- The floods in KZN have reportedly killed more than 400 people and displaced more than 40,000 people.
- In a bid to help with the crisis, a number of celebrities including Sonia Mbele and Ayanda Ncwane have been actively donating to help victims.
- Ordinary citizens can also help by donating to various organizations such as Gift of the Givers and The Salvation Army, among others.
The devastating floods in KZN in April 2022 claimed more than 400 lives and displaced more than 40,000 people, according to News24 – 7,000 of whom are now living in emergency shelters.
“The number of those remaining in shelters is 7,245 people in eThekwini, 245 people in KwaDukuza shelters and the rest in Umzumbe, Ray Nkonyeni [and] umdoni [local municipalities]Prime Minister Sihle Zikalala reportedly revealed in a briefing on Sunday.
The Prime Minister added that the tragedy, which President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a state of national disaster, is directly affecting 17,438 households, equivalent to 121,687 people.
In an attempt to help, a number of celebrities and companies have donated various resources and funds to those affected by the crisis.
Here is a list of celebrities and companies who have been actively donating to the crisis:
Sonja forward
To lighten the burden of rescue, actress and businesswoman Sonia Mbhele donated 5,000 liters of her high-quality, 99 per cent pure alkaline water brand Alkamax, valued at R80,000. On Wednesday, April 20, 2022, the actress distributed the water to emergency services in affected areas of KwaZulu-Natal, including schools, community halls and homes.
“I’ve been through everything. I know the good, the bad, and the storm. Giving is in my nature. I gave in silently. If I get an appearance, I would award the underprivileged. Not because I’m rich, but because I know and understand poverty. I know how it feels to lose everything and I would do anything to help where I can.
“I am a mother of four children and all my children depend on me. In our industry, there are no guarantees. There are the good times and the bad times. So I know both. And the bad thing is traumatic, I wouldn’t wish this situation on anyone, so I feel the need to be physically with KZN. I don’t just want to send my water, I want to be there, among and among the people. Because I know this pain,” Sonia said in a statement sent to TRUELOVE.
Ayanda Ncwane
Reality TV star and CEO of Ncwane Communications, Ayanda Ncwane, visited her hometown of Ndwendwe, which was also hit by the floods, and donated blankets and food packages for the funerals of those who died in the floods.
On her Instagram page, she asked business owners for support.
“This is my hometown Ndwedwe, yesterday I visited most of the families who are now homeless and stranded. Houses are washed away and bereaved families mourn with neighbors or relatives. It’s one thing to watch the news but another to hear how they had to dig up their loved ones for days… ohh, and some are still buried under heavy rocks or washed away in the rivers. We’ve done our little bit to donate to funerals and other emergencies, but it’s not enough as there are far too many people in need.
“I’m asking business owners who are born in the countryside to screen our people. It is already difficult to bury one person, most of these people will soon have to bury 2 to 10 bodies per family. Anything you can bring up, please do it! Most of the time, they need WATER ASAP! They are currently drinking dirty water, my team and I are trying our best to provide water, but it’s not enough, more liters are urgently needed! Thank you to Indwedwe and Insuze Police Stations for helping us locate the bereaved with such integrity,” she wrote on her Instagram page.
Instagram screenshot.
Charlize Theron
US-based but South African-born actress Charlize Theron has been on a quest to raise funds for the victims of the KwaZulu-Natal floods through her foundation, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP).
She recently took to social media to share images of the aftermath of the deadly floods. In her post, the award-winning actress encouraged her fans and followers from around the world to donate to disaster relief to help the many families who have lost their homes and loved ones to the recent floods.
“My native South Africa is going through an extraordinarily difficult time and while I know that much of the world is in pain at this time and much is being asked of us as citizens of the world, I hope you will find your heart to help,” she wrote her Instagram page.
“All funds raised through this fundraiser will be sent to CTAOP’s partners in the KZN region in support of flood relief efforts. Facebook doesn’t charge any fees and the EIF has waived its fee – so every dollar raised goes directly to benefit those affected. Thank you for your generosity!” She continued.
Instagram screenshot.
Somizi Mhlongo
In an Instagram video, entertainer Somizi called on Durban-based artists and businesspeople to donate to the victims of the KZN floods as part of a benefit concert.
“I know the government is doing something, let’s help the government to help the people of KZN. I would especially like to urge once again the musicians and promoters from Durban to get together this week and do a benefit concert at Moses Mabhida Stadium and all artists from across the country can volunteer to perform for free… and all proceeds go to everyone who is in relief responsible for the KZN floods,” Somizi said in the video.
In a previous post, the reality TV star also urged citizens to help.
“I want to do my part and I believe that anyone who’s watching right now can do something, the whole country can do something. I have clothes that can help many people and I have friends that I know can make a huge contribution and I will challenge them to give as much as possible as well. I’m going to challenge some friends of mine, sorry to pressure you but it’s urgent,” he said.
Patrice Motsepe
Billionaire and President of the Confederation of African Football Patrice Motsepe has pledged R30 million to help flood victims in KwaZulu-Natal through the Motsepe Foundation.
According to IOL News, he visited various flood-affected communities in Durban along with a high-level delegation that includes Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala, and ministers and leaders of religious organizations.
FNB
Financial services company FNB (First National Bank) pledged R7.5 million to help humanitarian organizations provide essential items such as shelter, food, medical and hygiene items to affected communities, as well as support affected early childhood centers (ECDs) in KZN .
“FNB is saddened by the impact of the severe flooding in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). As a corporate citizen, we recognize the importance of contributing to holistic relief efforts such as: B. supporting the vulnerable, rebuilding communities and infrastructure, and supporting impacted retail and business customers and our employees,” the bank said in a statement.
“As a result, we are pledged over R7.5 million to support humanitarian organizations in providing necessities such as shelter, food, medical and hygiene items to affected communities, as well as supporting affected Early Childhood Centers (ECDs) in KZN. We also expedite insurance claims for individuals and business customers who are insured with us. Additionally, we leverage our digital platform to enable our customers and employees to donate money and eBucks to charity via navCare in the FNB app,” the statement continued.
Here are some organizations you can contact to help
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