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Help Nkosi’s Haven remain a lifeline for women and children in crisis

After 26 years of service, Nkosi’s Haven has decided to go off- grid to save the organisation from expensive electricity bills.

Nkosi’s Haven, a renowned South African organisation founded in memory of the late Nkosi Johnson, has long been a safe haven for women and children affected by HIV and AIDS.

For years the organisation has provided shelter, medical care, and a nurturing environment to some of the most vulnerable members of society.

However, the organisation now finds itself in a financial crisis that threatens its ability to continue serving its 130 residents.

The financial burden
Mounting expenses have left Nkosi’s Haven struggling to stay afloat. The organisation is saddled with an electricity debt of approximately R3.9m, an amount that must be repaid to keep the lights on and maintain critical services.

With daily electricity costs amounting to R3 000 and monthly expenses reaching R90 000, the situation has become unsustainable.

The challenges are compounded by outdated and energy-intensive appliances, including a tumble dryer that uses 21 000 kilowatts of electricity and an old washing machine that consumes 15 600 watts daily.


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Additionally, the facility’s 41 geysers, which are not solar-powered, significantly contribute to its soaring electricity bills.

Michael Lingwood of Sharing Kindness Foundation said: “The organisation gets charged R10 000 a month on rates and taxes and this is unacceptable as Nkosi’s Haven should get Public Benefit Organisation tax rebates. Gail Johnson (founder of Nkosi’s Have) was not aware that she had to apply for the tax rebates every year.”

This oversight has added unnecessary financial strain, and the organisation is seeking intervention to rectify this issue.

“We have reached out to the City of Johannesburg to talk about a slight discount, and with the help of Lingwood we believe we will be successful with it,” explained Thabo Johnson of Nkosi’s Haven.

Urgent Needs
Nkosi’s Haven is making a direct plea to the community to help with urgent donations that will have an immediate impact.

These include:
• A 14kg Samsung washing machine – This energy-efficient machine consumes only 500 watts of electricity and can work on solar power, significantly reducing electricity costs.

• 41 Solar-powered geysers – Replacing the current energy-intensive geysers will dramatically reduce the organisation’s electricity usage and monthly bills.

• Contribution to make up R34 160 for a borehole – This amount will cover the costs of a geological water survey, drilling, steel casing, and site establishment.


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“A borehole will provide a sustainable water source, saving the organisation more than R5 000 monthly,” said Lingwood.
Johnson said: “As an organisation that supports over 100 plus people with about 30 individual cottages that supply water and electricity, getting a borehole would make a huge difference and impact.”

These items are the most urgent needs and would greatly alleviate Nkosi’s Haven financial burdens while moving the organisation toward a more sustainable future.

The need for broader support
Beyond these immediate needs, Nkosi’s Haven must address its long-term sustainability challenges. Transitioning entirely off the grid will require significant investments in solar power systems, more efficient appliances, and water infrastructure.

How you can help
Community members, businesses, and individuals can contribute in the following ways:

• Donate a 14kg Samsung washing machine.

• Sponsor one or more solar-powered geysers.

• Contribute to the R34, 160 needed to sink the borehole.

Every donation, whether monetary or in the form of equipment, will have a profound impact on Nkosi’s Haven’s ability to continue providing a safe and nurturing environment for its residents.

A community’s responsibility
Nkosi’s Haven has been a pillar of strength and hope for countless women and children over the years. Now, the organisation pleads with the community to give back.

By supporting this campaign, donors can help Nkosi’s Haven overcome its financial challenges and transition to a sustainable, off-grid model. To support Nkosi’s Haven, contact Gail Johnson at 082 593 1999 or email director@nkosishaven.org

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