Acclaimed actress and TV personality Nomzamo Mbatha has joined forces with Africanbank. Mbatha, who has enjoyed international acclaim in Hollywood films and recently graced local TV screens in the hit series Shaka Ilembe, will add her considerable star power to the African brand in a unique partnership that encompasses a brand ambassadorship, and a commercial element that will lead to the launch of a specially-curated “Empower Her” account.
Mbatha’s narrative underscores the essence of audacity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her advocacy for humanitarian causes and her achievements in the entertainment industry make her a natural fit for Africanbank, a brand deeply committed to backing individuals and communities, and helping them to thrive.
As a UN Global Goodwill Ambassador and the founder of the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation, she has been a champion of human rights and a beacon of support for marginalized communities – a mission that resonates with Africanbank’s dedication to promoting economic inclusivity and empowering individuals, businesses, and communities to realize their aspirations.
Africanbank recently unveiled its brand identity revamp, featuring a new logo and a campaign message stating that “Africanbank backs you”. The brand revamp will culminate in a new TV commercial featuring Mbatha and seeks to entrench Africanbank’s positioning as an aspirational brand for young professionals.
“We’re very excited to be partnering with Nomzamo. In the discussions we have had with her, it is evident that our values resonate with her,” says Sbusiso Kumalo, Africanbank’s Group Chief Marketing Officer.
“She is a young star who has made her mark on the global stage by harnessing her audacity to believe. She represents the exciting potential inherent in our country. Her dedication to uplifting and empowering communities aligns seamlessly with our mission to foster economic inclusivity and financial empowerment. As Africanbank, our partnership with Nomzamo transcends that of her celebrity status as we do not merely view her as a brand ambassador or influencer, but rather as a partner with whom we can create a meaningful commercial relationship.
“We are determined to back the audacity of South Africa’s go-getters and support them on their journeys to success.”
The commercial element of Mbatha’s partnership with Africanbank will see the actress introduce her own branded products in the market, and the creation and launch of a Nomzamo Mbatha “Empower Her” account. Though the account will not necessarily exclude men, it will unlock certain key benefits for women, such as legal help desk for issues related to GBV, a health desk, investment opportunities and savings pockets for female entrepreneurs, and access to women empowerment events, among other features. Details on the development and benefits of the Empower Her account will be released at a later date.
Reflecting on her decision to collaborate with Africanbank, Nomzamo expressed: “I see parallels between the Africanbank journey and mine. Just as I have transcended humble beginnings to make a global impact, Africanbank has evolved to become a symbol of financial empowerment.”
This partnership dovetails neatly with Africanbank’s belief in inclusivity in banking and empowering those on the margins of the economic playing field.
“The vision of an Africanbank for the people, by the people, serving the people, was born from the need to financially empower those excluded from mainstream financial services. That vision remains our inspiration, six decades after it was first mooted. Through Nomzamo, we hope to introduce that vision to a new generation. We want them to know that whatever their path to success looks like, Africanbank will back them every step of the way,” explains Kumalo.
