This is what Nomzamo Mbatha & Cotton On Foundation gave back on Mandela Day

20 July 2023 - 08:00
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Actress Nomzamo Mbatha and Miss SA 2018 Tamryn Green
Actress Nomzamo Mbatha and Miss SA 2018 Tamryn Green
Image: Supplied

In March 2022, actress Nomzamo Mbatha together with the Cotton On Foundation embarked on a rebuilding project at a local school in KwaMashu in Durban, Dr JL Dube High School, and in celebration of Mandela Day, they got to showcase how they lived up to their promise.

Marking ten years since the death of former president Nelson Mandela with a campaign dubbed “It’s in your hands, let’s plant our schools green”, TshisaLIVE, together with Nomzamo, Miss SA 2018 Tamryn Green and other influencers got our hands dirty planting the first batch of trees.

With the aim of planting trees in schools the Cotton On Foundation raised and donated sufficient funds to plant 85,000 trees as part of the Kruger to Canyons, Blyde Expansion Restoration Pilot in Mpumalanga.

“I'm very invested in this because it's such a holistic programme. I don't do a lot of things for free, this is the truest calling of my life, and knowing that we are building a school in my hometown and being part of the legacy,” Nomzamo said.

Nomzamo who has become a beacon of hope for many people in Mzansi — particularly young people from KwaMashu — commutes between the US and Africa pursuing the arts and making a change. With the school project, Nomzamo says she has introduced a special drama project to help inform and educate people about the arts.

“We want to make sure that every single child who has different interests feels that the school has the facilities that can be able to support that. The art has been a very liberating thing that I was able to hold onto outside the circumstances that I was coming out of in Kwa Mashu,

“It was the outlet that gave me hope, so we definitely want to invest in the arts, and that's a personal commitment from myself with the foundation. I can always pursue the Hollywood dream but I can also pursue the African dream.”

Award-winning local artist Marc-Gregory who designed an iconic art piece to create excitement around the campaign, also vowed to empower pupils with his skills. 

The artist handed over a print of the art piece to the school’s headmaster, Sipho Magwaza, to celebrate the planting of the trees and to serve as a memory of the day.

Take a look at the pictures below:

Support independent journalism by subscribing to TimesLIVE Premium. Just R80 per month.

Nomzamo Mbatha assisting to plant a tree.
Nomzamo Mbatha assisting to plant a tree.
Image: Supplied
Artist Marc-Gregory, principal Mr. Sipho Magwaza and Nomzamo Mbatha.
Artist Marc-Gregory, principal Mr. Sipho Magwaza and Nomzamo Mbatha.
Image: Suppliedartist Marc-Gregory
Nomzamo Mbatha shares heartfelt moment with a learner from JL Dube High School.
Nomzamo Mbatha shares heartfelt moment with a learner from JL Dube High School.
Image: Supplied
Nomzamo Mbatha showcases the rebulding project progress at Dr JL Dube High School.
Nomzamo Mbatha showcases the rebulding project progress at Dr JL Dube High School.
Image: Supplied
Nomzamo Mbatha speaking to the learners in the old class rooms.
Nomzamo Mbatha speaking to the learners in the old class rooms.
Image: Supplied


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.