Zakes Bantwini Launches New Foundation to Empower Youth and Women

Celebrities

Grammy-winning producer Zakes Bantwini has taken a major step off the stage and into philanthropy, officially unveiling his own charitable foundation.

Key takeaways

  • Zakes Bantwini has launched the Zakes Bantwini Foundation.
  • The launch event took place at the Saxon Hotel and drew a wide mix of high-profile guests.
  • The foundation’s mission centers on expanding access, offering mentorship, and creating genuine opportunities for young people and women in South Africa.
  • Bantwini publicly thanked attendees including Panyaza Lesufi, Gayton McKenzie, Sizwe Nxasana, Tbo Touch, Liquideep, and Nandi Madida.
  • He also highlighted support from his friend Adam, executive assistant Danielle Nagel, and the foundation’s board members.

A star-studded debut at a luxury venue

Grammy Award-winning musician Zakes Bantwini has officially launched the Zakes Bantwini Foundation, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the artist beyond his music career.

To celebrate, the performer shared images from the high-glamour launch gathering on social media. The event was hosted at the luxurious Saxon Hotel, where influential figures from politics, entertainment, business, sports, and the arts came together in support of the initiative.

Mission focused on access, guidance, and opportunity

In his message about the foundation, Bantwini said the program is designed to help young people and women across South Africa by expanding access, providing mentorship, and opening doors to meaningful possibilities.

He described the work as “deeply personal,” explaining that it reflects a long-term dedication to building real opportunities for the next generation—particularly youth and women in the country.

Bantwini also used the occasion to express appreciation to everyone who attended, adding that their presence and support helped strengthen the foundation’s purpose.

Among the guests he specifically thanked were Panyaza Lesufi, Gayton McKenzie, businessman Sizwe Nxasana, media personality Tbo Touch, the music duo Liquideep, and his wife, Nandi Madida.

He further offered special recognition to his close friend Adam, his executive assistant Danielle Nagel, and the foundation’s board members, crediting their efforts with helping bring his vision to life.

Concluding his post, Bantwini emphasized that the launch is only the start, writing: “This is only the beginning. The work continues.”

The announcement was met with an outpouring of congratulations from fans and fellow industry figures, with many flooding his comment section with supportive messages.

Zibuyile Dladla
Zibuyile Dladla
Senior Writer

Zibuyile began her media journey as a sales intern at Mediamark (Kagiso Media) before moving into digital content creation for ZAlebs.com. Over four years, she helped evolve the platform from a simple blog into one of South Africa’s leading independent entertainment news sites.
Following ZAlebs’ transition to Celebrity Worx in 2016, Zibuyile was promoted to Executive Editor, recognized for her sharp audience insight and ability to match editorial with branded content. Highlights of her time include a Bookmark Award nomination, judging TLC’s Next Great Presenter, reporting from the MTV EMAs, and building partnerships with radio stations like YFM, Cliff Central, and Good Hope FM.
Her editorial work also expanded to include fast-growing digital verticals—such as lifestyle tech, online entertainment, and gambling-related content—tailored to evolving reader interests and brand opportunities.

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