the infection rate spiralling hig, there is still a lot of work to do.

Fighting COVID-19 head on in Johannesburg

2020-05-10T02:22:00.000-07:00

Always needed, Always there

In the recent months, we have seen surge in infections of the Novel Corona virus. Its rapid spread and wrath have spread across South Africa causing major panic, affecting all sectors of the economy and livelihoods.

Within this journey to win the battle again COVID-19, we have seen a lot of NGO’s taking part in trying their best to save lives.

Ones of the NGO’s at the forefront of this battle is the South African Red Cross Society’s Johannesburg metro branch which is headed by Mr Nathan Banda (Branch Manger) and his army of volunteers. These brave unsung heroes of our time have been busy education people on ways of preventing the further spread of the killer disease and also making sure that all safety measures are implemented in some of the communities, namely: Diepsloot, Alexandra, Cosmo City, Tembisa, Hillbrow, Newlands, Brixton and Downtown Johannesburg.

They have trained over 150 volunteers about the Novel Corona virus, how to stay safe from it and how to manage suspicious cases and whom to contact should there be suspicion that someone is infected. These warriors have gone as far as distributing free sanitizers, masks and vinyl gloves to the needy within informal settlements and also to the homeless. All this comes with a lot of information in pamphlets and posters. Locals have also received a lot of information regarding staying at home and implementation of Social Distancing though training and also posters with steps to be followed.

Due to the scourge of this pandemic, many families have been severely affected since then, no economic activities were happening, this meant that people could not go to work and that has led to starvation and lack of crucial necessities like toiletries and food. Again the Johannesburg Branch of the South African Red Cross Society has been distributing food parcels and toiletries to most affected communities and families.

On the 4^th of May 2020, we spoke to Mr Duncan Netshituka who is currently handling Fundraising and Resources Mobilization for the Johannesburg branch and he confirmed to us that they have serious challenges and those challenges are as follows: Lack of transport of volunteers, Lack of funds to print more educational materials, lack of funds to buy more sanitizers and masks that are to be given to the vulnerable, lack of money to buy more food that is dearly needed by the affected.

Mr Duncan Netshituka has advised that if anyone one wants to join this battle or help in any way, they must call him or Mr Nathan Banda on the following details: Duncan Netshituka- +27 614901509

Nathan Banda: +27 823533738

Emails: joburg@redcross.org.za, nathanbanda0404@gmail.com, dnetshituka@icloud.com

Many people have been affected by this pandemic and it is important that we all follow the rules and stay safe.

2020-04-07T03:33:00.000-07:00

Always needed, Always there

During these trying times economically, we have see a spike in homelessness. As the South African Red Cross Society Johannesburg, we strive and do our best to make sure that we help those in need. With the weather plummeting, we are busy distributing warm meals to the homeless inside the Johannesburg CBD and also in the outskirts . With the support of our donors, we will ensure that the vulnerable are assisted with maximum dignity.

2020-04-07T03:14:00.000-07:00

Always needed, Always there

With the COVID-19 pandemic on a rampage, we have found ourselves in vulnerable positions. As the South African Red Cross Society Johannesburg branch, we have made it one of our missions to help curb the further spread of this deadly virus. We are currently having our employees and volunteers helping within communities and our main task is educating people on how to avoid and also how to stop further spread of the deadly Corona virus. our teams have been assisting people at clinics and shopping centres on monitoring the social distancing protocols as per government directives. We are currently having teams though out clinics in Alexandra and other townships and also at various shopping centres within townships. All our work is made possible by everyone one who donates to us, the donations make it easy for us to help those in need or affected.

TB Awareness in the streets of Johannesburg

2012-04-12T00:16:00.003-07:00

Always needed, Always there

Our Johannesburg Branch took to the streets on the 24th March 2012, It was the World TB awareness day and our volunteers distributed pamphlets with much need information about TB to the community. The pamphlets highlighted treatment options, prevention, signs and symptoms of the desease. This took place in the Johannesburg CBD and Alexandra township.