No benefit from UB40 Concert

It has come to light that the children of Hope Village have been left holding the short end of the stick after international music sensations UB40 flew all the way to Namibia to headline three benefit concerts in their honour.

In an exclusive interview with Namibian Sun’s sister newspaper Die Republikein, Pastor Marietjie de Klerk of the Hope Village initiative, said last week that the outstanding concert money has had a great impact on the Hope Village children. “At the moment we can only see to their most basic needs.

As this issue needs to be handled urgently it is difficult for us to give proper attention to the usual fundraising initiatives,” she was quoted as saying. Members of the public also want to know when they will be able to get refunds for unused tickets as promised by organisers.

This week official media spokesperson for the fundraising concerts Janine van der Merwe confirmed the dire situation at the care centre, adding that unfortunately Hope Village is unable to give the public a clear answer as to when refunds will take place. “Please be assured that we are committed to doing the refunds,” she said. Van der Merwe asked the public to be patient and said that a hotline had been set up for any queries.

Those with queries can call 0812832492. Meanwhile UB40 band member Brian Travers has sparked a new drive to raise funds for the cause from loyal UB40 fans worldwide. Travers told the Birmingham Mail the touching story of four-monthold Ubi, one of the Hope Village children named after the band. Fans are now flocking to donate cash and goods to the orphanage.

Travers told the Birmingham Mail that “we are hoping for support from Comic Relief and taking out some equipment to help the kids develop their music later this year.”