Where We Have Worked
“May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.”
– Peter Marshall, U.S. Senate Chaplain 1940
Kennedy Road Informal Settlement Fire
During the festive season, fires in informal settlements are an all-too-common tragedy. On January 2nd, a devastating fire swept through a section of the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement that we had never responded to before, destroying 36 homes. Thankfully, the quick action of firefighters prevented the flames from spreading further, as many residents were away visiting family.
A Beacon of Hope for KwaNqetho and Molweni Communities
On the 22nd of December 2024, heavy rains wreaked havoc across the KwaNqetho and Molweni communities, leaving 50 people devastated by the destruction of their homes. The storm's impact was particularly harsh on elderly residents, who were left vulnerable and struggling to rebuild their lives in the wake of the disaster.
Fire Relief Response in Sesikhona, Philippi East
A recent fire in Sesikhona, Philippi East, left 22 people from 9 families reeling from the loss of their belongings and the challenges of starting over. The need for immediate support was clear, and Beautiful Gate stepped in to respond compassionately and efficiently.
Marikana Zone 14 Fire Response
A recent fire in Marikana Zone 14, Philippi East, left 26 people affected and tragically claimed one life. Eight families lost nearly everything, and amidst the devastation, immediate support was needed to help them start the journey to recovery.
Flood Relief Efforts for the Msunduzi Community
Recent heavy rains in KZN have caused significant damage, affecting the community in the Msunduzi area. Many homes suffered extensive water damage, leaving families in need of immediate support and essential resources.
Flood Relief for Ward 04 Community Outside Inchanga
On October 20th, 2024, heavy rains struck Ward 04, outside Inchanga, causing severe flooding that left many residents without homes. As floodwaters damaged homes, most affected families sought temporary shelter with neighbours while they began the daunting task of rebuilding.
Flood Relief Efforts for Cherry Road Informal Settlement
On the 26th of October, the CityHope Disaster Relief team was on the ground, bringing aid to the Cherry Road Informal Settlement in Clairwood, KZN, where hundreds of homes were partially damaged by flooding. Though none of the homes were completely destroyed, the flood left a devastating mess—mud-filled interiors, damaged furniture, and spoiled food, leaving many families in need.
Western Cape Settlement Fires
In September and October, multiple devastating fires swept through informal settlements across the Western Cape, displacing families, destroying homes, and leaving communities grieving. In partnership with Beautiful Gate, CityHope Disaster Relief was able to provide vital support in the form of CityHope Disaster Relief Hope Kits, filled with essential supplies to help families begin the recovery process after these tragic incidents.
Tongaat Flood Relief
On June 3rd, 2024, severe storms and tornadoes ravaged parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with Tongaat being one of the hardest-hit areas. Over 3,000 homes were severely damaged or destroyed, and public infrastructure including schools, roads, and healthcare facilities suffered significant damage. Tragically, 11 people lost their lives, with seven fatalities reported in Tongaat.
Western Cape Floods
CityHope Disaster Relief, in collaboration with Every Nation Church, Schaapkraal, and Beautiful Gate, has provided essential support to over 100 families affected by the recent floods in the Jim se Bos Informal Settlement area.
Bringing Hope to Sea Cow Lake Informal Settlement: CityHope Delivers Essential Aid to Fire Victims
CityHope Disaster Relief is responding to a recent fire that devastated the Sea Cow Lake Informal Settlement, leaving 237 households and 431 individuals in urgent need of assistance. Our team has promptly assessed the needs on the ground and will be providing the necessary aid to support the affected families.
Malawi Drought Response
CityHope Disaster Relief, in partnership with Rev. Litchowa and Life Child, extended critical aid to communities in Malawi facing severe drought and the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy. In Blantyre, Nsanje, and the Baluti community, more than 300 aid packages containing maize, soya, cooking oil, and sugar were distributed to support over 570+ individuals, making a significant impact in these areas.
Emergency Relief for Sesikhona Fire Victims
On 15 May 2024, a fire swept through the Sesikhona informal settlement, affecting 10 families and leaving them in urgent need of assistance. Thanks to the swift response and collaborative efforts with Beautiful Gate South Africa and Lerato's Hope, we were able to provide immediate support.
Thandanani Church (Shongweni) Water Drive
In response to the ongoing water shortage crisis affecting numerous communities, CityHope Disaster Relief took action to provide essential aid to those in need. A distribution event was held at Thandanani Church near Shongweni Dam, where 352 individuals received critical assistance.
Umgababa Flood Response
CityHope swiftly responded to the urgent needs arising from a severe storm that struck the Umgababa area on April 16, 2024. This report outlines the impact of the storm, CityHope's intervention efforts, and the assistance provided to the affected households.
Thabo Mbeki Informal Settlement Fire Response
In times of crisis, unity shines brightest. Following a devastating fire that destroyed the homes of 8 families in Thabo Mbeki Informal Settlement, Beautiful Gate, in collaboration with Lerato's Hope, Umzila Omhle, and Ward 35 Cllrs, swiftly responded with compassion and aid. They distributed essential items including our CityHope Disaster Relief Hope Kits, hygiene boxes, clothes, and bread.
Spreading Hope with Investec Bank
In collaboration with Investec Bank, CityHope embarked on a mission to distribute essential aid to communities in need through the “Buckets of Hope” initiative.
South Coast Floods
In the wake of the catastrophic flooding that struck the South Coast on the night of April 14, 2024, CityHope Disaster Relief, in partnership with Ugu Disaster Management, has initiated a full-scale disaster response operation. The organizations are currently assessing the extent of the damage which has left many homes and infrastructure in ruins.
School Water Drive in Embo Township
Responding to the urgent water shortage in Embo township schools, CityHope Disaster Relief distributed 1000 liters of water across local primary and high schools. At Khabazela High School, the situation was critical, with students dependent on a poorly maintained jojo tank for drinking water, disrupting education and forcing early school dismissals.
KZN Flood Response – Inanda Dam
After devastating floods hit KwaNgcolosi earlier in January, we teamed up with Miladys to provide essential aid to a family in dire need.
Kwanyuswa Community, Flood Response
The recent heavy rains that have hit KZN from the 10th of January have left multiple communities in distress. In the Kwanyuswa community, many families were displaced. In partnership with Ethekwini Disaster Management and with the help of dedicated community leaders, we were able to provide essential aid to 3 families in Kwanyuswa.
CityHope Disaster Relief Activation: Urgent Response to KZN Floods
The KZN region has been devastated by catastrophic floods, affecting numerous communities. Homes have been damaged, and essential supplies are desperately needed. CityHope Disaster Relief is mobilising an urgent response to supply essential items.
Joe Slovo settlement, Langa Fire Response
A fire swept through Joe Slovo settlement, Langa, destroying the homes and belongings of 65 families. While it took a long time to clear the area and arrange for the distribution of essentials, Beautiful Gate partnered with Hand of Grace (Langa Baptist Church) to ensure our Buckets of Hope reached those affected.
Sesikhona Settlement, Philippi East Fire Response
In the wake of a devastating fire that broke out in Sesikhona Settlement, Philippi East, CityHope Disaster Relief immediately sprang into action, providing Buckets of Hope to 27 affected families.
Lesotho Mission Trip
We recently had the privilege of teaming up with CityHill Ballito for an incredible Lesotho Mission Trip. From ministry evenings to the gift of school shoes and sneakers, we shared hope, love, and support with the communities.
Thabo Mbeki Informal Settlement Fire
Disaster strikes when we least expect it, and it's in these moments that we come together to uplift and support those affected. The Thabo Mbeki informal settlement recently faced a significant setback, with 13 people severely affected.
Cato Crest Flood Response
The recent flood rains had a devastating impact on communities across the PINK region of KZN - Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, and surrounding areas. In Cato Crest alone, 463 individuals were affected by this tragedy. CityHope Disaster Relief took action to bring immediate assistance. Last Saturday, we distributed food and hygiene parcels to each affected household in Cato Crest, providing essential support during that challenging time.
Dakota Beach Isipingo
In a devastating incident, over 300 shacks had gone up in flames at an informal settlement in Isipingo.
The Dakota informal settlement, located just a few hundred meters from the beach, had been severely affected by the blaze.
Gumtree Fire Response
In January 2023, approximately 72 individuals were left destitute after a fire ripped through their informal settlement in Gumtree, Durban.
Palmiet Fire Reponse
In January 2023, approximately 800 individuals were left destitute after a fire ripped through their informal settlement in Palmiet Durban.