Haven of Rest Tongaat

Haven of Rest is a remarkable multi-service non-governmental organisation nestled in the sugarcane town of Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal. Founded in 2000 by Dr Ronnie and Pastor Shirley Naidoo with a vision to be a beacon of hope to the homeless and marginalised, it has grown into a thriving residential community of approximately 120 people. It is one of the most comprehensive welfare organisations on the KZN North Coast — serving a community stretching from Durban to Richards Bay.

The organisation is Christian in ethos but explicitly welcomes people of all religions and backgrounds. It operates across multiple facilities on the same campus: an old age home, a cluster foster care home for children, a free medical clinic, a halfway house for recovering substance users, a school from Grade RRR to Grade 12, and a dedicated Hope Centre for abused women. All facilities operate from a shared vision: reaching out to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the community.

What They Offer Survivors

Hope Centre for Abused Women Haven of Rest has a dedicated Hope Centre specifically for women who have experienced abuse. If you are a survivor in the KZN North Coast area, this centre provides a safe and supportive environment where you can receive care, guidance, and support as you begin to rebuild your life.

Free Medical Clinic An on-site free medical clinic provides healthcare to residents and community members — including women in the Hope Centre. Access to medical care is immediate and does not require payment.

Counselling and Referral Services Haven of Rest provides individual and family counselling as well as referrals and signposting to other services — helping survivors understand their options and connect with the specific support they need.

Halfway House — Substance Abuse Recovery For survivors dealing with substance abuse alongside trauma, the Haven of Rest Halfway House offers a structured aftercare programme following formal rehabilitation. It focuses on relapse prevention, life skills, family conferencing, sport and recreation, and skills development — with a strong record of successful recovery.

Cluster Foster Care for Children Children who need alternative care are supported through the cluster foster care programme — providing safe, supervised placements with house parents in the community.

School — Grade RRR to Grade 12 An on-site school means that children living at Haven of Rest (including children of women in the Hope Centre) can continue their education without disruption.

Resource and Distribution Centre Food, clothing, and household hampers are distributed to those in need — addressing immediate material needs for survivors and families who come to them for help.

Haven of Rest is in Tongaat, KZN. Call 032 944 6364 to find out more about the Hope Centre or any other services.