South African-born actress and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha used her influence to reel in a R500 000 pledge from Cotton On that will go towards providing relief to victims of the floods that ravaged KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
Nomzamo Mbatha reels in R500K funding
The Coming 2 America star returned to South Africa for an oversight visit of her hometown, weeks after torrential weather had left a trail of destruction.
“A road that I use when driving to my mother’s house… that is also a bridge and ‘had’ homes on either side… what I am standing on is the debris of what was once those homes. Under the rubble and rocks, missing families… the small structure you see in the far right corner is what used to be someone’s veranda/porch…
“I climbed on to it, found couches overturned, it must have been the living room… a school book with a name on it, Okuhle… she was in Grade 5… one of my team members comes over my shoulder and puts a phone in my face and says “these are the missing two from that home..” the tears cannot hold themselves,” she wrote in an Instagram post.
According to the provincial government, 448 victims lost their lives in the floods, with thousands more displaced. A massive humanitarian effort is underway to provide assistance to every citizen impacted by the natural disaster, and Mbatha, following in the footsteps of her fellow compatriot, Charlize Theron, is doing her part as well.
“By purchasing water cans, tote bags, masks and other items marked ‘Cotton On Foundation’, You will be making a difference! This support will provide approximately 200 families affected, including children with disabilities, with home rebuilding structures, much-needed food vouchers, emergency water and hygiene supplies.
“Additionally, psychological support and counselling services that will help to improve the emotional wellbeing of children in the community,” she said.
