South African-born actress Charlize Theron is at the centre of a crowdfunding campaign which seeks to provide aid to victims of the deadly KZN floods.
Charlize Theron speaks out on KZN floods
On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa, after conducting an oversight visit in hard-hit areas of the coastal province, confirmed at least 443 people lost their lives as a direct result of the torrential weather that fell over KZN last week.
The president noted the KZN floods death toll may increase since at least 48 people have yet to be accounted for.
“Nearly 4 000 homes have been completely destroyed and over 8 300 homes have been partially damaged. It is estimated that more than 40 000 people have been displaced by these floods. This is a humanitarian disaster that calls for a massive and urgent relief effort,” Ramaphosa revealed.
On Tuesday, the Department of Public Works was due in the province to assess the scale of the damage which, according to KZN premier Sihle Zikalala, may run into billions of rand.
Taking to social media, Theron admitted South Africa “is going through an extraordinarily difficult time.”
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.
— Charlize Theron (@CharlizeAfrica) April 18, 2022
The 46-year-old actress is one of the first entertainers to use her platform to raise awareness to the disaster. Through her non-profit organisation, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), Theron launched a crowdfunding campaign, seeking R118 179 in donations to assist local organisations in KZN provide relief to affected communities.
At the time this article was published, Theron’s crowfunding campaign had raised R98 949 in a span of four days.
“100% of these funds will go directly to this effort,” the actress added.