Ronan Keating on his deep connection to South Africa: 'I love it, it's magic'

Cape Town - Irish singer Ronan Keating declared his love for South Africa t as he hosted a charity event at Val de Vie Estate in Paarl on Saturday.

The Boyzone frontman teamed up with South African golf legend Gary Player as they treated Val de Vie Estate members to a "Night with Ronan Keating" charity event.

The exclusive gala dinner and fundraising auction raised R1 433 000 for The Player Foundation and the Ronan Keating Foundation's selected beneficiary, the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital Oncology Unit.

"The loss of my own mother to cancer still affects me greatly after 21 years, so anything I can do to raise money and awareness for cancer anywhere in the world, I will do," said Ronan in a press conference.

"To be able to use your position and help other people who can't help themselves. I want to be a part of it and involved. It's a great honour for me to stand beside Gary and do something like this so it's an absolute privilege."

The 42-year-old singer spoke about his love for South Africa, even revealing that he spent his honeymoon in the country."I love it, I love being here. Over 26 years I've spent a lot of time in South Africa either touring, doing promotional tours, on holidays and even spent my honeymoon here," he said. 

"I love it, its magic. It's the people, I guess. When you try and talk about any country, yes there's beautiful sights and things to do but it's the people that make it special. When I pulled up here [Val de vie Estate] yesterday [Friday], I felt like I was coming home the way they welcomed my son and my wife - it's just so lovely. So yes, I'm always excited to be in South Africa," he added. 

Boyzone recently completed their Thank You & Goodnight Tour on October 25, as the Irish band ended their glittering 26-year career span. Boyzone has produced hits such as Love Me for a Reason, Words, Father and Son and No Matter What.

Ronan went on to have a successful solo career with hits such as When You Say Nothing at All, If Tomorrow Never Comes and Life Is A Rollercoaster.