Banderas doing his bit to fight Aids
The actor is in SA to raise money for Nkosi’s Haven
Actor Antonio Banderas is proving that there is more to him than his on-screen skills and good looks with his visit to South Africa.
Renowned for his roles in Desperado and The Mask of Zorro, Banderas is in the country for four days to raise funds for Nkosi’s Haven.
Launched in 1999 and named after Aids activist Nkosi Johnson, the charity offers care and support to mothers and children affected by HIV/Aids.
Nkosi’s Haven was founded by Gail Johnson, Nkosi Johnson’s foster mother. Johnson revealed at a press conference with Banderas yesterday that the organisation currently offers care and support to 112 children – 81 of those are orphaned and others live with their mothers. She added that 37 are HIV-positive.
“My running costs are about R480 000 a month because we believe in a nutritional diet and we send our kids to school,” Johnson explained.
“We have seven different schools that the kids attend, because some have special needs. We have two kids in university. We have a resident therapist and social worker.
“So in the immediacy, any financial help we get goes towards paying off school fees. It means so much,” she added.
Banderas will be launching a photographic exhibition called Women in Gold. The exhibition features a series of 22 photographs taken by the 57-year-old actor.
On Thursday night, Banderas will host a gala event in Johannesburg. Photos from Women in Gold will be auctioned off to raise funds for Nkosi’s Haven.
“The inspiration behind the exhibition is what I want for my daughter – to be free and independent.”
Banderas is also in the country to launch a new fragrance, Secret Temptation. Asked about what he finds attractive in a woman, Banderas replied: “The most sensual part of a woman for me is the mouth. I can fall in love with a smile. Eyes also because in a way they reflect the soul.”