The KZN floods last month showed the need of Ubuntu to be restored in society. The floods which wreaked havoc in communities saw many people lose not only their homes, but some also lost their lives.
A very few celebrities decided it was their task to help some of these families and Shauwn Mkhize is one of them. The businesswoman pledges 20 homes for families in KwaZulu-Natal that were hit very hard by the floods.
So far she has managed to hand over 3 homes to these families. Although she has achieved this, there is still a long way to go.
She started out by handing out food parcels to affected families and said she would be handing more food in future. "My first stop done, my heart is fulfilled, we will continue again tomorrow as the second stop we were unable to access today."
Together with the eThekwini Municipality, they managed to ensure three families have a roof over their heads in this cold winter.
"Today was a great day! I spent the morning together with eThekwini Municipality in Wyebank to hand over three houses that we, as Zikhulise Group and ROYALAM donated to families that were severely affected by the floods in April," she said.
"While there is more that needs to be done to rebuild KZN, it is important to highlight the progress and celebrate the small wins. Thank you to eThekwini Municipality for the quick implementation of land, water and electricity in response to the flood victims," she thanked.
According to reports, 15 000 homes were destroyed while 435 people lost their lives in the floods.
Speaking to City Press, Shauwn said as a mother herself and a person from KZN, she felt compelled to help in any way she knows.
"I am a mother and a family person. More importantly, I am from KwaZulu-Natal and these are my people. I know they are going through a hard time, not having a roof over their heads and not knowing where to go next when they leave the halls."
“All I want to do is lend a helping hand and make a difference where I can. It’s not about me, but about those destitute families. I don’t want to hog the limelight for this. I want to give hope during these challenging times. I am a servant of God and I believe that God has sent me to help them.”
Also helping out is Ayanda Ncwane who emphasised how people are in need of water.
"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 burry one person, most of these people have from 2 to 10 bodies per family to burry 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 liters are needed urgently!"
