Several families from in and around Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, who were amongst the worst affected by the recent storms that hit KwaZulu-Natal earlier this month, will receive much-needed assistance thanks to a group of celebrities.
The group of actors and artists, known as "Ambassadors for Change", have heeded KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele's call to see the spirit of ubuntu in action, following the recent spate of natural disasters that hit the province. They will start in the province this weekend 30 January to 1 February 2009, rolling up their sleeves and assisting with the building of houses, raising funds and providing other forms of assistance to victims of the recent natural disasters in KwaZulu-Natal.
The members of Ambassadors for Change include television personalities who feature on soapies including Generations, Muvhango, Scandal and Rhythm City as well as musicians from South African Traditional Music Achievement Awards (SATMA). Those who will be in the province this weekend, 31 January to 1 February 2009, include Phuzekhemisi, Ihhashi Elimhlophe, Mfiliseni Magubane, Mama Nothembi, Zozo, Thomas Chauke, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Tony Kgoroge, Zanenkosi Mahlangu, Lindani Mbense, Zukiswa Matola, Meshack Mavuso, Kenneth Nkosi, Jabu Hlongwane, Leletti Khumalo, Lindelani Mkhize, Ntobeko Ngcizela, Luthando Ngcizela, Ntuthuko Mdluli, Linah Ngcobo, Bhekisisa Ngcobo, Bawinile Modise, Bheki Sibiya, Sophie Ndaba, Baby Cele, Seputla Sebogodi, Sindi Dlathu, Dingaan Mokeba, Rapulana Seiphemo, Steven Miyambu, Simo Magwaza, Delisiwe Malinga, Thandekile Khumalo, Sibusiso Khumalo, Thomas Chauke and Margaret Motsega. Founder of Ambassadors for Change, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, said: "For us this is our way of giving back and saying thank you to our communities that helped shape us.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has partnered with Ambassadors for Change, Ukhozi Cares, SABC 1, and Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business, SATMA Awards and the Umgungundlovu District Municipality to assist victims of the recent natural disasters in KwaZulu-Natal. For our first fundraising event at the gala dinner on Saturday, 31 January 2009, we want to raise as much funds as possible for the helpless families who lost their loved ones and belongings during the recent disaster storms."
Premier Ndebele was extremely grateful for this kind gesture. "This is truly ubuntu in action because the values of ubuntu are based on principles of caring for humanity and love for one's people. Ubuntu speaks about the need for us to have a sense of community spirit as a people. It says community members must play a constructive role towards the development of their communities. It also tells us about the need to give back to our communities what they have given us; it tells us that the most important value of ubuntu lies in giving. Having an open heart and giving to those who are needy and poor, is not a sign of weakness, rather a sign of strength. Making sacrifices for the common good is what keeps our society together.
"We call upon other individuals and organisations to give whatever they can to our brothers and sisters who have been affected by these natural disasters. Let's see this spirit of ubuntu more and more in action. Open your wardrobes and donate a shirt, trousers or shoes. Whatever you give will make a difference," said the Premier.
Premier Ndebele also expressed thanks and appreciation to the numerous other individuals and organisations that have partnered with government and already donated food, clothing and other necessities.
Anyone wishing to provide assistance is requested to contact Mr Duze from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre on 033 897 5670.
The programme for this week-end is as follows:
Friday, 30 January 2009, at 11h20: Provincial Director-General, Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa, will meet the celebrities at the Durban International Airport and proceed to Molweni, Mkhambathini and MshwSaturday, 31 January 2009 commencing at 09h30: Celebrities will be at Imbali, KwaMpumuza, Liberty Mall, Selgro Centre and Pietermartizburg CBD.
Saturday, 31 January 2009 commencing at 19h00: Fundraising Gala Dinner at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall where Premier Ndebele will deliver the keynote address and present awards.
Sunday, 1 February 2009 commencing at 10h00: Inter-faith prayer meeting at Qokololo Stadium in Pietermaritzburg where Premier Ndebele will deliver the keynote address.
All media are invited to attend. Please note picture opportunities.
Journalists attending must confirm the event they will be attending with Logan Maistry on 083 644 4050 or maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Enquiries:
Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa
Director-General
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
Cell: 082 808 1736
Sthandiwe Kgoroge
Ambassadors for Change
Cell: 082 534 4943