Kedibone Modise
Pictures: Simone Kley
Celebrity chef Siba Mtongana, Miss SA Ntandoyenkosi Kunene and Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega had their sleeves up as they helped pack 10 million meals for Stop Hunger Now challenge at Carnival City, Johannesburg.
On Tuesday, the newly appointed Global Ambassador for Food Sustainability, Siba radiated with excitement as spoke about her involvement with the Stop Hunger Now campaign for Mandela Day.
“One of the main reasons why I have decided to join Stop Hunger Now is because once upon a time while I was still at primary school, I was once a beneficiary of people who decided to, out of the goodness of their hearts, package meals (lunch) for us at school,” said Mtongana.
”That is why when Saira Khan (CEO of Stop Hunger Now) said Siba we want you as our brand ambassador, I said ‘I will clear my schedule’ because, what better way to do that which was done to for me when I was young, for young people now?
“I am a mother of three kids and these meals mainly go to Early Childhood Centres and I cannot bare the thought that over 3.1 million kids in South Africa go to bed without food, so something had to be done. We really need to rise above hunger and what better way to do it than in the time where we appreciate our legend, the icon Nelson Mandela. So I couldn't say no.”
Miss SA, Ntandoyenkosi Kunene, who is a teacher qualified teacher, also expressed her passion for kids and how she would continue to be part of Stop Hunger Now challenge even after her reign.
“ Even as a former Miss SA this is something I will do. I will do anything for kids, even if it means I must do a drive for elastoplasts to cover their little scars - I would probably do that.
Anything to do with kids is very important to me, at the end of the day they are the future of our country, and if we take care of them, we take care of the future”.
Former Miss Universe Paulina Vega flew from Columbia to take part in the challenge. She said that it's her first time in South Africa - and she’s already beginning to learn the culture.
“Ending hunger has always been my passion. I remember when I was 10 years old, every time I saw a person in the streets of Columbia asking for money I was always mad when my friend didn't give them money (as I would), because I thought what if the person was hungry"
IOL got Vega to say “hello” and “thank you” in Zulu. Check out the video below.
The Stop Hunger Now challenge took place from 13 - 20 July.
IOL