Since 1971, we have been treating people affected by complex crises and chronic healthcare emergencies around the world.

By remembering Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa through a gift in your will, you are making a unique commitment to our humanitarian cause that makes a real difference in people’s lives. Your unique contribution, whatever the amount, is invaluable.

Moreover, deciding to include a charitable gift in your estate planning, can reduce or eliminate significant taxes payable upon your death. 

We promise to respect your right to privacy and to use your special gift wisely, effectively and, where possible, in the area or theme that is close to your heart. 

Gifts by will are one of MSF's most important sources of support. Unrestricted gifts give us the greatest flexibility to use funds where they are most needed.  

Examples of what you may leave MSF: 

• A stated ZAR amount.
• A percentage of your residual estate (what remains after gifts to loved ones and expenses have been paid).
• A specific asset, such as securities or other marketable property.
• Life insurance policies that are no longer needed for your family. 
   

This sample language may be useful:

" I (name) bequeath (the residue of my estate, or percentage of my estate, or a certain amount, etc.) to Doctors Without Borders Southern Africa, PBO 930025677 and NPO 060-840, and main place of business at 9th Floor, Zurich House, 70 Fox St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2001, to be used at the sole discretion of Doctors Without Borders Southern Africa for its general charitable purposes." 
 

We hope you’ll let us know when you have named MSF in your will or trust, so that we can thank you personally and be aware of your impactful decision.  

Get in touch with Sam Nobubele Mkandhla, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships MSF SA 

• Call 060 960 5282
• Email samantha.mkandhla@joburg.msf.org 
• Or use this Bequest Intention Form to notify us of your intention. (To be inserted) 
   

Circumstances can change and that’s okay. You can change your mind and your will at any time, by informing your lawyer or other qualified professional, who can effect any changes you wish to see in your will. 

While it is technically possible to express your wishes to this level of detail, it is unfortunately difficult to predict in advance where, in the future, we will need specific funding for our projects. Additionally, any currently open project could be closed by the time we take possession of the bequeathed assets. 

Wherever possible you should openly discuss your intentions with those who would be impacted by your Will, so that when the time comes it will not come as a surprise to them. This way, they can also get answers as to why you have chosen to make the decisions you have made and to come to terms with them if need be. It also means that there is less chance of your Will being contested, as hopefully people will understand and be comfortable with why you made a particular decision. If you feel that you cannot speak to your family, it is often helpful to discuss the reasons for the gift with the lawyer or other professional drafting the will so that they can make a note for the file.

Unfortunately, MSF Southern Africa can only assist you with adding us to your existing will by providing respective information and/or documentation.  

While making a Will is a simple and straightforward process that you can do yourself. We do, however, encourage you to get help from a lawyer. A lawyer can help you to understand your options and ensure that your will is valid and enforceable. Here are some tips for making a will: 

• Be clear and concise in your wishes.
• Be specific e.g., state exactly who you want to inherit your property and how you want it to be distributed. 
• Use legal terms, that is why it would be useful to receive legal assistance or do legal research. 
• Have your will reviewed by a lawyer or other qualified professional. This will help to ensure that it is valid and enforceable.