The Western Cape Government presented the award to the Mustadafin Foundation on Friday, 16 October at Nederburg Wine Estate in Paarl. Mustadafin was recognised for its ongoing commitment to meeting community needs and going the extra mile in disaster response.
For Mustadafin, which celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year, the recognition carries particular significance.
Founded in 1986, Mustadafin began by providing food, shelter and counselling to women and children affected by unrest and violence in Crossroads. Over the past four decades, its work has expanded to include feeding programmes, disaster relief, education, healthcare, home care and community development, says the foundation.
Yet despite its growth, the organisation says it purpose has remained unchanged: to serve communities with dignity and compassion.
"I was totally and completely overwhelmed. I never expected Mustadafin to receive such a prestigious recognition for simply doing the work we love, serving our communities with dignity," says Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, Director of Mustadafin Foundation.
For Johnstone-Cassiem, the award's greatest significance lies in recognising the people who make Mustadafin's work possible.
"For me, it was never about awards. It was, and always will be, about service. So, to have our work seen and honoured by the Premier was humbling," adds Johnstone-Cassiem. "It belongs to every donor, every volunteer and every beneficiary who trusts us."
Johnstone-Cassiem says the acknowledgement has given both her and the team a welcome morale boost, knowing that their efforts and hard work are seen and valued.
The award aims to be a reminder that meaningful change is built through consistent acts of service, often in the most challenging circumstances, says the foundation.
For Mustadafin, the work continues, guided by the belief that has shaped its journey for four decades: "If every man helps his neighbour, then who will need help?"
For more information, visit www.mustadafin.org.za. You can also follow the Mustadafin Foundation on Facebook, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor