South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha appointed as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador

South African Actress and Rights activist Nomzamo Mbatha has landed a new role. She has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

The 28-year-old has been working closely with the organization and its LuQuLuQu campaign for a couple of years. Her work has included raising awareness for the millions of forcibly displaced refugees in Africa.

The elated TV personality posted the good news on social media saying that she was grateful to the UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, for believing in her vision and desire to be a tool and instrument for the organization.

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This morning, as you may have read in the news, I have been appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations High Commissioner for @refugees . Grateful to the High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi , for believing in my vision and desire to be a tool and instrument for this organisation. @needaunhcr @melissarfleming the gentle guiding lights and literally saviors on some tough days on some of the missions, to the entire GWA team in Geneva and London, you have made this journey so life altering and I know it will get even more from here on, my LuquLuqu family and the @unhcrpartnershipsafrica offices that hold this continent together tirelessly, SALUTE. 🎥: @viacomafrica . The only thing I have ever been sure of throughout the course of my life was that I wanted to serve. In whichever direction life would take me. It is an Honour to join the organization that inspired me as a little girl and continues to implore me as a young woman, to be named Goodwill Ambassador is an honour and a responsibility I hold dear. May we all be surgeons of humanity and the change we so seek to see in this world. Honoured to serve alongside the UNHCR, the United Nations and my continent. 🙏🏾

A post shared by Nomzamo Mbatha 🇿🇦 (@nomzamo_m) on Jan 28, 2019 at 1:28am PST

In a press statement after her appointment, Nomzamo talked about how honored she is. “The strength of refugees, their ability to persevere and their ingenuity. For making the best of a difficult situation is what I celebrate. Being named Goodwill Ambassador is an incredible honor. I can’t wait to embark on this journey, learn more and use my voice to truly be an agent of change.”

Mbatha takes on the role at a time when war, conflict, and persecution have forced over 68 million people worldwide to flee from their homes – the highest level of displacement ever recorded. Over 25 million of these are refugees with Sub-Saharan Africa hosting over 31 percent of the global refugee population.

According to the UNHCR website, as a High Profile Supporter and advocate for UNHCR’s LuQuLuQu campaign, Nomzamo has traveled to several countries hosting most of the continents’ displaced including Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp in March last year.