How You Can Help Western Cape Storm and Flood Relief

The Western Cape has been hit by one of its most destructive storm systems in years. A succession of powerful cold fronts has battered the province since early May, bringing torrential rain, winds exceeding 100 km/h, and widespread flooding. The South African government has declared a National State of Disaster, and the human toll is grave: EWN is reporting that the death toll linked to the storm has risen to five in the Western Cape alone, and the City of Cape Town has confirmed that more than 41,000 people have been affected by flooding in at least 26 informal settlements, with 10,703 structures sustaining weather-related impacts.

Khayelitsha has been hit hardest, with roughly 1,000 structures damaged and some 4,000 people left vulnerable. Other severely affected areas include Lwandle, Nomzamo, Imizamo Yethu, Philippi, Gugulethu, Delft, Vygieskraal, Makhaza, Monwabisi, Phola Park, Valhalla Park, Tafelsig, and Kampies. The City’s emergency call centre received more than 950 calls in a single day, mostly related to fallen trees, flooding, road closures, and power outages. Emergency teams are stretched, and the need for ongoing public support is urgent.

Here is how you can help.

Donate goods

Physical donations are being collected and distributed by several organisations actively on the ground.

Gift of the Givers

Africa’s largest disaster relief NGO has deployed teams to informal settlements across the metro, including Lwandle, Mitchells Plain, Philippi, Du Noon, and Langrug. They are distributing hot meals, blankets, and baby care packs to displaced families. Items urgently needed include blankets, personal hygiene products (soap, sanitary items, toothbrushes), and baby care supplies such as nappies and formula.

Website: giftofthegivers.org | Facebook: Gift of the Givers

Living Hope

Based in Ocean View and Fish Hoek, Living Hope runs a dedicated disaster relief fund for Cape Town communities affected by fires and floods. They accept donations of food, clothing, bedding, and kitchen items.

Address: 7 Kommetjie Main Road, Capri | Tel: 021 784 280021
Address: Colombia Road, Ocean View | Tel: 021 783 5589
Website: livinghope.co.za/disaster-relief | Facebook: Living Hope South Africa

The Haven Night Shelter

With 15 shelters across the Western Cape, The Haven is experiencing heightened demand as the storms push more vulnerable people off the streets. You can purchase shelter vouchers (in booklets of five for R10 each) to give directly to people in need on the streets.

Website: haven.org.za/donate

Designated Drop off Points

In addition to giving to one of these organisations directly, the City has activated donation drop-off points for non-perishable foodstuff, personal hygiene items, nappies and baby formula, as well as blankets/bedding. The designated drop-off points are the following fire stations:
• Bellville: Belrail Road
• Goodwood: cnr Hugo Street & Frans Conradie Drive
• Lakeside: Corner of Main & Approach Road
• Milnerton: Koeberg Road
• Ottery: corner of New Ottery Road & Strandfontein Road
• Roeland Street: CBD
• Strand: cnr Broadway Boulevard & George Street

Storm Damage (image from Living Hope’s Facebook page)

Donate money

Financial donations are often the most flexible and impactful form of support, allowing organisations to purchase exactly what is needed most urgently. The organisations below are registered NPOs and PBOs, so your donation qualifies for a Section 18A tax certificate.

Gift of the Givers: giftofthegivers.org/online-payment (use “Western Cape” as reference)

The Haven Night Shelter: haven.org.za/donate (PayFast or SnapScan)

Living Hope Disaster Relief Fund: livinghope.co.za/disaster-relief

Monetary donations can also be made into the Community Chest of The Western Cape’s Bank Account:
Bank: FNB
Account Name: The Community Chest of the Western Cape
Account Number: 50260974842
Code: 201409
Reference: DISASTER RELIEF

Donate your skills

Emergency responses need more than goods. If you have relevant skills, consider reaching out directly to organisations coordinating relief.

Medical professionals, social workers, and trauma counsellors can contact Gift of the Givers (toll-free: 0800 786 911) or Living Hope (021 784 2800) to offer support to displaced families.

Tradespeople (e.g. builders, roofers, electricians) can offer skills that will be essential as communities begin repairing damaged homes. Find and contact your local ward councillor via the City of Cape Town’s lookup tool, to find out how you can be of service.

Please do not self-deploy in affected areas. A disaster such as this requires trained people working as part of a co-ordinated team. If you would like to register as a trained reservist firefighter for future emergencies, you can do so at the City’s volunteer portal. More on the reservist programme: capetown.gov.za/reservist-firefighter.

Stay informed

The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre is posting updates at capetown.gov.za. Assessments are ongoing, and relief needs will evolve as the weather continues. Follow Gift of the Givers on Facebook for real-time updates on where teams are operating and what is most needed.

The storms are not yet over, but neither is our ability to respond with generosity. Every blanket, every meal, every rand makes a difference to a family that has lost almost everything.