For 40 years, Mustadafin Foundation has been part of the mission to change lives across South Africa, aiming to ensure that every meal served, child supported, family assisted after a disaster, elderly person cared for, young mother and learner given the opportunity to dream a little bigger.
Behind each of these moments is something many people may not realise. Women. Mustadafin says that 96% of its team are women.
As the nation celebrates Women's Month, Mustadafin Foundation says it also celebrate the extraordinary women who have become the heart of an organisation that has spent four decades aiming to restore dignity, create opportunities and strengthen communities.
Founded in response to the political unrest and violence in Crossroads in 1986, Mustadafin says it began with a simple purpose: to support women and children with food, shelter and counselling.
Over 40 years, that single act of compassion has grown into programmes spanning disaster relief, daily feeding schemes, education, healthcare, home care, community development, poverty alleviation and support for young mothers and families, the organisation has grown, but its purpose has never changed, says the foundation.
The programmes have evolved, the communities have grown and the challenges have changed. But the mission has remained exactly the same: serving people with compassion, dignity and hope, adds the foundation.
Under the leadership of Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, these women have worked to become a force for positive change. Together, they aim to demonstrate that leadership is not simply about directing others. It is about serving others with courage, humility and purpose,
"Over the past 40 years, we have witnessed something truly remarkable. Young lives have blossomed, volunteers have become leaders, and communities have become partners," says Johnstone-Cassiem. "Hope has multiplied, with each act of kindness planting new seeds of compassion that continue to grow across South Africa. That is the legacy of Mustadafin, and it is a journey we are incredibly proud to continue."
"As we celebrate this milestone, our commitment remains unchanged: to continue serving every community with compassion, dignity and hope," adds Johnstone-Cassiem.
For 40 years, Mustadafin has opened its doors and its heart to people from all walks of life because compassion knows no boundaries, and neither should kindness. Everyone deserves to be seen, supported and treated with dignity, concludes the foundation.
For more information, visit www.mustadafin.org.za. You can also follow the Mustadafin Foundation on Facebook, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor