‘Beast’ is now a Unicef ambassador

South African rugby legend Tendai Mtawarira, also known as “The Beast”, has been appointed by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) as a regional ambassador for Eastern and Southern Africa.

The announcement follows Mtawarira’s travels with Unicef to Mukuru, an informal settlement in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, where he spoke to children about challenges with learning in the Covid era, accessing clean drinking water and the significant hurdles families continue to face.

As an ambassador, Mtawarira will use his voice to bring much-needed attention to Unicef’s humanitarian and development priorities in the Eastern and Southern Africa regions.

Mtawarira is particularly passionate about improving educational opportunities for the most vulnerable.

Even before the pandemic, many African children were experiencing a learning crisis, with Covid only serving to exacerbate the situation.

“I am so honoured to take on this new role,” he said.

“I believe education is the great equaliser and every child on this continent should be able to access quality learning and fulfil their potential.”

Many parents living in informal settlements in Kenya are struggling with a lack of water and proper sanitation as well as providing for their children’s basic needs.

This has been exacerbated by the loss of work due to the pandemic.

“It has been very humbling to meet with children in Mukuru and hear how going to school is not only important for their education but also for providing a vital place of safety when there are so many dangers and distractions outside the school gates,” Mtawarira said.

“Their drive to keep studying despite such difficult living conditions is really inspirational.”

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