UJW Durban

The Union of Jewish Women (UJW) Durban is one of 6 branches around South Africa. Our work is impacting and meaningful both in the larger KwaZulu Natal Community and within our own Jewish Community. Our small vibrant group of volunteers work tirelessly and selflessly in a community that at its peak was 7000 souls but sadly today numbers around 1200. The UJW Durban manifesto, aims to make a better world for those in need and to this end we work tirelessly for human rights, equality and justice for every human being.

Most volunteers have served for 20 years plus, which is a good indication of the commitment we have to our organisation. The pandemic drastically affected our fundraising efforts but despite this we managed to do some extremely impacting work, helping others in need, especially during the Durban looting in July 2021 and the devastating floods in April and May this year.

Pre 1994 we were trailblazers daring to tread into townships focussing on early childhood education, establishing and managing schools for the physically impaired, mobile meals and the running Toy Libraries/support groups for physically and mentally impaired children and their primary carers.

Post 1994 we continued to support education but expanded our focus to a broader base, at the same time caring for the vulnerable in our own community.

As you no doubt are aware, South Africa is a country wrought with issues of corruption, inefficiency, lack of basic services (education, and medical specifically), an enormous unemployment rate and a breakdown of infrastructure in most of the cities and towns across the country. So the role of NGO’s which includes the UJW, has changed. We as Women of the 21st  century, have shifted our focus to issues of Abuse, Gender Based Violence, Human Trafficking Female Genital Mutilation, child and family related issues which include the distribution of food parcel, baby bags for new Moms and assisting where possible with educational needs. We are very cognisant of the needs of our own community and continue to work alongside Durban Jewish Social Services, Masada Sheltered Employment, Beth Shalom (Home for our senior citizens) and Jewel House (Home for our vulnerable community members).

UJW Durban always had a fine reputation for amazing fundraisers which were well supported and gave us wings to soar in the work we do. Over Covid,  fundraising ground to an abrupt halt, but we have re-grouped and are working hard to make our present fundraising efforts a financial success. We have a number of organisations that we support. These are two old age homes, a home for the mentally challenged, a children's home and a shelter that supports the homeless – both men and women. 

The magnificent support given to us by various generous organisations enables us to make a difference.  The Union of Jewish Women Durban is an NPO that works within KZN among those that are most in need of help and aid in various forms.