DURBAN – In a widely praised move of integrity and leadership, KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has graciously declined personal donations from a viral public fundraising campaign, requesting instead that the funds be redirected to a trust that supports the children of police officers killed in the line of duty.
The unusual story began on social media, where user @ChrisExcel102, impressed by General Mkhwanazi’s firm stance on crime in the province, launched an initiative to show public appreciation. The initial, symbolic idea was to raise money to “buy two cows” for the general—a traditional sign of deep respect. The sentiment resonated with many South Africans, quickly evolving into a formal BackaBuddy fundraising campaign that gathered significant contributions. Watch the Video Below
However, in a video statement, General Mkhwanazi, while expressing sincere gratitude, firmly turned down the personal gift, framing his decision within the principles of public service.
“I appreciate the gesture and the thought of goodwill behind the idea,” he stated. “I’m a civil servant, and the public already thank me enough through the salary that I receive every month. It is their taxes that compensate us as public servants, and I’m privileged to have been one of those chosen few to serve and protect the people of South Africa.”
A More Noble Cause
Instead of personal enrichment, General Mkhwanazi proposed a powerful alternative. He asked the campaign organizers and all donors to deposit the money into the SAPS Education Trust.
He explained the trust’s critical mission: “This is a fund which pays for educational needs of the children of the members of the South African Police Service who died in the line of duty,” he said.
The General painted a poignant picture of the reality faced by the families of his fallen colleagues, noting that many officers die at a young age without having built up substantial pensions, leaving their children’s futures uncertain. The trust, he explained, steps in to ensure these children can complete their education, with some beneficiaries having already graduated from university thanks to its support.
“It is the least that the police can do to support the families and the children of our fallen colleagues,” he added.
How to Contribute
General Mkhwanazi extended the call for donations to the wider public, encouraging anyone who is able to contribute to what he called a “noble cause of maintaining dignity and securing the future” of these children.
The official banking details for the fund were shared in his address and circulated on social media:
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- Name of Account: SAPS Education Trust
- Bank: Nedbank
- Account Number: 1003359825
- Branch Code: 198765
- Reference: Donor’s Name
The General’s decision to transform a personal gift into a charitable endeavor has earned him even greater respect online, with many commentators lauding his actions as a true display of leadership and selfless service.