Zakes Bantwini joins MB as a ‘Friend of the Brand’

Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa announces that Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Zakes Bantwini, will join the Friend of the Brand (FOTB) programme. Zakes will be driving and living with the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 for the next 12 months.

Tshepo1

“Zakes and I started our journey last year with the introduction of the all-new C-Class. I knew then that we would strike up a long-term partnership with many amazing collaborations to follow,” says Alexandra Boavida, vice-president of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.

“Growing up in the ghetto, everyone dreams of one day driving a Mercedes-Benz. Every car that you drive along the way is just a stepping stone to one day having the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Benz.

“It is therefore an honour to have joined the family and to have the opportunity to enjoy this incredible car over the next 12 months. Thank you to the brilliant team at Mercedes-Benz for welcoming me so warmly; I cannot wait to see what we can do together with this partnership!” says Zakes.

The Friend of the Brand programme is designed to connect Mercedes-Benz South Africa with Brand Ambassadors who are pioneers and practitioners in their fields. The Friends of the brand programme use their skills to achieve success in diverse projects.

Other Friend of the Brand members include Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Tatjana Schoenmaker and other well-known sport stars and artists.

Tshepo2
Tshepo3
Tshepo2
Tshepo3

More Industry News stories

SA Auto Week heads to eThekwini in KZN

SA Auto Week heads to eThekwini in KZN

SA Auto Week 2026 is scheduled to take place in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, from 13 to 16 October, with the event marking five years of SA Auto Week.

  • 2 October 2026
New-vehicle market records strong September performance

New-vehicle market records strong September performance

South Africa’s domestic new-vehicle market strengthened in September, recording 61 645 sales, its highest monthly total of 2026. Sales increased by 3 747 vehicles, or 6.5%, from August’s originally reported total and were 12.7% higher than in September 2025.

  • 2 October 2026