Churches Together in Faith and Action
A Regional Ecumenical fellowship advancing justice, dignity, peace and transformation through a united church voice across eleven nations of the SADC region.
Emergency Humanitarian Response to Support Victims of Xenophobic Attacks
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
The Southern African region continues to experience the painful consequences of xenophobic tensions and attacks targeting foreign nationals residing in South Africa. These incidents have resulted in forced displacement, loss of livelihoods, separation of families, destruction of property, and urgent humanitarian needs among affected communities.
FOCCISA is launching an emergency humanitarian resource mobilisation appeal to provide immediate relief assistance to individuals and families affected by xenophobic attacks and displacement, including women, children, and elderly persons forced to leave their homes.
Read the full appeal Show less
Foreign nationals from several Southern African countries have been impacted, with citizens of Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique carrying a significant share of the humanitarian burden. Many displaced families are returning to their countries of origin with limited personal belongings and require immediate assistance to restore their dignity and meet basic survival needs.
The Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa, as a regional coordinating body bringing together National Christian Councils in Southern Africa, is responding to this crisis by mobilising resources and coordinating support through its member churches and partners in affected countries.
As members of one body in Christ, we are called to share one another’s burdens and to demonstrate practical love through acts of kindness, generosity, and service. Through this appeal, FOCCISA invites all partners to contribute towards alleviating the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
Objectives of this humanitarian response:
- Provide emergency relief assistance to displaced and vulnerable families affected by xenophobic attacks.
- Restore dignity and hope among affected communities through compassionate Christian response and solidarity.
- Mobilise churches, faith-based institutions, businesses, and humanitarian partners to support regional relief efforts.
- Strengthen coordinated humanitarian action among FOCCISA member councils in affected countries.
- Establish longer-term support mechanisms for recovery, reintegration, and resilience-building.
Priority humanitarian needs
Clothing and Personal Items
- New and gently used adult clothing.
- Children’s clothing.
- Shoes and blankets.
- Warm clothing for displaced families.
Women and Children’s Dignity Support
- Female dignity packs and sanitary products.
- Baby diapers.
- Baby clothing and essentials.
- Infant care materials.
Household and Emergency Relief Items
- Blankets.
- Bedding materials.
- Basic household supplies.
- Hygiene products.
Financial Contributions
- Transportation and distribution of relief items.
- Emergency humanitarian assistance.
- Support to affected families through FOCCISA member councils.
- Longer-term recovery and humanitarian programmes.
Collection Points for Donations
To ensure effective coordination, accountability, and distribution, contributions should be delivered to the relevant Council of Churches in each country:
- South Africa: South African Council of Churches
- Mozambique: Christian Council of Mozambique
- Lesotho: Christian Council of Lesotho
- Eswatini: Council of Eswatini Churches
- Malawi: Malawi Council of Churches
- Namibia: Council of Churches in Namibia
- Angola: Council of Churches in Angola
- Botswana: Botswana Council of Churches
- Zambia: Council of Churches in Zambia
- Zimbabwe: Council of Churches in Zimbabwe
- Tanzania: Council of Churches in Tanzania
- Madagascar: Madagascar Council of Churches
Durban Collection Point
FOCCISA Health and Gender Justice Network, 13 Albizia Grove, Mt Edgecombe, Durban, 4001.
Contact: Ms Hlengiwe Mbatha, +27 72 935 3851.
Please note that only non-perishable food items will be accepted. Donors are kindly requested not to submit perishable goods.
Contact and Donations
Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa (FOCCISA)
13 Albizia Grove, Mt Edgecombe, Durban 4001, South Africa
Email: admin@fhgjn.org.za / ngiwem@fhgjn.org.za
Chairperson, Rev Mzwandile Molo: +27 82 835 8297
Executive Director, Lebohang Matela: +27 73 613 7436 (lebohang@fhgjn.org.za)
Finance and Office Administrator, Hlengiwe Mbatha: +27 72 935 3851
Donation Account Details
Account holder: FOCCISA Health and Gender Justice Network
Registration number: 267-120NPO
Account number: 10187085089
Account type: MyMoBiz Current Account
Branch: Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal
Branch code (electronic payments): 051001
SWIFT: SBZA ZA JJ
Our Strategic
Priorities
FOCCISA's work is shaped by six interconnected areas of engagement, each representing the church's commitment to transformative presence in public life across Southern Africa.
Church Unity & Solidarity
Fostering ecumenical fellowship and institutional solidarity across all National Christian Councils of the SADC region.
Active Citizenry & Good Governance
Empowering communities and churches to engage meaningfully in democratic processes and hold power accountable.
Ecological & Economic Justice
Advocating for fair economic systems, climate justice, and responsible natural resource governance across Southern Africa.
Holistic Health & Gender Justice
Advancing dignified healthcare access, gender equality, GBV prevention, and inclusive community wellbeing.
Media & Communication
Building the church's voice in public discourse through strategic communications, journalism and digital engagement.
Partnerships & Engagement
Cultivating high-level partnerships with regional bodies, international donors, and faith-based organisations globally.
Partners in Mission
Partner with FOCCISA for
Justice Across the Region
Join a Regional Ecumenical fellowship advancing justice, dignity and transformation through a united church voice across eleven SADC nations.