KwaZulu-Natal
1 February 2009
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele has called upon more individuals and
organisations to demonstrate the spirit of ubuntu, and partner with government
in reaching out and empathising with one another.
Speaking at a gala dinner, held at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall last night
(31 January 2009), Premier Ndebele commended and paid tribute to a group of
celebrities, known as âambassadors for changeâ, who heeded the Premierâs call
to see the spirit of ubuntu in action, following the recent spate of natural
disasters that hit the province.
âWe were looking forward to a future where the long held spirit of ubuntu
would re-emerge and form part of the permanent identity of our province. This
past weekend (30 January to 1 February 2009) marks that future in action as
ambassadors for change, which include television personalities who feature on
soapies including Generations, Muvhango, Scandal and Rhythm as well as
musicians who are part of the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA),
swapped their designer clothing for overalls and boots and assisted with the
building of houses, raising funds and providing other forms of assistance to
victims of the recent natural disasters in our province. This gesture by
members of ambassadors for change, who took time off from their busy schedules
to make a contribution to the people of our province, is highly commendable and
much appreciated. Ambassadors for change are driven by the spirit of ubuntu and
want to give something back to the communities that helped shape them.
âWith ubuntu, our sense of being is made complete only with the knowledge
that our neighbours, and those that we do not necessarily know, as also as
comfortable as possible. Through ubuntu we say, âI live because you live. I am
because you are.â
âIn the 2007 State of the Province address, we raised the importance of
partnerships in building this province. It is not possible for any government
to be the sole provider of services and opportunities for all people, all the
time. Through partnerships, we will see every citizen being remembered for
building something, helping someone and living for the common good of humanity.
This initiative by ambassadors for change truly demonstrates how we should
continue to do business, which we have worked tirelessly towards since 2004,
which is to live for change and let the future in through partnerships.
âWe 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 us 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,â said the Premier.
Founder of Ambassadors for Change, Sthandiwe Kgoroge said, âFor 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, Pietermaritzburg Chamber of
Business, SATMA Awards and the Umgungundlovu District Municipality to assist
victims of the recent natural disasters. We want to do as much as possible for
the helpless families who lost their loved ones and belongings during the
recent disaster storms.â
Other members of Ambassadors for Change include Phuzekhemisi, Ihhashi
Elimhlophe, Mfiliseni Magubane, Mama Nothembi, Zozo, Thomas Chauke, 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.
Ambassadors for Change will conclude their visit to the province today (1
February 2009), with an inter-faith prayer meeting, for natural disasters in
the province, at Qokololo Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
Premier Ndebele also expressed thanks and appreciation to the numerous other
individuals and organisations who have already donated food, clothing and other
necessities.
Anyone wishing to provide further assistance contact:
Mr Duze
Cell: 033 897 5670
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
E-mail: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
1 February 2009
