Siya Kolisi during the South African mens national rugby team photocall session at Southern Sun Montecasino Hotel on May 27, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)
Siya Kolisi is joining forces with Global Citizen to help end poverty. The Springbok rugby player was unveiled as one of the organisation’s advocates this week.
Global Citizen hopes to eliminate extreme poverty by 2030. The organisation has helped raise billions of dollars in huge commitments over the past few years.
Musicians such as Cardi B, Rihanna, Stevie Wonder and The Chainsmokers have all supported the cause in the past.
Siya, who will focus on hunger and nutrition in Africa, joins Pearl Thusi, Nandi Madida, Somizi, Maps Maponyane, Lucas Radebe, K Naomi and Zakes Bantwini as SA ambassadors.
The 27-year-old revealed on Instagram that as a child, he knew what it was like to go hungry. He has called on Africa’s leaders to tackle malnutrition and stunting.
“I am excited and honored to be an ambassador for the Global Citizen movement. A movement that is doing so much good helping make this world a better place. This is something close to my heart. Having endured many challenges in my life, I always wanted to be able to make sure less people endure the same challenges.
“Now being in a position to be able to impact others in a positive way, I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. My name is Siya Kolisi and I am a Global Citizen,” he wrote.
iya said in a statement that he believes in what the organisation stands for.
“Hunger is huge for me because I grew up with hunger. Global Citizen will have a profound impact on both present and future generations of South Africans through its ongoing skills training programme.
“This is fundamental to creating a world free of extreme poverty, especially in a country like South Africa, in which over 50% of young people between the ages of 15 and 25 are unemployed.”
This year, the organisation’s annual music festival will be held in South Africa for the first time. The Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, which takes place in Johannesburg on December 2, will feature performances from stars such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Pharrell Williams, Chris Martin and Cassper Nyovest.
Bonang Matheba will be co-hosting the event with Naomi Campbell, Sir Bob Geldof, Tyler Perry, Gayle King and Forest Whitaker.
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