humanitarian work
Charles Khuzwayo|Published
When road safety ambassador and former traffic reporter Ayanda Msweli started collecting donations of just R10 notes dropped into five-litre buckets, to build houses for an elderly woman who was raped alongside her granddaughter in Jozini and another elderly woman in Nongoma, he had no idea he would one day be honoured for his selfless gesture.
On Thursday, at a ceremony hosted by MANCOSA at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Msweli joined the distinguished list of previous recipients of the Annual Professor Yusuf Karodia Award, which recognises individuals for their dedication to community service, philanthropy and social upliftment.
The former Durban Metro Police officer and Ukhozi FM traffic reporter joins Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, who received the award in 2024, and Adeline Singh, founder of the humanitarian organisation Supporting Those In Need Together, who was the inaugural recipient in 2023.
The award commemorates the life, vision and legacy of the late Professor Yusuf Karodia, a philanthropist, educationist and founder of MANCOSA and REGENT Business School.
Accepting the award, Msweli said South Africa would be a better place without greedy individuals. He said compassion and the spirit of Ubuntu, or humanity, had enabled him to build homes for indigent families, valued at between R350 000 and R500 000 each.
“Ubuntu is a gift that never spoils. Hide your neighbour's embarrassment. With Ubuntu we can overcome all the challenges facing us.
“There would be no poverty and gender-based violence,” he said.
Msweli has become a social media sensation through his livestreams of news events, ranging from traffic delays and motor vehicle accidents to stolen vehicle alerts and anti-illegal immigration demonstrations. His broadcasts also highlight the plight of people in need and expose service delivery shortcomings.
The award includes a MANCOSA Higher Certificate bursary valued at R22 000, which Msweli can allocate to an individual of his choice.
He has also been given the opportunity to nominate two South African primary schools to receive three mobile libraries each through MANCOSA’s Million Books Project, established by Professor Karodia to improve reading literacy in disadvantaged schools. Each mobile library contains 300 age-appropriate books.
Msweli’s recognition reflects his work through the Ayanda Msweli Foundation. In addition to building houses, donations raised through his initiatives have helped children from disadvantaged households access tertiary education.
Driving his sponsored, branded double-cab bakkie along the province’s highways and byways, Msweli is often recognised by members of the public who stop to donate towards his charitable work. Others contribute when they encounter him at events and public places.
His award comes in a year in which Ukhozi FM, the SABC’s airwaves behemoth, did not renew his freelance contract. Msweli has said he would welcome the opportunity to return to the station.
His traffic reports were known for their distinctive and creative phrases, which gave his coverage of road conditions a memorable style.