Namritha Sivsanker

What does your company do?

Hope SA Foundation, founded by Namritha Sivsanker in 2000 and registered in 2020, is dedicated to uplifting communities across South Africa through a variety of sustainable initiatives. Key programs include: 1. Combating Food Insecurity: Serving over 800,000 hot meals since 2020 and distributing food hampers to support unemployed individuals. 2. Water Access: Providing water tanks and clean water to ensure access to safe drinking water. 3. Healthcare Services: Offering essential medical services through a Mobile Healthcare Clinic, which includes preventive care, maternal health services, and health education. 4. Disaster Relief: Delivering emergency aid and medical care during crises such as floods and earthquakes. 5. Gender-Based Violence Support: Running empowerment programs, workshops, self-defense training, and distributing hope care packs and sanitary pads to educate and support survivors. The foundation's guiding principle is "Each One Help One," and it continues to transform lives by addressing critical community challenges.

What is your biggest success?

Our two biggest achievements at Hope SA Foundation are: 1. Feeding Over 800,000 Hot Meals: Since 2020, we have significantly combated food insecurity by serving over 800,000 hot meals to vulnerable communities, ensuring that countless individuals do not go hungry. 2. Disaster Relief Efforts: We have provided crucial support during major disasters, including the Turkey earthquake, the Boksburg explosion, and the KZN floods. Our rapid response teams delivered emergency aid, medical care, and essential supplies, giving hope to thousands affected by these crises. These achievements highlight our dedication to uplifting and transforming lives across South Africa and beyond.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

Our biggest hurdle at Hope SA Foundation has been securing consistent funding and reliable transport. Sustaining our programs, especially large-scale initiatives like feeding over 800,000 people and providing disaster relief, requires significant financial resources. Fundraising can be challenging, particularly in an unpredictable economic environment. Additionally, logistical challenges in transporting food, water, medical supplies, and emergency aid to remote or disaster-stricken areas have posed significant obstacles. Despite these challenges, our commitment to serving vulnerable communities remains unwavering.