What began as a disaster relief effort after the June 2024 tornado in Tongaat has evolved into a community upliftment organisation.

The Restore Africa Foundation, spearheaded by Ballito resident Eduard Louw, originally began as Operation Clean Tongaat, a volunteer-driven initiative focused on clearing debris and providing immediate aid in the aftermath of the tornado.

“Once relief efforts were complete, we renamed ourselves Operation Restore Tongaat and focused on rebuilding. Today, as Restore Africa Foundation, our vision is to take our work across the continent,” said Eduard.

Operation Restore Tongaat took on more structured rebuilding efforts, erecting temporary shelters and repairing infrastructure.

“We handed out plastic sheeting and roofing nails to help households cover damaged sections of their homes. We were contacted by Humanitarian Aid to assist with a temporary roof for a school, but the building had to be condemned. We promised to build a new school and achieved this in two months with the help of Ballito businesses and the public. From there, our organisation grew,” he said.

The foundation’s mission soon expanded beyond disaster response.

“We knew we could do more than rebuild infrastructure, we could uplift communities in the long term, empowering them to sustain themselves.”

The foundation has invested in early childhood development centres in Tongaat. Through partnerships, they have built classrooms, installed sustainable vegetable gardens and improved infrastructure at Qoqisizwe Creche, Senzokuhle Daycare and Qalukusha Creche, benefitting over 300 children.

The Ballito resident’s motivation for starting this initiative came from what he describes as a spiritual calling.

“I felt compelled to help Tongaat. Partnering with like-minded people, we achieved so much. Investing in schools and children creates a ripple effect shaping our country’s future.”

Ongoing projects include fundraising initiatives, community gardens, river and beach clean-ups, as well as support for child welfare and senior citizen feeding schemes. The team has done such good work that they recently received a commendation from the ward councillor.

Despite successful projects, the foundation continues to face challenges, particularly in securing financial resources and volunteer support.

“What we need most is financial backing and people willing to dedicate their time to make a difference,” said Louw.

For more information, visit Restore Africa Foundation’s Facebook page.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.