WELFARE REPORT - 2024
Poverty is a pervasive and debilitating issue that affects millions of people worldwide,
perpetuating cycles of disadvantage, inequality and social exclusion. It is a state of
deprivation where individuals and families lack financial resources to meet their basic needs
such as food, shelter, clothing, healthcare and education. It is a major social and economic
issue that affects people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures and is a significant barrier to
social mobility, economic growth and human well-being. Poverty leads to a range of negative
outcomes including poor health, low educational attainment and reduced opportunities. In
South Africa poverty remains as a serious social challenge with a large percentage of the
population living below the poverty line. The effects of poverty are far reaching, impacting
not only individuals and families but also communities and society as a whole.
Some causes of poverty include lack of education and skills, unemployment and under-
employment, inequality and discrimination, conflict and displacement, poor governance and
corruption etc. The effect of poverty leads to desperation, frustration and anger which
manifests in crime and violence. Poverty limits access to healthcare, proper nutrition and
clean water. This in turn leads to sickness and reduced life expectancy.
Poverty is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and sustained
response. In order to address poverty a combination of short-term support such as social
protection programs and long- term investments such as proper education, job training, job
creation and entrepreneurship amongst others is required. Government, sponsors and donors
should also increase funding to non- profitable organizations for sustainable growth and
development. If government, sponsors and donors work closely together poverty can be
reduced and human well- being can be promoted.
As a non- governmental organization dedicated to addressing poverty and promoting human
well-being, the Chatsworth Ulama Council has been working tirelessly and effortlessly since
inception, (June 1996) to support vulnerable people and advocate for policies and programs
that address the root cause of poverty. Our organization depends solely on public funding.
Our activities include the following:
1) We are presently assisting 1000 families with grocery hampers on a monthly basis.
2) We engage in outreach programs where we distribute hot meals, groceries and
clothing to poverty- stricken families in informal settlements of Chatsworth and
surrounding areas. We also distribute sandwiches to children in madrasah on a daily
basis. We also distribute sandwiches during the course of the year in intervals to
patients at the local clinic. This enables some of their nutritional needs to be fulfilled.
3) Madrasah classes are conducted in the afternoon free of charge.
4) We also conduct adult classes (M.a.r.k Deenyat Programme) for our monthly
recipients which helps our adults to gain Islamic knowledge
5) A weekly youth programme (Maktab Youth Movement) is also conducted by us to
assist the youth in social interaction.
6) Counselling is provided to people who need to avail of our services.
7) In co-ordination with Vision for Life we assist recipients to receive free spectacles.
8) We conduct sewing classes as part of our skills development program to empower
individuals to earn an honest living.
9) We conduct a senior citizens program on a monthly basis where we meet and interact
with our senior citizens of our community. This outing which gives them a great sense of
elation allows them to leave the confines of their homes and spend quality time with
their fellow friends. Meals are served after the conclusion of the program and recipients
also receive their monthly grocery hampers.
10) We also conduct programs for our special needs/mentally challenged people of our
community where we interact with them to make them feel special and important.
11) During the winter we embark on a winter warmth drive where we distribute warm
clothing, beddings, duvets and blankets to our recipients and also to the informal
settlements, schools, hospice, old age Homes and other welfare organizations with
similar objectives.
12) Conversions are done at our offices and certificates are given.
13) Nikaahs of consenting adults are also performed at our offices.
14) During Ramadaan, we assist families with grocery hampers and payment of
rentals/electricity and water accounts on a larger scale.
Subject to funding, our desire is to embark on other initiatives for the growth and
development of society
During the past 29 years, the Chatsworth Ulama Council has been in the forefront of
deserving communities in need. We have made steady progress and achieved tangible results.
Working amongst disadvantaged communities is a mammoth task but our work is facilitated
by the altruistic contributions and support we receive from our donors and well-wishers. Any
assistance rendered which benefits the poor and deserving people is vital in building a firm
nation. Positive results are achieved by the concerted efforts of all role players. Our vision is
to continue on our journey of hope in mitigating the plight of impoverished communities and
bring about positive change. Subject to funding, our aim is to embark on other initiatives for
the progress of society. Social welfare work is only possible with the sacrifice of time,
dedication and effort.
In a harsh society where power and greed have triumphed over love, compassion, pride and
dignity and where scruples and moral values have been traded for materialistic pleasures, we
commend all those who are instrumental in assisting us to build a unified nation and a
brighter future for people living in the shackles of poverty. May the trials and tribulations
which we have surpassed become a firm foundation for a better tomorrow.
perpetuating cycles of disadvantage, inequality and social exclusion. It is a state of
deprivation where individuals and families lack financial resources to meet their basic needs
such as food, shelter, clothing, healthcare and education. It is a major social and economic
issue that affects people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures and is a significant barrier to
social mobility, economic growth and human well-being. Poverty leads to a range of negative
outcomes including poor health, low educational attainment and reduced opportunities. In
South Africa poverty remains as a serious social challenge with a large percentage of the
population living below the poverty line. The effects of poverty are far reaching, impacting
not only individuals and families but also communities and society as a whole.
Some causes of poverty include lack of education and skills, unemployment and under-
employment, inequality and discrimination, conflict and displacement, poor governance and
corruption etc. The effect of poverty leads to desperation, frustration and anger which
manifests in crime and violence. Poverty limits access to healthcare, proper nutrition and
clean water. This in turn leads to sickness and reduced life expectancy.
Poverty is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and sustained
response. In order to address poverty a combination of short-term support such as social
protection programs and long- term investments such as proper education, job training, job
creation and entrepreneurship amongst others is required. Government, sponsors and donors
should also increase funding to non- profitable organizations for sustainable growth and
development. If government, sponsors and donors work closely together poverty can be
reduced and human well- being can be promoted.
As a non- governmental organization dedicated to addressing poverty and promoting human
well-being, the Chatsworth Ulama Council has been working tirelessly and effortlessly since
inception, (June 1996) to support vulnerable people and advocate for policies and programs
that address the root cause of poverty. Our organization depends solely on public funding.
Our activities include the following:
1) We are presently assisting 1000 families with grocery hampers on a monthly basis.
2) We engage in outreach programs where we distribute hot meals, groceries and
clothing to poverty- stricken families in informal settlements of Chatsworth and
surrounding areas. We also distribute sandwiches to children in madrasah on a daily
basis. We also distribute sandwiches during the course of the year in intervals to
patients at the local clinic. This enables some of their nutritional needs to be fulfilled.
3) Madrasah classes are conducted in the afternoon free of charge.
4) We also conduct adult classes (M.a.r.k Deenyat Programme) for our monthly
recipients which helps our adults to gain Islamic knowledge
5) A weekly youth programme (Maktab Youth Movement) is also conducted by us to
assist the youth in social interaction.
6) Counselling is provided to people who need to avail of our services.
7) In co-ordination with Vision for Life we assist recipients to receive free spectacles.
8) We conduct sewing classes as part of our skills development program to empower
individuals to earn an honest living.
9) We conduct a senior citizens program on a monthly basis where we meet and interact
with our senior citizens of our community. This outing which gives them a great sense of
elation allows them to leave the confines of their homes and spend quality time with
their fellow friends. Meals are served after the conclusion of the program and recipients
also receive their monthly grocery hampers.
10) We also conduct programs for our special needs/mentally challenged people of our
community where we interact with them to make them feel special and important.
11) During the winter we embark on a winter warmth drive where we distribute warm
clothing, beddings, duvets and blankets to our recipients and also to the informal
settlements, schools, hospice, old age Homes and other welfare organizations with
similar objectives.
12) Conversions are done at our offices and certificates are given.
13) Nikaahs of consenting adults are also performed at our offices.
14) During Ramadaan, we assist families with grocery hampers and payment of
rentals/electricity and water accounts on a larger scale.
Subject to funding, our desire is to embark on other initiatives for the growth and
development of society
During the past 29 years, the Chatsworth Ulama Council has been in the forefront of
deserving communities in need. We have made steady progress and achieved tangible results.
Working amongst disadvantaged communities is a mammoth task but our work is facilitated
by the altruistic contributions and support we receive from our donors and well-wishers. Any
assistance rendered which benefits the poor and deserving people is vital in building a firm
nation. Positive results are achieved by the concerted efforts of all role players. Our vision is
to continue on our journey of hope in mitigating the plight of impoverished communities and
bring about positive change. Subject to funding, our aim is to embark on other initiatives for
the progress of society. Social welfare work is only possible with the sacrifice of time,
dedication and effort.
In a harsh society where power and greed have triumphed over love, compassion, pride and
dignity and where scruples and moral values have been traded for materialistic pleasures, we
commend all those who are instrumental in assisting us to build a unified nation and a
brighter future for people living in the shackles of poverty. May the trials and tribulations
which we have surpassed become a firm foundation for a better tomorrow.
