Across South Africa and beyond, hunger is not a distant issue — it is a daily reality. It affects children, the elderly, and families striving to make ends meet, often stripping them of both health and dignity. For many, the question of where the next meal will come from is constant.
Ashraful Aid is working to change that.
Through its Food and Water Security initiatives, the organisation is addressing hunger head-on by delivering essential food supplies to vulnerable communities. Providing staples such as rice, beans and vegetables, the organisation’s work goes beyond distribution — it focuses on understanding community needs and ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.
“We don’t just deliver food. We listen, assess and respond,” the organisation emphasises.
This approach has been especially critical during times of crisis. In the aftermath of the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal, Ashraful Aid distributed more than eight tons of food, alongside thousands of litres of water, hygiene kits, blankets and mattresses to affected communities.
Seasonal challenges are also a key focus. Through its Winter Warmth Campaign, the organisation provides soup, bread, blankets and food hampers to families facing harsh conditions. In April alone, more than 20,000 people benefited from the initiative.
With nearly three decades of experience, Ashraful Aid has grown from its roots in Marlboro Gardens, Johannesburg, to a global network operating in more than 30 countries. Its footprint now extends to Cape Town, Durban, Lenasia and across Africa, with additional teams in Zambia, Malawi, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
Despite its growth, the organisation stresses that addressing food insecurity is a collective effort.
By partnering with donors and corporate stakeholders, Ashraful Aid is able to respond more quickly to crises, pre-position supplies, and build resilience in vulnerable communities. The organisation highlights that even small, consistent contributions can have a lasting impact.
Beyond immediate relief, the importance of food security lies in its long-term effects. When hunger is reduced, children are better able to focus in school, adults can work more effectively, and communities become more stable and self-sufficient.
Ashraful Aid’s work aims to shift the narrative from short-term aid to long-term empowerment — ensuring that vulnerable groups, including the elderly, orphans and displaced families, are not left behind.
As the need continues to grow, the organisation is calling on individuals and partners to play a role.
For many families, support is not about charity, but about opportunity — the chance to rebuild, recover and move forward.
This article was originally published in CSI: The Human Face of Business 2025
