South Africa is celebrating one of its own as philanthropist and entrepreneur Rali Mampeule earns a coveted nomination for African Philanthropist of the Year 2026 in the prestigious African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year programme. Mampeule stands as the only South African in this continental category, placing him shoulder to shoulder with giants of African generosity and development such as Nigeria’s Jim Ovia, Ghana’s Dr Mensa Otabil and Ethiopia’s Samuel Tafesse .
Full nominees list here: https://www.africanleadershipmagazine.co.uk/african-leadership-magazine-persons-of-the-year-2026-nominees/
This recognition places a powerful spotlight on a man whose rise from humble roots to continental influence has inspired a new generation of South African changemakers.
A Philanthropist Driven by Faith and Purpose
Reacting to his nomination, Mampeule offered a message that has already gone viral for its sincerity and spiritual depth.
“Faith is when you give what you have, even when it is small. Like the widow with her last oil, you trust that God can multiply it,” he said. “You do not wait for abundance before you move; you move and abundance follows.”
This philosophy has guided the Mampeule Foundation’s work and has made him a standout figure across Africa’s development landscape .
Five Years of Impact that Changed Communities
In just half a decade, Mampeule has become one of South Africa’s most influential philanthropists, driving change across global health, education, youth empowerment, rural development and infrastructure innovation.
His achievements read like milestones in a national transformation blueprint:
Housing and Infrastructure
Through the South African Housing and Infrastructure Fund (SAHIF), Mampeule has delivered more than 68,000 housing stands, helping thousands secure homes and build generational stability.
Digital Access for Half a Million Homes
With MetroFibre Networx, he invested in connectivity for over 510,000 homes, accelerating South Africa’s digital inclusion during the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Emergency Housing During COVID-19
At the height of the pandemic, SAHIF built and donated 72 emergency housing units in Roodepoort, sheltering over 300 people who had been displaced.
Bursaries and Education Support
More than 90 students across South Africa have received tertiary bursaries through the Mampeule Foundation.
3D Printed Housing Innovation
In partnership with the University of Johannesburg and the Department of Science and Innovation, Mampeule helped develop South Africa’s first 3D-printed house, marking a breakthrough in affordable construction.
Youth Empowerment
From Green Riders’ ambition to create 50,000 green jobs, to supporting mixed martial arts through the Supreme Fight League, Mampeule has invested in platforms that give young people opportunities many never had before.
These achievements are not just philanthropic commitments. They are long-term investments in a future where South Africans thrive across education, technology, infrastructure and innovation.
An African Leader Among African Leaders
This year’s Persons of the Year nominees read like a who’s who of continental excellence. South Africa is well represented with names such as Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and business icon Phuthuma Nhleko all earning nominations in other categories .
Mampeule’s place among them signals the growing continental recognition of South African philanthropy and leadership.
Voting Opens Until 30 November: South Africa Called to Support Its Own
Public voting for the African Philanthropist of the Year 2026 Award is open until 30 November 2025, giving South Africans the chance to help elevate one of the country’s most active and impactful social investors onto an even bigger global stage .
As the continent watches, Mampeule’s nomination becomes more than an accolade. It becomes a reminder of what African homegrown philanthropy can achieve when driven by heart, innovation and faith.