Making a difference: NGOs in your area

Across Johannesburg North, NGOs are providing vital support to communities, from education and healthcare, to disaster relief. Here’s how you can help make a difference.

March 11, 2025

Nkazimulo Ncube 3 minutes read

In the heart of Johannesburg North, a network of NGOs are working every day to uplift communities, provide essential services, and create opportunities for those in need. Whether it’s supporting vulnerable children, empowering young entrepreneurs, or offering healthcare and shelter, these organisations are the backbone of social change. But they can’t do it alone. There are many ways for you to get involved, whether by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Here’s how you can make a difference.

1. Hotel Hope Ministries

What they do: Hotel Hope Ministries provides family-style homes and support programmes for orphaned and abandoned babies, as well as assistance to teen mothers in crisis.
How you can help: Financial contributions, baby supplies, and clothing are always needed.
Volunteer: Assist with caregiving, fundraising, or administrative tasks.
Contact: Visit their website at Hotelhopeministries.org, or call 011 447 7705.

2. Junior Achievement South Africa (JASA)

What they do: JASA equips in-school, out-of-school, and self-employed youth with entrepreneurship and work readiness skills.
How you can help: Funds to support training programmes and materials.
Volunteer: Mentor young entrepreneurs or facilitate workshops.
Contact: Visit www.jasa.org.za, or email info@jasa.org.za.

3. Alexandra Youth Development

What they do: Focuses on empowering the youth of Alexandra through educational support, skills development, and recreational activities to promote positive community engagement.
How you can help: Educational materials, sports equipment, or financial support.
Volunteer: Offer tutoring, mentorship, or assistance in organising community events.
Contact: Visit their community centre in Alexandra, or contact them through local municipal offices.

4. Friends of Alexandra

What they do: Support various initiatives in Alexandra, including education, health, and community development projects, aiming to improve the quality of life for residents.
How you can help: Funds, clothing, or household items.
Volunteer: Participate in community cleanups, health awareness campaigns, or educational programmes.
Contact: Connect via their Facebook page, or through local community boards.

5.Footprints 4 Sam

What they do: Footprints 4 Sam is an organisation that supports underprivileged children with life-limiting illnesses and their families. They offer transportation, essential supplies, and internet access to enhance communication and learning. Their mission is to provide hope and dignity, and improve the quality of life for these children and their families, promoting family-centred solutions and early diagnosis.
How you can help: Donors and suppliers are encouraged to choose an initiative that speaks to their hearts, and to consider allocating their financial contributions, or time, to a selected initiative.
Volunteer: People are encouraged to volunteer their time, skills, money, and sporting abilities.
Contact: Send an email to melissa@footprints4sam.org, or call +27 87 135 4465

Also read: NGO prioritises the nations needs

6. CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA

What they do: CHOC provides comprehensive support to children, teenagers, and families affected by cancer through various core programmes.
How you can help: Funds to support their programmes and services.
Volunteer: Offer your time to assist in events, fundraising, or administrative tasks.
Contact: Visit www.choc.org.za, or call 086 111 3500.

7. Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre

What they do: Witkoppen Clinic is a non-profit community healthcare centre providing a wide range of primary healthcare services to communities around Sandton and Diepsloot. They focus on combating HIV and AIDS, promoting maternal health, and addressing social determinants of health in underprivileged communities.
How you can help: Financial support to enhance healthcare services.
Volunteer: Assist in medical services, community outreach, or administrative tasks.
Contact: Visit their website, or contact them directly at their Fourways location.

8. The Rosebank Homeless Association

What they do: Provide support and rehabilitation services to homeless individuals in the Rosebank area, including shelter, food, and skills training to reintegrate them into society.
How you can help: Clothing, non-perishable food items, or financial contributions.
Volunteer: Assist in meal preparation, skills workshops, or fundraising events.
Contact: Reach out through local community centres, or municipal offices in Rosebank.

The impact of these NGOs goes far beyond the services they provide; it’s about restoring dignity, creating opportunities, and strengthening communities. Their work relies on the funding, the time, and the effort of those willing to lend a helping hand. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word, your support can help these organisations continue making a difference. In a city as diverse and dynamic as Johannesburg, being part of the solution starts with small actions that lead to lasting change.

Sources:

1. ForGood South Africa

2. Hotel Hope Ministries

3. Junior Achievement South Africa (JASA)

4. Gift of the Givers Foundation

5. CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA

6. Friends of Alexandra

7. Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre

8. Fourways Community Chamber of Commerce (FCCC)