By Katlego Sekhu
Starting her day on 959 Breakfast with Dineo Ranaka and Sol Phenduka is philanthropist and publicist and Malaak Compton-Rock (Chris Rock’s ex-wife), who’s on her 39th visit to South Africa.
Speaking about her philanthropic work around the continent, Maalak says she started in the entertainment industry and then moved to Marketing and Communications.
“I still love marketing, communications, and pr but I said can I use this skillset to actually make a difference in the world either than promoting a movie or a lipstick.
“I believe in divine intervention and this deal with Unicef came through, which is one of the largest non-profits in the world on behalf of children, and I got a job doing marketing and pr for them.”
Malaak says what changed the trajectory of her life was a trip to Liberia after the civil war. “This little girl came under my leg, looked me in the eye, and said mam I want peace, not war,” she adds.
On the Angel Rock project
Malaak’s first trip to South Africa was life-changing for her.
“We visited some households and orphanages in Diepsloot and this Gogo looked at me and said you are visiting and taking a bunch of pictures but what are you going to do, she challenged me and I came back,” she recalls.
“I’ve been working with Gogos, nutritional support, clean and safe water, covid relief, education, and launching the Journey for Change for Girls is really my life’s work because if we’re going to end poverty, we’re going to need to end gender equality, and educate girls,” shared Malaak.
On the infamous Oscars slap
Speaking about the infamous slap at the Oscars her ex-husband Chris Rock received at the hands of Will Smith, Malaak says she “can’t process that moment like the rest of the world did as Chris is the father of his children.”
She says it’s still a hard thing to talk about. “I talked to him five minutes after it happened. It was watching with my children,” she tells 959 Breakfast.
Watch her full interview on 959 Breakfast below.
