KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has been praised over his decision to donate over R40 000 raised through a BackaBuddy public initiative towards a charity.
MKHWANAZI PLEDGES BACKABUDDY CASH TO CHARITY
Last month, notorious X troll Chris Excel launched a crowdfunding initiative to gift Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi two cows as a “token of appreciation.”
The initiative was a hit, raising R44 000 for the top cop who went public with allegations of corruption within the police department.
In a clip posted on social media, Mkhwanazi thanked those who had donated to the initiative.
He said, “I appreciate the gesture and the thoughts of goodwill behind the idea of contributing money. I’m a civil servant, and the public already thanks me enough through the salary I receive every month. It is their taxes that compensate us. I’m privileged to be one of those chosen few to serve and protect the people of South Africa through my role as a police officer”.
Mkhwanazi appealed to BackaBuddy and Chris Excel to deposit the cash into the SAPS Educational Trust instead.
He continued: “This is a fund that pays for the educational needs of children of SAPS who died in the line of duty. We have already seen some of these children who have graduated as a result of the support of this fund.
“It is the least that the police can do to support the families and children of our fallen colleagues”.
Mkhwanazi added that an independent board of trustees ran the fund.
POLICE AND GIFTS
Although Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi graciously gave away the gift intended for him, authorities have claimed he was well within his rights to accept it.
KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, told The South African that police may accept gifts for any reason, provided that they declare that it is not a gratification.
“There is a gift register in the SAPS that police officers sign to declare all gifts”, he said.
HIGH PRAISE FROM PUBLIC
Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s selfless act has been widely praised by social media users, including Action SA leader Herman Mashaba.
He posted: “This public servant, Nhlahla Mkhwanazi, is absolutely an amazing man. This country is fortunate to have such an individual within the ranks of the SAPS”.
Here’s what others had to say…
General Mkhwanazis ethics and Ubuntu is unparalleled, he represents the best of SAs public servants. pic.twitter.com/Hur1Oc7JkP
— Prof Moya (@MoyaProf) August 13, 2025
This is a beautiful display of ubuntu in action — a community showing gratitude to a leader who has served with integrity. In times where trust in leadership is scarce, it’s powerful to see citizens willingly give back, not because they must, but because they believe the man is…
— ZoeM 😌 | Chaos & Charisma (@ZolekaMaseko15) August 13, 2025
When police officers die protecting us, the least we can do is ensure their children’s futures are secure. School fees, uniforms, stationery – these basics shouldn’t be a struggle for families who’ve already given everything. Great initiative from Lt Gen Mkhwanazi 🇿🇦
— BCPS (@BCPS19) August 13, 2025
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