Climate change presents severe threats in South Africa where droughts, floods, storms, and fires are becoming more frequent and intense, exposing vulnerable populations to heightened risks. After storm surges caused severe flooding of the KwaZulu and Free State provinces in January and April 2024, the South African Red Cross Society has been among the first responders in assisting people affected through a multitude of measures. To enhance their delivery of cash assistance, the National Society began collaborating with the Netherlands Red Cross’ data and digital initiative, 510, in expanding their cash information management portfolio and integrating the 121 Platform within their services.

The 121 Platform is a tool designed to streamline the delivery of cash assistance, enabling disaster-affected individuals to meet their needs in a self-determined way. It reduces registration and payment processing times significantly, and ensures data protection and accountability through secure, transparent operations. Complemented by tailored trainings in cash information management, the South African Red Cross Society adopted the 121 Platform to ensure efficient, at-scale and timely financial support to those affected by extreme weather events.

Since its launch in early 2024, the 121 Platform has enabled the South African Red Cross Society to reach 500 households, in a step towards rebuilding their lives and livelihoods. The platform’s success has since led to an extension of the programme to cover additional households. This underscores the platform’s potential to enhance humanitarian responses and make cash assistance faster, safer, and more efficient, making it a pivotal tool in modern humanitarian action.

Paving the Way Towards At-Scale Cash Assistance in South Africa

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