Antonio Banderas in Msanzi and plans to give back to HIV sufferers

Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas is in the country in a bid to not only launch his perfume range, but to also help make a difference in the lives of those suffering from HIV. He plans to visit Nkosi’s Haven, a non-profit organization that helps care for destitute HIV infected mothers, and their children.

Speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg on yesterday morning, he passionately spoke about the highlight of his career as being able to do charity work. He added that charities that focused on children were very close to his heart.

“Anything that has to do with kids… on the verge of injustice. There are many people in the world, especially kids, who live on the frontier of injustice. If you can put a little of yourself in there to help that is important,” he said.

He reflected on being part of a mission to help children in Somalia in 1994, which he said taught him valuable lessons.

“I realized that the kids I saw in Somalia that we were helping and nourishing. They didn’t ask me why I was helping. They weren’t interested in why. All that mattered was they were there,” he said.

“It’s manna from heaven Antonio, because we don’t get government funding either, so we exist on donations. So when someone like yourself, who not only acknowledges women but acknowledge our existence that we are trying to make ends meet and trying to give kids a future…it’s really wonderful and I can’t thank you enough,” founder and director of Nkosi’s Haven said. She further explained that it cost them about R480,000 a month, to support women and children in their care.

Antonio jetted into the country on Sunday night and said he was looking forward to seeing the country. He praised people for being friendly.