Hollywood star’s shack-fire heroics
WHEN Alicia Tyatyeka called for help on Facebook after her family’s shacks burnt down she never thought a Hollywood hunk would step up.
Boris Kodjoe, who starred in the US drama series Soul Food and the film Madea’s Family Reunion, arrived at the Tyatyeka home in Mbekweni, Paarl, on Wednesday night with donations with which the family members could rebuild their lives.
The donations formed part of the Bring Your Own Brick initiative started by friends Warren Knight and Frans van Sittert after the devastating fires in Tokai last month.
Robert Williams’s house was destroyed in that fire and he has joined the initiative to help others. He set up a Facebook page to solicit donations for his family but there was more than enough to share with those in need.
Kodjoe, who is in Cape Town to film a TV series, Dead Before Dying, jumped into action when he heard about the Tyatyekas’ plight. He grew up with Williams — whom he calls Bobby — in Germany.
The Tyatyeka family, including Alicia’s grandmother, Marta Tyatyeka, were overwhelmed by the generosity of the strangers who delivered a mat- tress, fridge, gas stove and oven.
Kodjoe said: “[Bobby’s] house burned down at around the time I landed in South Africa and he told me about the work he did.
“I’m not a hero; I haven’t put out a fire or saved anyone, but I can shine a light.
“I’m a guest in Cape Town — it’s my duty to use the platform I have to support those who do incredible work.”
The house was structurally damaged by the fire that started at 3am on February 26. Tyatyeka’s three sons lived in the shacks in her back yard with their wives and children.
Williams said he was inspired by those who had helped him.
“Alicia contacted me through our Facebook group and I had to help. That’s when I called War- ren and Frans and we came out here to see what we could do. It’s important to act, to do something,” he said.
Knight assessed the damage and reassured Marta that they would return to repair the house. “It’s all about the Cape Town community,” he said to her. “We can’t be everywhere but we’re glad we could help you in this way.”