"What if we gave young women access, not just applause?" That question sparked Voices of Her, a transformative mentorship programme by the Betway Cares Foundation. In this Exclusive Q&A, Bakang Lethoko opens up about the power of mentorship, the importance of representation in music, and how empowering women to own their voices can create ripples of change across South Africa
Glamour: This new female-centred vocal mentorship programme sounds incredible. How did the idea first come about?
Bakang: The idea for Voices of Her came from a place of deep reflection and purpose. I’ve always been passionate about platforms that give women the space to tell their stories and music, for me, is one of the most powerful tools for storytelling.Over the years, through the Betway Cares Foundation, we’ve seen how opportunities can completely transform lives. We wanted to create something that not only celebrates women’s voices but invests in them; a space that nurtures raw talent, builds confidence, and connects women to the kind of mentorship that changes their path forever.It started as a simple idea: what if we gave young women access, not just applause?
And from that question, Voices of Her was born.
Glamour: Why was it important for you to focus specifically on women, and particularly those from previously disadvantaged communities?
Bakang: Because access remains one of the greatest inequalities in South Africa. I’ve seen so many talented young women whose dreams fade because the system doesn’t see them.
For women from disadvantaged communities, the barriers are even higher - limited resources, financial struggles, and a lack of representation.This programme is about restoring that balance. It’s about saying to these women: you belong here. We want to create a bridge between potential and opportunity, ensuring that their circumstances don’t define their destiny.I’ve always believed that when we invest in women, we invest in families, communities, and entire economies. We need to stop thinking of empowerment as charity - it’s sustainable nation-building, and that’s the heart of what we do at Betway Cares.
Glamour: The programme gives 12 women the opportunity to be mentored by some of South Africa’s most respected voices, including Bucie and Hle. How did you select the mentors, and what impact do you hope this exposure will have on the participants?
Bakang: We chose mentors who reflect both artistry and authenticity. Bucie and Nomfundo have built incredible careers while staying true to themselves. They know the triumphs and the trials of being women in a demanding industry.We wanted mentors who could offer more than vocal technique - women who could speak honestly about navigating rejection, self-doubt, and success. The goal isn’t just to teach these young women how to sing better, but how to stand taller. We want them to understand the business, to own their voice, and to use their platform with purpose.We’ve seen how this kind of exposure changes lives. When these young women see what’s possible, they start to believe it for themselves, and that belief is where transformation begins.
Glamour: You’ve mentioned that this is a passion project for you. What drives that passion and why does mentorship hold such personal meaning for you?
Bakang: Well, truth is, mentorship has shaped my entire career. I’ve had incredible people who saw potential in me before I saw it in myself… people who guided me with honesty and grace. That kind of belief becomes a mirror that reflects back the best version of who you can be.
So for me, mentorship is about legacy. It’s the understanding that success means nothing if it ends with you. We have a responsibility to make it easier for the next woman to rise. And that’s what drives me, seeing someone realise that they are capable, worthy, and ready. It’s something I carry into every initiative we lead through the Betway Cares Foundation.
Glamour: Many young artists struggle to find their footing in the music industry. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve seen emerging female artists face today?
Bakang: There’s still a huge gap in access to studios, to representation, to fair pay.
Women often have to prove their worth twice over to be taken seriously. And there’s also the issue of sustainability, finding a way to turn your art into a living, and not just a dream.That’s where initiatives like Voices of Her make a difference. We’re not just developing artists; we’re building entrepreneurs, we want to help them understand contracts, branding, their finances etc, all the things that ensure longevity in the industry. It’s about giving women the tools to lead their own careers.
Glamour: How do you see mentorship changing the trajectory of these women’s careers, not just musically, but personally and professionally?
Bakang: Mentorship provides something far more valuable than technical skill, it gives perspective. I believe that it helps these women realise that their journey has value, even the difficult parts. It teaches resilience, discipline, and more importantly, it teaches self-awareness. These are qualities that go beyond music.Personally, I hope it helps them build confidence. I want them to understand that they do not have to shrink themselves to fit in. They need to take up space! Professionally, I hope they walk away knowing that success isn’t accidental; it’s intentional and built on consistency, collaboration, and of course, courage.
Glamour: What does success look like for you when this first cohort completes the programme?
Bakang: Success will look like 12 confident, capable women who see themselves as more than just singers but as creators, leaders, and businesswomen.If they walk away believing that their voice matters and that their dreams are valid, that’s success. But my hope is also that they become mentors themselves; that this programme creates a ripple effect where empowerment becomes cyclical. That’s how we build sustainable impact.
Glamour: The Betway Cares Foundation has been behind several purpose-led initiatives. How does this project align with the foundation’s broader vision of empowerment and community upliftment?
Bakang: At Betway Cares, everything we do is about creating meaningful, sustainable impact. Whether it’s through sports development, education, or community upliftment, our mission has always been to build people.Voices of Her fits perfectly into that vision. It’s about empowerment that lasts beyond the programme. It’s about giving women the tools to participate meaningfully and competitively in the economy. It’s one of many examples of how purpose, partnership, and community can work together to drive real change.
Glamour: You’ve worked on many impactful projects through the foundation. What have been some of the most rewarding lessons or moments for you in doing this kind of work?
Wow! The most rewarding moments are the quiet ones. When you see someone’s life shifting because of an opportunity they were once denied. Whether it’s a young student who can finally register for university, a woman who finds confidence through our Women-in-Trades programme, or a local community thriving after a revitalisation project, those are the kind of stories that stay with me.We recently sat in one of the sessions with the mentors as they were reviewing some of the Voices of Her entries, and I was reminded again that potential is everywhere, it really just needs access. That’s the golden thread in everything we do at Betway Cares: we create access, and through access, we restore dignity.
Glamour: The music industry can be tough, especially for women. What message do you hope this programme sends to young women who dream of making their mark in music?
Bakang: That their dreams are valid, and their stories matter. The industry is evolving, but it still needs more women who aren’t afraid to take up space; women who are ready to lead, to innovate, and to own their artistry. My message is simple: don’t wait for a seat at the table. Build your own stage and let your voice be heard. Through initiatives like Voices of Her, we’re proving that when women are empowered, industries shift.
Glamour: Do you see this mentorship programme growing into something bigger, perhaps a long-term platform for developing female talent across South Africa?
Bakang: Absolutely. This is just the beginning. Our vision is to grow Voices of Her into a national platform that not only discovers and nurtures female talent but connects them to opportunities.We want to build a sustainable pipeline for women in music, from mentorship to performance, production, events management, you name it. The goal is long-term empowerment, not short-term exposure, and that’s something we’re committed to at Betway Cares.
Glamour: Finally, what does empowering women through music mean to you on a personal level?
Bakang: For me, empowering women through music is about giving voice to the voiceless. I believe that music is deeply personal - it carries emotion, memory, and identity. It’s also about healing and belonging. Every lyric, every note, becomes an act of self-definition. Seeing women use music to reclaim their narratives… that’s where the magic is. Empowerment, to me, means reminding women that they’ve always been powerful - we’re just creating platforms to make that power visible, together with the Betway Cares Foundation.
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