Pietermaritzburg - Various celebrities will be rolling up their sleeves this weekend to assist with building houses and raising funds, among other things, for victims of the recent natural disasters in KwaZulu-Natal.
The group of actors and artists, known as "Ambassadors for Change," includes television personalities featured on soapies such as Generations, Muvhango, Scandal and Rhythm as well as musicians from the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA).
The group in conjunction with the provincial government will be embarking on a support campaign for victims of the recent storms that hit the province. The first fundraising event will kick off with a gala dinner on Saturday.
The celebrities responded to KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele's call for people to put the spirit of ubuntu into action, following recent storms that hit the province early this month.
Thousands of families were left homeless after fierce thunderstorms and strong winds ravaged parts of the province early this month, which cost the government millions excluding the damage to agriculture.
The celebrities will be building houses for families from in and around Pietermaritzburg, who were among the worst affected by the storms.
Founder of Ambassadors for Change Sthandiwe Kgoroge said for them the campaign was their way of giving back and to say "thank you to the communities that helped in shaping them".
"We want to raise as much funds as possible for the helpless families who lost their loved ones and belongings during the recent disaster storms," Ms Kgoroge said.
Premier Ndebele said the values of ubuntu were based on principles of caring for humanity and love for one's people.
"Ubuntu speaks about the need for us to have a sense of community spirit as a people, it says community members must play a constructive role towards the development of their communities.
"It also tells us about the need to give back to our communities what they have given us, it tells us that the most important value of ubuntu lies in giving," Mr Ndebele said.
He added that having an open heart and giving to those who are needy and poor, is not a sign of weakness, rather a sign of strength.
He further called upon other individuals and organisations to help the victims affected by the natural disasters.
"Making sacrifices for the common good is what keeps our society together, let's see this spirit of ubuntu more and more in action.
"Open your wardrobes and donate a shirt, trousers or shoes, whatever you give will make a difference," Premier Ndebele said.
Other partners in the campaign include Ukhozi Cares, SABC 1, Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business, SATMA Awards and the Umgungundlovu District Municipality.
Premier Ndebele expressed gratitude and appreciation to the numerous other individuals and organisations that have partnered with government who have already donated food, clothing and other necessities.
Members of the public who wish to provide assistance is requested to contact Duze from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre on (033) 897 5670.
