Artist reaches out to Cyclone Freddy survivors
By Kassim Kajosolo:
Muslim artist Wallace Salanje recently joined the rest of the nation and fellow creatives through an initiative he introduced in 2015 to reach out to survivors of Tropical Cyclone Freddy when he donated items.
Salanje said the initiative was set up to help the needy in the country and that, with Tropical Cyclone Freddy affecting the country, he decided to reach out to the survivors.
“The initiative covers a lot including cheering the sick and comforting the bereaved as well as providing micro basic needs during disasters like the one which has hit us now,” the artist said.
Salanje said as a creative and Muslim, they are taught to be sympathetic and show love to those in need.
“So it is our duty to put this into practice. Islam is not by name, but it is all about practice,” the artist, well known for Yao nasheeds, said.
He called upon fellow artists to take up a leading role in supporting those in need adding that, through his initiative, he will be reaching out to survivors in Chiradzulu, Blantyre, Mulanje and Thyolo.
“Let me call upon the corporate world, well-wishers and individuals to hold hands and support our brothers and sisters, who are in need of our help,” Salanje said.
One of the beneficiaries of the initiative, Patuma Ali, hailed Salanje for the support.
“I do not have a house to live in after being displaced with three of my grandchildren but when you have people coming and supporting, then you have hope and slowly get over the pain,” Ali said.
