victims of natural disasters
29 January 2009
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.
Letâs 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
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
29 January 2009
