Emergency Response

2021 KZN riots: Emergency relief

Two million meals. A province in crisis. A nation standing together.

A crisis unfolds

In July 2021, as households and businesses were left reeling in the aftermath of widespread riots, the Moti Cares Foundation launched its most ambitious project yet – delivering over two million meals to communities brought to their knees by looting, destruction, collapsed supply chains, and food shortages.

This initiative was launched with the vision of South Africans giving a hand-up to other fellow South Africans, no matter their race or creed, understanding that hunger does not differentiate.

Working hand-in-hand with the Sihle Zikalala Development Trust, volunteers, and generous corporate sponsors, the Moti Cares team mobilised swiftly to visit and support any regions where families were desperate for food and other essentials.

“Sometimes communities such as ours are overlooked when it comes to these kinds of initiatives. We are one of many communities that are facing food shortages and unemployment, but we were chosen as the recipients – and for that, we are truly blessed,” – Resident, Adams Mission

Answering the call with compassion

Over just four days, the Foundation reached areas such as Chatsworth, Welbedacht, Crossmore, Adams Mission, and many others, offering a vital lifeline to those in need, in addition to bringing urgent essentials to homes for orphans, the elderly, and children living with disabilities.

Volunteers worked tirelessly to distribute:

This enormous undertaking went beyond food. With COVID-19 still an ongoing threat, partners like Gast Engineering and Zodiac Manufacturing contributed over 550 litres of sanitiser, 60,000 masks, and 30,000 pairs of gloves, ensuring community safety in the face of the crisis.

Amidst the many heart-breaking scenes of absolute desperation, poverty, and hunger seen in the areas visited, every member of the Moti Cares team was immensely touched and humbled to witness the relief, joy, and hope they were able to bring to those in need. Ultimately, the Moti Cares Foundation remains committed to standing with South Africans in times of crisis, because no one should go hungry, and no one should feel forgotten.