Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi Honours Mandela Day through Community Service

Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi Honours Mandela Day through Community Service

  • On Nelson Mandela Day, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi personally extended his hand to do community work
  • The viral tweet showcased Mkhwanazi’s hands-on community work, a fitting tribute to Mandela’s legacy
  • The post shifted the public perception of SAPS leadership by blending law enforcement with compassionate community outreach

South Africans positively reacted to KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's hands-on community outreach on Mandela Day, exemplifying Mandela's legacy and fostering improved public trust.

Mandela Day saw KwaZulu-Natal's police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, personally painting walls
Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal's police commissioner, helping on Mandela Day. Image: Zizinja
Source: Twitter

South Africans across the country came together on 18 July to mark Nelson Mandela Day, a date celebrated annually to honour the late former president’s legacy of compassion, unity, and service. One figure who stood out this year was KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's hands-on community outreach on Mandela Day.

Shared by user @Zizinja, a tweet accompanied by images captures Mkhwanazi repainting a community building, showing that small, practical acts of service can make a lasting impact. Images shared online show the general in a work uniform, sleeves rolled up, helping to brighten up a local structure, a gesture that quickly went viral for its humility and sincerity.

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Mandela Day inspires actions that foster community impact

Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated every year on 18 July, the birthday of Madiba himself. Recognised by the United Nations, the day encourages individuals, groups, and organisations to spend 67 minutes doing something positive for their communities, one minute for every year Mandela dedicated to fighting for justice, equality, and human rights. Whether it’s cleaning, donating, or offering a skill, the idea is to honour Mandela’s spirit by making a difference.

For many South Africans, seeing General Mkhwanazi participating so directly was both uplifting and symbolic. In a country often rocked by corruption and mistrust in leadership, watching a top police official get involved in grassroots initiatives sent a powerful message about servant leadership.

The general’s quiet act of service was met with praise on social media, with many highlighting his consistent dedication to public service. While the gesture was simple, its impact was deep. In a time when many feel overlooked by those in power, Mkhwanazi reminded South Africans that change begins with showing up, doing the work, and inspiring others to do the same.

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Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the police commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, actively participated in Mandela Day by painting walls to improve local facilities for residents
On Mandela Day, KwaZulu-Natal’s police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, took part in a community service project by painting walls, demonstrating hands-on leadership and care. Image: Zizinja
Source: Twitter

Mzansi reacted to the post

Aunt Ndu wrote:

"Our Mkhwanazi! 💃💃"

Mondli Mkhathini said:

"This guy really loves being a policeman; he even wears the SAPS maintenance uniform! 😂"

Sibonga wrote:

"Wow, brilliant work by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi! 🚔"

C.M. Mathekga said:

"The people’s general. Criminals are jumping up and down while he stays calm, loving South Africa and serving its people the best way he knows how. 🫡 Our general! 🫡"

Thembalethu Thera wrote:

"The man truly loves the people of South Africa. Leave him alone and let him shine! 🇿🇦🫡☺️🙏🏾"

Nqanawe Nqanawe said:

"Haha, looks like another political party is loading."

Brent wrote:

"The president! 🔥"

Wusheeee! said:

"The Lieutenant General is always walking around with steel. 👌🏾"

1000 Souls wrote:

"They’re going to complain about the SAPS work suit again. 😂😂"

Check out the X post below:

3 Briefly News stories about Nelson Mandela

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Gloria Masia avatar

Gloria Masia Gloria Masia is a Human Interest Writer at Briefly News. She holds a Diploma in Public Relations from UNISA and a Diploma in Journalism from Rosebank College. With over six years of experience, Gloria has worked in digital marketing, online TV production, and radio. Email:gloria.masia@briefly.co.za