Following the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and the floods in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Leleti Khumalo has stepped in to offer relief and support to learners in KZN in the spirit of Nelson Mandela Day.
Under Kwaze Kwasa Entertainment and Sikhulele NGO she cofounded, the legendary actress and executive producer of eTV’s Imbewu seeks to restore social stability in KZN schools by channelling social relief, donating sporting equipment and infrastructure to schools in KZN.
On Nelson Mandela Day, Leleti visited Ukukhanyakokusa Primary School in Inanda, KZN, to contribute to the school’s recovery following the recent challenges of floods and the impacts of the pandemic.
“As artists and broader entertainment industry practitioners, we have also been particularly hit very hard due to the lockdown regulations that resulted in the closure of theatres and other venues where we earn our living.
“But together with our partners, we are here today to heed Tata Mandela’s call for all of us to do the little we can, in our case with the talent God gave us, and we have chosen to do it here at Ukukhanyakokusa,” Leleti said during the visit.
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In attendance at the Nelson Mandela Day celebration were members of the film and television fraternity, including legendary actress Thembi Mtshali-Jones and Imbewu actors Busisiwe Shezi and Raphael Griffiths – who were present for the delivery of stationery, toys and sanitary towels donations for the learners.
“We cannot over-emphasise the importance of keeping our young people occupied through sporting and creative activities if we are to avoid the recent misfortune we suffered as a nation when we woke up to the tragic deaths of very young people in a tavern in the early hours of the morning,” Leleti said.
She collaborated with eTV, TRUELOVE as well as other private and government stakeholders to make the day possible.
Leleti’s husband and co-founder of Sikhulele, Skhuthazo Khanyile, shared that among the stakeholders was shop owner in the Inanda area Michael Khumalo who offered support with lunch for the learners on the day. Former Springbok player Mahlatse’ Chiliboy’ Ralepelle addressed the learners on the importance of sports and the South African Police Service was present to talk to the learners on how to report crimes such as murder and rape, which are crimes that plague the area.
Here’s a look inside the Nelson Mandela Day celebration:
Catch Imbewu on eTV Monday to Fridays at 21:00.
