Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Brian Monaisa founded the Smile Artists Africa event in 2020 with a vision to give cancer victims a second chance at life.

Dr Monaisa says the money raised in the initiative will help in funding reconstruction surgeries for breast cancer survivors. 

Unathi Nkayi is set to be the host, while Branden Praise will be serenading the guests with his famous R&B music.

The event will feature celebrated and upcoming fashion designer / brands including:
  • Maxhosa
  • Naked Ape
  • Siko Republic
  • Afrika Your Time
  • Bathini Designs, and 
  • LSJ designs.
They will be dressing celebrities that will interact with guests at the glittering affair.

Artists will also showcase their artwork in an exhibition and multimedia installation. Those who will be attending include:
  • Mfundo Mthiyane
  • Phumzile Buthelezi
  • Siko Republic
  • Lerato Motau
  • Olwethu De Vos
  • Azael Langa Mandla Mavengere
  • Nkensani Rihlampfu
  • Mel Madiba
  • Zwelethu Machepha, and
  • Lebohang Motaung.
This will be followed by an online auction, a fundraising event and an activation in October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The star-studded event will additionally host celebrities such as:
  • Minnie Dlamini
  • Melanie Bala
  • Brenda Mhlongo
  • Robert Marawa, and
  • Karabo the curator.
"This is an exciting event and partnership for us. It will educate, support and create much-needed awareness when it comes to breast cancer awareness and reconstructive surgery," says Monaisa.

"The proceeds of the initiative will provide financial assistance to breast cancer survivors who choose to have their breasts reconstructed following a lumpectomy as a result of a breast cancer diagnosis," adds Monaisa.

Sanlam Private Wealth says that the Fashion Art Fusion event provides a further opportunity to continue the company's long-standing collaboration with artists and master craftsmen to showcase its distinct approach to wealth creation and preservation.

Keabetswe Ntuli, Johannesburg regional head of Sanlam Private Wealth, says, "We are immensely proud to be partnering with Dr Monaisa in this most worthy endeavour — using craftsmanship for good by restoring the confidence of women who are breast cancer survivors."

Monaisa adds that the inaugural initiative raised more than R300 000. The funds helped a 39-year-old breast cancer survivor who was able to do a constructive breast surgery in March 2021.

"The impact that the reconstructive surgeries have on the quality of life for breast cancer survivors is amazing. It helps women feel whole again and help survivors rebuild their sense of self," Monaisa concludes. 

For more information, visit www.sanlamprivatewealth.sanlam.com. You can also follow Sanlam Private Wealth on Instagram