Nomzamo Mbatha draws attention to Africa’s priorities in New York — TimesLIVE

South African actress and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha drew attention to African priorities in education, access to electricity and investment during the United Nations General Assembly high-level week in New York, United States. The Global Citizen ambassador hosted the Global Citizen NOW: Impact Sessions and was one of the main hosts of the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park.

As TimesLIVE reports, the festival on the Great Lawn brought together world leaders, activists and entertainment industry figures. Participants included Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, John Legend, Shaboozey, Victoria Monét and Hugh Jackman.

Education and electricity

Mbatha said that she seeks to make Africa a full-fledged part of the global conversation — as a region of innovation, ideas and significant investment opportunities. She also emphasized the importance of young people realizing how far their voices can reach.

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Global Citizen’s campaign this year focuses on education, support for smallholder farmers and access to electricity. The organization says that commitments totaling more than $50 billion have been made to fight extreme poverty.

Work of Mbatha’s foundation

The actress linked the issue of education to the work of her Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation, for which access to quality education is one of the key areas. She said that she is working on the national Bana Pele campaign, dedicated to early childhood development. The initiative and its framework program are coordinated by the Department of Basic Education.

Mbatha also mentioned the Global Citizen Festival held in 2018 at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. According to her, the event was an important experience for her of holding a global event on African soil.