Real, lasting progress doesn’t start in boardrooms or headlines –— it starts on the ground, where people live, work and dream. That’s why the Betway Cares Foundation is deeply committed to supporting grassroots projects that empower communities from the inside out.
By working at a grassroots level, Betway Cares isn’t just funding initiatives – we’re nurturing potential, strengthening local voices and helping build sustainable solutions that truly belong to the people they serve. Because when change takes root in the community, it grows stronger, deeper, and more enduring.
New notes, new beginnings
The first of the Betway Cares Foundation’s grassroots projects was the Mitchells Plain Music Academy, which, in October 2024, had hope returned to its halls as Betway Cares, alongside the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, proudly handed over a vital set of instruments and refurbishments.
In 2014, the Mitchells Plain Music Academy opened its doors with the aim of training, educating and empowering musically gifted students who may not have the financial means to pay for training elsewhere. However, the academy recently fell into a sustainability crisis and was on the brink of closing its doors.
This is when Minister McKenzie approached Betway Cares. He requested that the foundation assist with donating new instruments, with an emphasis on keyboards and string instruments, to provide the academy’s students with a modern space to prep for opportunities in the professional music space.
Today, the Mitchells Plain Music Academy once again echoes with music, mentorship, and the dreams of underprivileged youth who now have a space — a creative outlet to grow and thrive.
Revitalisation at its finest
The Betway Cares Foundation headed to Mamelodi, Pretoria, on Mandela Day this year, where it officially launched the first revitalised car wash under its new Car Wash Revitalisation Programme. The initiative represents a bold step towards inclusive economic participation, youth empowerment, and township enterprise development.
The programme was designed with one goal in mind: to breathe new life into existing township car wash businesses by upgrading their infrastructure, providing proper tools and branding, and equipping them with business support services to help them thrive sustainably.
The Mamelodi site, once struggling with deteriorating infrastructure, limited equipment, and little to no brand identity, is now a revitalised operation featuring newly installed plumbing and working water systems, upgraded shade coverings and customer waiting areas, branded signage and uniforms to build a strong community-facing image and access to future business training, mentorship, and compliance assistance
The launch was met with excitement and gratitude from both community members and the car wash owner, Tumelo Mlambo, who said, “This is more than just a facelift — it’s a fresh start.”
A home of healing
In the true spirit of Mandela Day, the Betway Cares Foundation took its commitment to people-centred impact to the heart of Kempton Park, where it supported the Tshegofatsa Rona Welfare Community Organisation, a safe haven for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
The initiative forms part of the foundation’s broader mandate to restore dignity, support grassroots changemakers, and create sustainable solutions for those most affected by social injustice.
“Cynthia’s work is the embodiment of grassroots leadership,” said Bakang Lethoko, head of the Betway Cares Foundation. “She didn’t wait for permission; she just started helping. It’s our honour to stand with her in ensuring this home remains a space of safety, dignity, and growth.”
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