[Image: Britain’s Got Talent]
Consider these four seemingly incongruous things: a Stellenbosch wine estate, fundraising, volunteer pilots for conservation and environmental efforts and an opera singer from South Africa.
Did you put it together? That’s right! On March 22nd, Stellenbosch’s Waterford Estate will play host to ‘Wings for Change’ – an Italian Soirée fundraising event in support of The Bateleurs: Volunteers Flying for the Environment with an evening of elegance, entertainment, and environmental stewardship.
The event will be accompanied by a selection of fine wine and dinner, and guests will be mesmerised by a special live performance from Innocent Masuku, the acclaimed Tenor and finalist from Britain’s Got Talent.
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Innocent has been wowing audiences across the world with his powerhouse vocals since becoming a Finalist of 2024 Britain’s Got Talent, with judges hailing him as one of the greatest opera singers in the show’s history.
Get your tissues ready, his audition clip is a tear-jerker:
Growing up in the small township of Piet Retief, now eMkhondo, in Mpumalanga, the world of arias and grand overtures was about as familiar to him as snow in the Lowveld. Opera wasn’t really on his bingo card until a high school choir competition made his 15-year-old self sing in an unexpected solo that flipped the script on his life.
One note led to another, and before he knew it, he was trading township streets for global stages—wowing audiences on Britain’s Got Talent, commanding the spotlight at the English National Theatre, and proving that destiny sometimes sings in the most unexpected places.
In an interview with us, he humbly noted that South Africa is truly blessed with talent and that most kids are brought up singing. But it takes a special kind of person to take their gift to the world stage, and Innocent is certainly one to watch.
That’s why hearing him at the Wings for Change event will be all the more special.
Ahead of his much-anticipated debut record and 2026 South African tour, Innocent will offer a preview of new songs, some with a unique Saffa flavour, showcasing his unique blend of opera and contemporary influences on the magical March evening.
“I’m incredibly excited to be performing for an amazing Non-Profit Company (NPC) and at a stunning venue. Finally coming home to South Africa to share my music in this way is truly special—it’s a full-circle moment for me, and I can’t wait to connect with everyone through the power of music.”
“The environment is so important to the South African economy,” he added. “So if there is an organisation that supports and perserves nature, then I am all for it.”
Speaking of the amazing NPC, The Bateleurs has been dedicated to providing a unique aerial perspective of the environment since starting in 1998. With a network of over 200 volunteer pilots and aircraft spanning the country, the Bateleurs empowers policymakers, conservationists, scientists, media, community leaders, and activists with vital aerial insights. In addition, the organisation offers invaluable aerial support to a diverse range of conservation initiatives, strengthening efforts to protect and preserve southern Africa’s natural heritage.
There is no charge to conservation organisations for the environmental missions flown by The Bateleurs, and a rigorous process is in place to review and approve (or not) all flight requests, to monitor missions and track all the activities of the Bateleurs. Pilot members and their aircraft provide the equivalent of 70% of the annual budget; the balance is sourced through ongoing and critical fundraising activities, as without the support of our valued donors, we cannot offer our invaluable aerial support to these organisations.
The Bateleurs harness the power of flight to support numerous conservation organisations in their critical environmental efforts. Through the funding it receives, the Bateleurs provides aerial support, reconnaissance, and data collection for diverse conservation projects, from wildlife protection, genetic diversity relocations, wildlife rescues, and anti-poaching operations to habitat monitoring and environmental impact assessments.
By funding The Bateleurs, donors amplify their impact – supporting multiple conservation initiatives under the slogan: “Support One. Support Many.“
What better way to support a great cause than with an Italian-themed three-course dinner, featuring a selection of Waterford wines and a heart-warming opera singer?
Tickets cost R2,450 per person, inclusive of food and select Waterford Estate wines. Limited tickets are available for the public for an intimate experience in support of a worthy conservation cause.
Date: 22 March 2025
Time: 6pm
Venue: Waterford Estate Upper Blaauwklippen Rd, Helderberg Rural, Stellenbosch, 7600
Ticket cost: R2,450 per person
Ticket sales: Plankton
Google Maps link: here
Facebook Event link: here
