Real name Nkosinathi Maphumulo, Black Coffee lived up to his promises and delivered the first phase of the houses.

On Wednesday, the foundation handed over newly rebuilt homes in Mthatha. After the devastating floods that left many families displaced, this moment marks a step toward restoring safety, dignity and hope. More homes are still to come. In partnership with Tenco Foundation and Pro Roof.

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Mampeule was one of only four Africans nominated continent-wide, and notably, the only South African shortlisted for the prestigious title. He ultimately placed second, trailing the winner by just 2.78%, in one of the closest results in the award’s history.

This recognition reflects the scale, depth and consistency of Mampeule’s impact across South Africa over the past several years, as he continues to champion development, youth empowerment, affordable housing innovation, and global health access.

Standing Among Africa’s Exceptional Leaders

The African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Awards celebrate Africans whose contributions are shaping the continent’s development, progress and global influence.

This year’s programme featured a distinguished cohort of leaders across multiple categories. South African nominees included:

● Mandisa Maya, Chief Justice of South Africa — African Female Leader of the Year

● Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health — African Public Health Champion of the Year

● Phuthuma Nhleko, Chairman and Co-Founder of Phembani Group — African Industrialist of the Year

Other continental leaders recognised across various categories included:

● President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana

● President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia

A Track Record of Impact in South Africa

Over the past five years, Rali Mampeule has emerged as one of South Africa’s most influential philanthropists, with work spanning global health, education, rural development, youth empowerment, and infrastructure innovation.

Through the Mampeule Foundation, he has supported tertiary education, community upliftment, and sustainable development. As founding donor of the Global Surgery Foundation (GSF), he contributes to advancing equitable access to surgical care worldwide.

Rali’s philanthropic work spans multiple sectors, including:

● South African Housing and Infrastructure Fund (SAHIF): Founded by Rali, SAHIF has delivered more than 68,000 much-needed housing stands, enabling thousands of South Africans to build homes and secure a place they can truly call their own.

● MetroFibre Networx: Recognising the demand for home connectivity during the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the rise of remote work, Rali invested in MetroFibre Networx, which now provides high-speed internet to over 510,000 homes.

● COVID-19 Emergency Housing: In 2020, through SAHIF, Rali built and donated 72 emergency housing units to the Ikemeleng community in Roodepoort, providing safe accommodation for over 300 people relocated from a nearby farm.

● Educational Bursaries: Through the Mampeule Foundation, Rali has awarded more than 90 study bursaries to students across South Africa.

● 3D-Printed Housing Innovation: He partnered with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSI) and the University of Johannesburg to develop South Africa’s first 3D-printed house, a milestone in affordable housing innovation.

● Youth-Focused Programmes: Rali supports initiatives such as Green Riders — aimed at creating 50,000 green jobs — the Supreme Fight League (SFL), and several other programmes empowering young South Africans.

In addition to his philanthropic work, Rali Mampeule serves as Chairman of MIT Investments, Chairman of the UJ SMaCT Research Centre, and CEO of the African Housing and Infrastructure Fund (AHIF). He is a member of the Forbes Real Estate Council, a Top 100 Property Leader (SAIBPP, 2025), and winner of the SAIBPP Socio-Economic Impact Award (2019). He also holds an AMDP qualification from Harvard University.

A Remarkable Showing for South Africa

While Mampeule narrowly missed the top spot, his performance stands as a powerful achievement in its own right. As the only South African nominated in the category, he finished as the highest-ranked South African philanthropist and one of the top philanthropists on the continent.

South Africa rallied behind him in an extraordinary way and the overwhelming public support he received demonstrates the significant trust placed in his leadership and the transformative role he continues to play in South Africa’s development landscape.

For South Africa, his result underscores the country’s leadership in social impact, innovation and community development.

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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.

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