Newly cast member of The Queen, actress Sibusiswe Jili, has adopted two underprivileged families in Joburg to assist them during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Jili, who has recently scored the role of a police officer and daughter of Patronella and Mjekejeke on the show, revealed that even though she was partially working during the lockdown, she had found time to assist those in need amid the increased number of coronavirus cases.
“With the recent outbreak of coronavirus, most of us don’t have permits, so we try to limit our movement. I go to the shops for supplies, then get some supplies for at least two families that I can drop off on my way back,” said Jili.
“It’s not much and I don’t want to violate any law, but if I can just help another family, then I’ve done my part. I obviously don’t interact at close range, I knock, leave the parcel with a note, check whether they received, it then I leave.”
She confirmed that production has been halted for the duration of the lockdown, but occasionally she has to go to work for a meetings.
Sunday World tracked down the two families – the Mbele family in Cosmo City and the Mbatha family in Alexandra.
A representative from the Mbele family confirmed that the family have been receiving help from Jili since the end of last month.
Speaking anonymously for fear of stigma in the community, she said: “What she has done has helped us a lot because our reality is that even when we do need to go to the shops during the coronavirus lockdown, most of the stores are full to capacity or the shelves are empty.”
She said the parcels go a long way, especially since the actress advocates healthy eating.
“She brings food parcels with pap, rice, vegetables and meat. These are things I can’t even afford,” she said.
A representative from the Mbatha family, who also asked not be named, said: “This is the second week now, I chat to her on Whatsapp. She asks often if we are okay.”
The family of five, who share a one-room shack in Alexandra, explained that “this period has been one of the most scary times of our lives”.
“She has helped us so much that we now also have sanitisers for the corona and we talk about the cleanliness of the house. In the few weeks we have known her, she supports us in staying healthy by buying veggies and fruit and even multivitamins for the children,” she said.
– Sundayworld
Singer, songwriter and TV presenter, Pilani Bubu is a multifarious artist who has independently released three albums titled “Journey of the Heart”, “Warrior of Light” and the latest offering and newly launched “Folklore: Chapter 1” with radio singles such as “Boom Che” and “Baile”.
