Delivering Warmth and Care to Cape Town’s Most Vulnerable

Photo Credit: Zaakirah Mohamed via Facebook

Recognising that not everyone who finds themselves navigating life on the streets chose to be there, philanthropist Zaakirah Mohamed rallied her team to pack simple yet intentional winter care packs to remind clients at The Haven Night Shelter that they are not defined by their circumstances and that they, too, matter.

Cape Town, South Africa (09 July 2026) – Not everyone sleeping on the street chose to be there – a reality of homelessness that has long stayed with philanthropist Zaakirah Mohamed.

In 2022, she was first introduced to this vulnerable community by the late Mr Soli Philander, a community leader who invited her to assist with a sanitary drive for women living in District Six.

“It was one of those moments that quietly changed me. Seeing the resilience, dignity, and strength of a community that had endured so much left a mark on my heart that has never faded,” Zaakirah shared.

Recently, as the Founder of Project Rahmah, she and her team returned to serve this community once again, carrying deep gratitude for the path Philander opened for them.

They arrived armed with generously packed winter care packs to deliver to some of Cape Town’s most vulnerable at The Haven Night Shelter in District Six. Each pack was simple yet intentional, containing a blanket, warm socks, a beanie, toiletries, and snacks – the small essentials that remind someone, “You matter.”

“Living near Cape Town’s CBD means we don’t have to search for poverty. It finds us every single day. In the early hours of the morning, before the city fully wakes up, you’ll see them. Men pulling blankets tighter around themselves. Women walking the streets in search of warmth. People hoping that today someone might notice them. That today someone might stop.

“It’s easy to become desensitised. To drive past. To look away. To assume they somehow ended up there by choice,” Zaakirah noted.

However, like the rest of us, these are people too, and for some, having to navigate life without a place to call home is a result of circumstances they never saw coming.

“Homelessness doesn’t erase someone’s humanity. It doesn’t erase their story. It doesn’t erase their worth. Behind every person sleeping on a pavement is a lifetime of memories, heartbreaks, hopes and prayers that most of us will never know,” she emphasised.
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And that is why Zaakirah chooses to see them, show up for them and support organisations like the Haven Night Shelter that open their doors to the many who have had some of life’s hardest misfortunes happen to them.

For Zaakirah, this winter drive wasn’t just about handing over care packs; it was about proving that kindness still exists. She hopes to make this initiative a long-term commitment for Project Rahmah.

“We’ll continue serving our homeless community as long as Allah grants us the ability to do so.”

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of something that creates real, tangible impact, the public is invited to walk this journey with the Project.

“Whether it’s donating blankets, warm clothing, toiletries, food or sponsoring care packs, every contribution helps restore dignity to someone who needs it most.”

Connect on Facebook for more information.