- The KZN floods have reportedly claimed the lives of more than 400 people and displaced more than 40 000 people.
- In an attempt to assist with the crisis, a number of celebrities including Sonia Mbele and Ayanda Ncwane have actively donated to help the victims.
- Ordinary citizens can also assist by donating to different organisations such as Gift of the Givers and The Salvation Army, among others.
The devastating KZN floods, which took place in April 2022, claimed the lives of more than 400 people and, according to News24, have displaced more than 40 000 people – of which 7000 now remain in shelters.
“The number of those who remain in shelters is 7 245 people in eThekwini, 245 people in KwaDukuza shelters and the rest in Umzumbe, Ray Nkonyeni [and] Umdoni [local municipalities],” premier Sihle Zikalala reportedly revealed in a briefing on Sunday.
The premier also added that the tragedy, which was declared a national state of disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has a direct effect on 17 438 households, translating to 121 687 people.
In an attempt to lend a helping hand, a number of celebrities and corporations have donated different resources and funds to those affected by the crisis.
Here’s a list of celebrities and corporations that have actively donated to the crisis:
Sonia Mbele
To ease the rescue load, actress and businesswoman Sonia Mbhele donated 5000 litres of her premium 99 percent pure alkaline water brand, Alkamax, valued at R80 000. On Wednesday, 20 April 2022, the actress distributed the water to rescue sites in affected areas of KwaZulu-Natal, such as schools, community halls and homes.
“I’ve been through it all. I know the good the bad, and the storm. Giving is in my nature. I’ve been giving in silence. When I get a gig, I would award the underprivileged. Not because I’m rich but because I know and understand poverty. I know what it feels like to lose everything and I’d do anything to lend a hand where I can.
“I’m a mother of four and all my children depend on me. In our industry, there is no guarantee. There are the good times and the bad. So, I know both. And the bad is traumatic, I don’t wish that situation on anyone hence I feel the need to physically be at KZN. I don’t only want to send my water, I want to be there, within and amongst the people. Because I know that 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 affected by the floods and donated blankets and food parcels towards the funerals of those who died as a result of the floods.
Taking to her Instagram page, she pleaded with business owners to assist.
“This is my hometown Ndwedwe, yesterday I visited most of the families who are now homeless and stranded. Homes are washed away and bereaved families are mourning at the neighbour’s or relative’s places. It’s one thing watching the news it’s another when you hear them tell you how they had to dig their loved ones for days…ohh and some are still buried under heavy stones or washed away in the rivers. We have done our little bit to donate towards funerals and other emergencies but it’s not enough as there’s way too many people in need.
“I’m pleading with business owners who are rural born to check our people. Already it’s difficult to bury one person, most of these people have from 2 to 10 bodies per family to bury soon. Anything you can bring forward please do! Mostly they need WATER ASAP! They are currently drinking dirty water, my team and I are trying our best to deliver water but it’s not enough, more litres are needed urgently! Thank you to Indwedwe and Insuze Police Stations for helping us locate the bereaved families with such integrity,” she wrote on her Instagram page.
Charlize Theron
US-based but South African born actress Charlize Theron has embarked on a quest to raise funds for 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 towards the disaster relief to assist the many families who have lost their homes and loved ones to the recent floods.
“My home of South Africa is going through an extraordinarily difficult time, and while I know much of the world is in pain right now, and a lot is being asked of us as global citizens, I’m hoping you’ll find it in your heart to help,” she wrote on her Instagram page.
“All money raised through this fund-raiser will be sent to CTAOP’s partners in the KZN region in support of flood relief efforts. Facebook charges no fees, and EIF has waived their fee – so every dollar raised will go straight to those impacted. Thank you for your generosity!” she continued.
Somizi Mhlongo
In an Instagram video, entertainer Somizi challenged Durban-based artists and business people to donate to the KZN flood victims through a benefit concert.
“I know the government is doing something, let’s help the government help the people of KZN. I would like to again challenge especially Durban musicians and promoters to come together this week, and put together a benefit concert at Moses Mabhida Stadium and all the artists from all over the country can volunteer to perform for free … and all the proceeds go to all the relief accounts for the KZN floods,” Somizi said in the video.
In a previous post, the reality TV star also urged ordinary citizens to assist.
“I want to do my part and I believe each and everyone that's watching right now is capable of doing something, the entire country can do something. I have clothes that can help a lot of people, and I have friends that I know can contribute immensely and I'm going to challenge them as well to give as much as they can. I'm going to challenge a few friends of mine, sorry to put you under pressure but this is urgent,” he said.
Patrice Motsepe
Billionaire and president of the Confederation of African Football Patrice Motsepe has pledged R30 million to flood victims in KwaZulu-Natal, through the Motsepe Foundation.
According to IOL News, he visited various communities affected by floods in Durban, alongside a high power delegation, which includes Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, KZN premier Sihle Zikalala as well as ministers and leaders of faith-based organisations.
FNB
Financial services company FNB (First National Bank) pledged R7.5 million to support humanitarian organisations in providing necessities such as shelter, food, medical and hygiene supplies to impacted communities, as well as assistance to impacted early childhood centres (ECDs) in KZN.
“FNB is saddened by the impact of severe flooding in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). As corporate citizens, we recognise the importance of contributing to holistic relief efforts such as helping the vulnerable, rebuilding communities and infrastructure, and assisting impacted retail and business clients as well as our employees,” a statement from the bank reads.
“As a result, we are pledging in excess of R7.5 million to support humanitarian organisations in providing necessities such as shelter, food, medical and hygiene supplies to impacted communities, as well as assistance to impacted early childhood centres (ECDs) in KZN. We are also expediting insurance claims for individuals and business clients who have insurance with us. In addition, we are leveraging our digital platform to enable our clients and employees to donate money and eBucks to charitable causes through nav» Care on the FNB App,” the statement continues to read.
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