What we do
We empower individuals to achieve self-sufficiency in present-day South Africa
Our approach involves working closely with individuals, providing active assistance to each person to the best of our abilities. Our support is not limited to addressing immediate needs; rather, we strive to instill empowerment that catalyzes lasting change in how individuals provide for themselves.
Our initiatives include
Essential Documentation
We assists individuals in obtaining essential South African documents, such as ID documents, SASSA documents, and certificates equivalent to matriculation.
Skills Development
We facilitate skills development through small businesses, equipping individuals with the tools, knowledge, and the support necessary to thrive independently and build a self-sustaining lifestyle.
Resumé Building
We assist individuals with limited formal education in building a resumé to showcase their skills and abilities to enhancing their employment potential.
One of the Alabaster Foundation's most impactful recent initiatives has been assisting individuals in obtaining ID documents—a small piece of paper with the power to unlock futures.
Through years of dedicated community work, the founder has uncovered a common thread: many of the struggles people face can be traced back to the absence of an ID. Without this vital document, individuals are often excluded from life-changing opportunities like education, employment, and social grants.
The challenge runs deeper than bureaucracy. For many, the journey to Home Affairs is riddled with impossible choices. As one individual shared:
“If I spend the day at Home Affairs,
I don’t eat that day.”
It’s a heartbreaking reality—sacrificing a meal to stand in line, only to leave empty-handed as the day ends.
To break down this barrier, the Alabaster Foundation steps in to provide holistic support for those seeking ID documents. The foundation arranges meetings at Home Affairs, covers documentation costs, and offers transportation home when needed—all made possible by the generosity of loyal supporters.
Once an ID is obtained, the journey doesn’t end. Each document is scanned and securely stored in a database, ensuring individuals can access their scanned IDs whenever necessary, with the help of the foundation’s dedicated admin team.
This initiative restores not only documentation but also dignity and hope, empowering individuals to reclaim their place in society.
Success Story
Our first success story in this initiative was Mushfigh, a 28-year-old man who had never had an ID.
His mother, Ruchelle, needed to be present with her own ID in order to apply for his, but her ID was stolen years ago, and she was unable to afford the trip back to Home Affairs due to her physical disability and lack of funds.
Together, they managed to meet us at Home Affairs, and after years of struggle, Ruchelle obtained a new ID and successfully applied for her son's ID.
Now, Mushfigh can apply for work that requires an ID, and Ruchelle has been able to apply for her disability grant and pension via SASSA.
Other Success Stories
In addition to our primary focus, we are also involved in various other projects and drives as the need arises.
Past Initiatives
The foundation also receives donations of second-hand items such as shoes and clothing, which we distribute to community members.
These individuals can resell the items, with only a small portion of the proceeds returned to the foundation, while the rest is theirs to keep.
This initiative helps people generate income, giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility over their finances.
We also support families who may not fall below the poverty line themselves but are responsible for others who do—such as grandparents raising babies born to drug-abusing parents.
These grandparents, often surviving on SASSA grants alone, receive clothing, milk, and other necessary donations through the foundation.
Furthermore, we work with small businesses to teach young individuals who lack formal education valuable skills such as woodworking, carpentry, pool cleaning, and gardening.
Through these partnerships, we help these young people build CVs that include their ID numbers, learned skills, and work experience, providing them with opportunities to support themselves and their families. This holistic approach is how the Alabaster Foundation strives to make a lasting impact in the communities we serve.
Get Involved
Join us in making a lasting impact by contributing in the way that resonates most with you:
Donate
·Support our day-to-day operations, which include logistics, transportation, meals, printing, and communication expenses. You can also contribute towards essential documentation costs, Home Affairs travel, or even sponsoring a Home Affairs chaperone for those in need.
Volunteer
Share your time and skills by preparing for food distribution days, assisting with community outreach, mentoring participants, or helping with admin tasks—either remotely or on-site.
Monthly Giving
Consider a monthly donation to provide sustained support for our initiatives, ensuring we can plan and act consistently to serve those in need.
Every contribution, big or small, helps restore dignity and hope to those who need it most. Together, we can make a difference.