Staff Writer 
PROTEAS captain Temba Bavuma has been signed on as a brand ambassador by Mukuru, in a partnership that brings together top-level sport and one of Africa’s fastest-growing fintech companies.
The South African cricket skipper will work with the remittance-led neobank as it continues to expand its presence across the continent, particularly among customers who rely on cross-border money transfers and cash-based financial services.
Mukuru has lauded the partnership as a reflection of its focus on reaching everyday consumers who sit outside traditional banking systems.
Bavuma, who captains South Africa’s Test and One-Day International teams, is one of the most recognisable sporting figures in the world and a prominent voice in African cricket.
Beyond the field, he runs the Temba Bavuma Foundation, which this year marks 10 years of work focused on education and sport programmes for underprivileged youth.
Announcing the partnership in Cape Town, Mukuru Group chief executive Andy Jury said Bavuma’s background and profile aligned with the company’s customer base across Southern Africa.
“He’s a role model for millions and a symbol of resilience. His story resonates with the communities Mukuru serves every day,” he said.
The deal also comes as attention begins to shift toward the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Mukuru already has a strong presence in regional cricket through its sponsorship of the Zimbabwe Chevrons, and the fintech giant said the addition of the South African captain strengthens its footprint ahead of the tournament on African soil.
“For us, this partnership is part of a longer-term journey,” Jury said. “Cricket brings people together across borders, and that mirrors how our business connects families and communities across the region.”
Bavuma highlighted that he saw the partnership as an opportunity to extend his off-field work beyond cricket.
“I’m excited to work with Mukuru at a time when my foundation is marking its 10th anniversary,” he said.
“There’s a shared focus on creating access and opportunity, particularly for young people.”
Mukuru operates as a remittance-led neobank, offering money transfers, digital wallets and other financial services across more than 60 countries.
The company serves over 17 million customers globally, many of whom depend on cross-border payments to support families and small businesses.
The partnership will see Bavuma feature in Mukuru campaigns and community initiatives as the fintech firm continues to position itself at the intersection of finance, sport and everyday African life.
