IRFSA, a small registered Non-Profit Company (NPO) manages the Ihata Shelter, a shelter for abused women with young children on the Cape Flats.  IRFSA receives NO corporate, faith-based organisation or government funding, and graciously survives on public donations, selling organically grown herbs and vegetables, a small on-site creche and from the sale of bric-a-brac and second hand clothing from their community shop.

In October 2002, a group of working women launched IRFSA (Islamic Resource Foundation of South Africa), a Cape Town organization focusing on sourcing and providing resources to social welfare organisations, and participating in various social welfare activities.

Whilst working their day jobs, these admirable women dedicated their personal time to various fundraising activities, including leasing a shop in Woodstock from which they sold various second-hand goods to the public. The thrift shop was successful, but became cumbersome for the working-women and the monthly rental and staff expenses became too costly.  Sadly, the thrift shop closed.

In March 2005, IRFSA leased the property the currently occupy with the intention of continuing the resource centre, and with the vision of opening a hospice and training centre. A need soon became apparent to the founding members that a shelter for abused women, a facility that was non-existent in the Western Cape Muslim community, was lacking and urgently needed.    IRFSA, at its own expense and with the assistance of many appreciated and generous donors, renovated the badly vandalized government property for almost a year.

On 2 November 2005, IRFSA registered as a Section 21 Company under number 2005/039281/08 with the first members being, Mesdames Gadija Essop, Maimona Solomon, Nadia Majiet, Ragiema Bedford, Nabeweya Malick, Fatima Marlie and Zeenat Dhansay. The organisation continued to distribute pooled funds and resources to needy organisations.

In February 2006, IRFSA’s Shelter opened as a sanctuary for all women affected by domestic violence irrespective of age, culture, race or religion. Whilst the shelter has an Islamic ethos, ALL women seeking sanctuary from domestic violence are welcomed, assisted and empowered.

On 2 December 2008, IRFSA registered as a Non Profit Organization under number 064-904-NPO.

In March 2010, IRFSA’s shelter received the name, Ihata Shelter.  Ihata means to encircle/protect, and part of IRFSA’s mission is to encircle and protect the shelter residents.

IRFSA is served by a 10-member board team who volunteer their commitment, expertise and time to our cause without any compensation.