The campaign is a response to the trail of disaster in Haiti that was caused by the earthquake on 12 January 2010. The “Africa for Haiti Campaign” was inspired by Graca Machel. She felt strongly that it was an opportunity for people across the African continent to show and express their solidarity and support to the people of Haiti, particularly because Africa has so often counted on the support and solidarity of other nations in times of crisis. Her call received an enthusiastic response from a variety of African civil society organisations and thus the campaign was born.

2. What is the motivation behind the campaign?

We Africans have a shared history with the people of Haiti. While there is a bond of humanity that links people from all over the world and motivates them to help, ours is a bond of ancestry. The people of Haiti are truly our brothers and sisters. Their pain is our pain. As someone once said, “You have not lived until you have given to someone who will not repay you”.

3. What are the objectives of the campaign?

• To give the people of Africa an opportunity to make a tangible contribution to the reconstruction process in Haiti. This reconstruction process will be identified in partnership with Haitian civil society organisations.
• To provide Africans from all walks of life across the continent an opportunity to demonstrate the collective solidarity and support for the people of Haiti.
• To unite Africans in a show of compassion and giving.
• To show the strength of Africans playing a role in the international arena.

4. Why Haiti when we have our own problems in the continent?

• As a continent, we have received assistance from others before, in our time of need. Those who have given us have done so despite the fact that they have their own problems.
• To that end, Africa cannot become indifferent to the Haiti tragedy.
• The campaign resonates with the African spirit of Ubuntu, “I am because you are”.
• The campaign is also an opportunity to educate our younger generation about the value of giving in spite of having little yourself.

5. Who is involved in the campaign?

A wide variety of organisations, representing the breadth of African NGO’s, business and influential personalities, form the team for this campaign. Among them are: African Monitor, TrustAfrica, The Mail & Guardian, CAF Southern Africa, CIVICUS, Southern African Trust, South African Red Cross Society, the Synergos Institute, National Welfare Forum, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and Every Human Has Rights.

6. How long is the campaign?

It is estimated that fundraising for this campaign will continue for 12 months or longer. Note that due to the current situation in Haiti, it is estimated that it will take another a few months before any concrete indication will be given by the relief agencies, of the scope of and nature of reconstruction required.

7. How can I contribute to the campaign?

There are many ways in which one can contribute towards this initiative.

1. First, one can tell others about the campaign.
2. Secondly, one can make a donation. To do so you can do one of the following:

Deposit money into this account:

Account Name: The African Monitor-Haiti Campaign
Account Type: Money Market Call Account
Account: 078431441-007
Branch: Adderley Street, Cape Town
Branch Code: 020009
Swift Code SBZAZAJJ

You can also make a secure online donation through TrustAfrica by clicking the donate button:

The bank account is administered by African Monitor and TrustAfrica. For tax rebate purposes, the following are the African Monitor’s NPO and PBO numbers:

Deed Nr: IT 3633/2006
Non Profit Organisation (NPO) Registration: 067-760-NPO
Public Benefit Organisation (PBO): 930023184

8. How can I be assured that my donation and that of others are safe and that they will be channeled towards Haitian people?

There are specific accounts for the campaign, administered by African Monitor and TrustAfrica. The campaign is being spearheaded by reputable civil society organisations, business entities and people of high social standing in Africa. Prominent people of high standing like Ms Graca Machel, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Njongo Ndungane and Archbishop Thabo Makgoba are fully behind the Campaign. On a regular basis there will be updates on how much has been raised and how the money will/has been channeled to Haiti. There will also be proper monitoring of the funds and accountability on the impact of the donations.

Those who wish to find out directly are free to contact either African Monitor or TrustAfrica.

9. How much is the campaign hoping to raise and what will the money be used for?

The campaign hopes to raise USD 20 million. The objective of the campaign is not to provide immediate relief but rather fund initiatives that contribute towards medium to long-tem reconstruction of communities in Haiti. To that end, the funds will go towards building community health centres, water and sanitation facilities, classrooms and trauma counseling.

Ms. Buhle Mpofu-Makamanzi
African Monitor Tokai-on-Main Office Complex, Main Road
Cape Town, South Africa, Tokai 7966
Tel: +27 21 713 2802
Mobile: +27 82 898 8488
Fax: +27 21 712 1082
buhle@africanmonitor.org
www.africanmonitor.org

Mr. Bhekinkosi Moyo
TrustAfrica
Tel: +221 33 869 4686
Mobile: +27 78 111 2091
Fax: +221 33 824 1567
moyo@trustafrica.org
www.trustafrica.org