Southern Africa Relief & Development Support (SARDS)
Our Commitment to Southern Africa
Southern Africa is home — to our histories, our families, and the cultures that shaped who we are. Even as we build community here in the United States, SACU remains committed to supporting growth, opportunity, and connection across the region. Our work gives back in practical ways by strengthening partnerships, supporting development initiatives, and mobilizing our diaspora to stay engaged with the needs of communities back home.
In the past, we have donated money or resources for projects in Southern Africa. We donated books and money to start a library, together with the African Library Project which went towards building a school library in Botswana. We also helped raise funds for flood victims of hurricane Ida in partnership with diaspora non-profit organizations such as the Malawi Washington Association and the Malawi Washington Foundation though their WAMFRE initiative. Money went to assisting displaced flood victims that needed food and other supplies during the flood.
Through collaboration, advocacy, and shared purpose, we help ensure that we give back to Southern Africa continues to thrive.
Featured Community Events & Activities
Washington Area Malawi Relief Effort (WAMFRE) Fundraiser
As part of the Washington Area Malawi Relief Effort (WAMFRE), the Malawi Washington Association and the Malawi Washington Foundation, in collaboration with the Southern Africa Community USA (SACU), came together to honor and support our brothers and sisters affected by the devastating flash floods in Malawi.
In 2015, more than 200 lives had been lost, and over 200,000 people have been displaced in Malawi due to widespread destruction of homes, property, and critical infrastructure. In solidarity with the Malawian community, we helped organize a non-denominational prayer vigil at The People’s Community Baptist Church, where community members gathered to reflect, mourn, and uplift those impacted by the disaster.
In addition, we hosted a fundraising cocktail night at the Avatne Grand Ballroom. The event was attended by the Deputy Ambassador of the Malawi Embassy, friends of SACU, and members of the Malawian and Southern African community across the Washington, D.C. area. The evening served both as a fundraiser and a moment of unity, reminding us of the power of community when we choose to show up for one another
Our Impact
Through our SACU’s fundraising initiatives, SACU works to strengthen our community across Southern Africa. Whether responding to urgent crises or supporting long‑term development, our efforts bring together Southern Africans, friends of the region, and local partners in meaningful acts of solidarity. Funds raised through community events, cultural gatherings, and collaborative campaigns help provide emergency relief, support education and other programs, and uplift families facing hardship. Just as importantly, these initiatives also deepen community bonds in the DMV—creating spaces where people connect and organize. Through consistent engagement and collective generosity, SACU’s fundraising work transforms compassion into action, ensuring that our community’s voice and support reach those who need it.
“Every act of giving plants a seed of dignity. In time, those seeds become whole communities standing tall.””
— Selma Amadhila