Where We Have Worked

On 25 May 2025, a devastating fire swept through the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East, Cape Town, destroying nine structures and displacing 25 individuals. In the aftermath, families were left without shelter, essentials, or a sense of stability.

On 15 April 2025, a fire tore through the Silahwe Nkanini informal settlement in Lwandle, Strand, Western Cape, displacing approximately 681 people and affecting 200 households. The blaze started in a home while residents were away and quickly spread, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

CityHope Disaster Relief has been on the ground in the Eastern Cape, responding to the devastating impact of recent storms that swept across several communities. In partnership with the Alfred Nzo District Disaster Management, local councillors, and community leaders, we’ve reached three of the most affected areas—Umzimvubu, Ntabankulu, Matatiele, and Bizana—providing essential relief to hundreds in need.

In March, CityHope Disaster Relief partnered with local organisations to respond to two devastating fires that impacted communities in the Western Cape. Both fires left families displaced and in urgent need of support, and through collaborative efforts, we were able to bring relief and restore hope where it was needed most.

On 12 April 2025, CityHope Disaster Relief launched a vital response effort in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, where a combination of fires and severe rainfall between January and March left multiple communities in crisis. Many families were displaced, their homes and belongings destroyed, and access to food and hygiene essentials severely limited.

On 19 February 2025, KwaZulu-Natal was battered by relentless heavy rains, leaving widespread devastation in its wake. Communities were flooded, homes destroyed, and hundreds of people displaced. CityHope Disaster Relief responded immediately, bringing aid to some of the most affected areas, including The Elder’s Voice KZN, Dakota Informal Settlement, and Lamontville.

Our mission has always been clear—to bring hope and relief in times of crisis. Here’s how we took action to assist those affected by the February floods.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In collaboration with Investec Bank, CityHope embarked on a mission to distribute essential aid to communities in need through the “Buckets of Hope” initiative.

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.

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.

After devastating floods hit KwaNgcolosi earlier in January, we teamed up with Miladys to provide essential aid to a family in dire need.

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.

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.

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.

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.