By Staff Reporter
SOUTH AFRICA – Exiled businessman James Makamba has joined the “Ice Bucket Challenge” and had cold water with ice blocks poured on him while standing inside a swimming pool at the posh Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In accepting the challenge Makamba also nominated fellow Zimbabwean businessmen Philip Chiyangwa, Strive Masiyiwa and his wife Tsitsi.
The former Zanu PF politburo member also nominated South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe and his wife Dr Precious Moloi, Caroline Steyn (South African born actress) and television presenter and Metro FM DJ T-Bo Touch.
Makamba said his ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ was an attempt to raise awareness and funds for ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
The “Ice Bucket Challenge” has seen celebrities from across the world tipping ice water over themselves to raise awareness for various charities of their choice.
The challenge started in New Zealand on July 4, 2014, with a fundraising page on behalf of the Cancer Society to help support patients and their families through one of the toughest challenges anyone will face, a cancer diagnosis. As with similar challenges, it is usually filmed so footage can be shared online.
The challenge was popularized in the United States when Massachusetts resident and former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates, who has ALS, began posting about it on Twitter.
Within 24 hours of receiving a challenge, participants are to video record themselves in continuous footage. First, they are to announce their acceptance of the challenge followed by pouring ice into a bucket of water.
The bucket is then to be lifted overhead and poured over the participant’s head. After completion, the participant has the option of extend the challenge and to donate $10 a charity of their choice. Alternatively, they can decline the challenge, in which case they are encouraged to donate $100.
