‘Sarafina’ is raising awareness about saving water in KZN

ACTRESS Leleti Khumalo is using her public profile to raise awareness about the importance of saving water.

As the drought persists in parts of Kwazulu-natal, Khumalo, who is best remembered as Sarafina in the classic Mbongeni Ngema film, has partnered with Sunlight to provide Jojo tanks and wheelbarrows to schools in rural areas and townships.

Khumalo currently features on South Africa’s most watched television show, the telenovela Uzalo. She said she only gets involved in projects that involve and benefit communities.

“We all know there is a drought situation and it’s everyone’s responsibility to make sure we save the water we still have available.

“Being part of the water-saving project also taught and made me aware of other water-saving tips. I am very careful about how I use water, and this knowledge I pass on to pupils at the schools we go to,” said Khumalo.

She shared her water-saving tips:

Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. Fix your leaks. Install a low-flow showerhead

Put a bucket in the shower while you’re waiting for the water to warm up, and use the water you catch for watering plants, flushing the toilet or cleaning.

Khumalo grew up in Kwamashu, north of Durban, and said she had first-hand experience of not having water.

“Back then people used to let water run without realising they were wasting. Sometimes we would go for a day without water, either because there was a leaking pipe or some other problem. I know what it’s like to not have water,” she said.

Leleti shot to fame in Sarafina and has gone on to star in a number of local movies, including Yesterday and Free State, and has also acted on the SABC soapie Generations.

This month also saw the return to the stage of Sarafina, which features a new cast .

Although Khumalo has not watched the show, she was confident that Noxolo Dlamini, who plays Sarafina, deserved the role.

The 47-year-old said it was time to pass the baton.

“I cannot be Sarafina forever, she is a little schoolgirl and I am old now. There’s a generation born after us who can take over,” she said.

“There’s an actress who can play that role and even do better than I did. I am very much in support of new talent and I know we have so many talented people out there. I have no doubt that the new person who plays Sarafina is the best (for the role),” she said.

Khumalo said Sarafina paved the way for her and she was now focusing on her role in Uzalo.

After a long day at work, Khumalo goes home to her husband, Skhuthazo Khanyile, and their twin babies. Leleti Khumalo, who shot to fame in Sarafina, is using her star power to raise awareness about the importance of saving water. She has partnered with Sunlight to provide Jojo tanks and wheelbarrows to rural schools and townships in KZN.