Shoes & Clothes Project

Introduction

Imagine waking up on a cold morning without a pair of shoes to walk to school. Picture facing the world in tattered clothes that barely cover you, feeling exposed, embarrassed, and unseen. This is the harsh reality for thousands of children and adults across South Africa.

The Shoes and Clothes Project by the Islamic Circle of Southern Africa (ICSA) seeks to change this — not just by providing warmth and covering, but by restoring dignity, confidence, and comfort to those who need it most.

Why It Matters

Many of us have clothes and shoes tucked away in cupboards that no longer serve us — still in good condition, just unused. Meanwhile, communities just a few kilometers away are walking barefoot, attending school with torn uniforms, or enduring winters without jackets.

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This project bridges that gap by collecting and redistributing pre-loved clothes and footwear to under-resourced communities. It is a simple yet profound way to bring relief, joy, and confidence to those living in poverty.

“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbor to his side goes hungry.”

– Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

What We Do

ICSA organizes year-round drives to collect new and gently used items of clothing and shoes. These drives take place in partnership with:

Mosques
Community centres
Schools
Local businesses
Volunteer networks

Once collected, items are sorted, cleaned if necessary, and packaged according to age, gender, and size for distribution.

Key Distribution Areas Include:

Johannesburg (Inner-city and surrounding townships)
Eastern Cape (rural villages and informal settlements)
KwaZulu-Natal (post-flood emergency support and ongoing drives)
Mpumalanga and North West provinces

Each distribution is conducted with respect and discretion. Beneficiaries are invited in small groups, given time to choose what suits them, and treated with the same dignity as one would a customer at a store.

Banking Details for Financial Support

Account Name: Islamic Circle of South Africa

Bank: Standard Bank

Account Number: 300 081 391

Branch Code: 006105 (Melville)

Reference: Shoes and Clothes

Tax-deductible Section 18A receipts available upon request.