Marc Lottering has a soft spot for a good cause. The comedian has lent his time and his name to various charities over the years, particularly those focused on South Africa’s youth, so becoming a Patron of the Kay Mason Foundation was a natural fit.
What was it about KMF that caught his attention? “I’ve always wanted to get a phone-call from Lesley-Ann Brandt! So, there’s that. And then of course Lesley-Ann told me what the Foundation was all about – I support numerous charities that do good for South African youth. Charities that essentially save the life of a young person, providing them with tools that would enable them to fulfil their potential. So, for me it was a no-brainer to come on board with the KMF.”
While the pull of Hollywood actress Brandt (Lucifer, Presumed Innocent) is a massive drawcard, the foundation is also headed up by award-winning author and Founder Richard Mason, a changemaker who has actively reshaped the futures of hundreds of South African children.
It’s this gathering of luminaries that will set the tone for KMF’s Hummingbird Ball at Zeitz MOCAA on 7 October, 2026.
Joined by an impressive roll call of figures from the worlds of business, sport and the arts, the fundraising gala, sponsored by Barclays, is shaping up to be as much about the people as the purpose. Richard Mason best explains: “The Hummingbird Ball is about solutions. When Archbishop Desmond became the Foundation Patron, he said that what South Africa needs is educated, ethical leaders who know what it is to be poor. And we help kids born in the toughest circumstances, transform into leaders capable of taking their place on the world stage.”
Lend your support to a good cause
As an influencer with big hair, and a big heart, Marc is well-placed to encourage others to lend their support to this good cause. He urges: “Be part of the movement to completely change the trajectory of someone’s life. Let your heart guide you and stand up for what is right.”
“Everyone on the planet has the potential to show kindness. As much as we are all also able to be really mean. It’s about tapping into the right side of your consciousness. Find the philanthropist inside of you. Shoo, I’m starting to feel profound now,” he jokes. “But, from very early on in my career already, I’ve always had the sense that there’s no way that we have been created to only live for ourselves. Perhaps I’ve had that sense even before I started doing stand-up. My dad was the leader of a big church in Mitchells Plain. So, I grew up with a keen sense of awareness when it came to the notion that some of us have more than others – and we should share that loaf of bread.”
As an entertainer, Marc has been in the funny business for more than 20 years. He has written 16 one-man shows for the stage, earning him two Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards; a Naledi Award; and several nominations. How can entertainers lend more weight to charitable causes?
“I can only speak for myself. I’m exactly like so many of my fans. We flow in the knowledge that we have been created to be good humans. In spite of the fact that social media may want you to think otherwise. And so good people yearn to do good things. For me, for example. I’m able to offer an organization a comedy performance of which all proceeds go to a good cause. A cause that I believe in. It’s that simple.”
In addition to his performance at The Hummingbird Ball, he’s also busy touring his latest show, ANKLE MARC – what’s that about? “It sets out to tell the audience how it came about that I ended up in a moonboot for 8 weeks. The show has been rocking audiences around the country.”
Another deep dive in search of laughs
Fans can expect another deep dive in search of laughs. He shares: “I always want my audience members leaving my show beaming – feeling fantastic! The biggest compliment for me always is, “Marc, my cheeks are sore from laughing”. If I’ve elicited that with my stand-up, then I guess I’ve done my job. With the bigger musicals that I create, I have the opportunity to tell longer stories from the perspective of other characters. These shows have been hugely successful. And my aim with these musicals is always to illustrate that fundamentally, we are all the same. Regardless as to where we come from. We all laugh. We all cry. So, we really should all travel through the world with kindness. Life’s so much shorter than we all think.”
And on a lighter note, the fashion stakes at Zeitz MOCAA will be pretty high, what kind of wardrobe does he have planned for the night? “I tend to look fabulous naturally. It’s a gay thing! So, I look forward to seeing how I look when I leave home on the day.”
For all the A-Listers attending The Hummingbird Ball, he advises: “Dress up, open your wallet, and, … take a selfie with me – there’s no point to life if we’re not seen to be living it up on the socials,” he quips.
- Follow Marc on Instagram, Facebook, and X @marclottering. For tour dates see here. To donate to The Kay Mason Foundation, see here.
In a nutshell
Comedian Marc Lottering
Kay Mason Foundation Hummingbird Ball
At Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town
On Wednesday, 7 October, 2026
