Award-winning Eastern Cape content creator, influencer and media personality Mandisi Tshingana bagged the Humanitarian Award at the Emerge Africa Awards ceremony in Midrand, Johannesburg, on Saturday.
The organisation aims to celebrate individuals, brands and organisations across Africa while recognising their dedication and impact in their respective categories.
The social media sensation and professional engineer shared his kindness by entertaining his followers with skits on TikTok and Instagram reels.
Tshingana recently launched a crowd fund for Eastern Cape actress Brenda Ngxoli, who had shared videos of her having altercations with a female family member and said the unhappiness was because of financial distress.
A month after Ngxoli, Tshingana came through for Big Brother Mzansi runner-up Uyanda Hlangabezo, who missed out on the R2m prize.
His kindness was not restricted to the Eastern Cape.
He was among those who donated to legendary SA actress Nandi Nyembe, who was recently struck ill.
Tshingana reflected on his mixed emotions when he was announced as the winner.
“I felt a wave of disbelief and gratitude wash over me.
“My heart raced, and for a moment I was rooted to my seat, overwhelmed by the realisation that this recognition was not just about me — it was a testament to the power of collective humanity.
“Standing there, I remembered my journey and everyone who rallied behind me and it hit me: “umntu ngumntu ngabantu” [a person is a person through other people] is not just a phrase, it is a lived truth.”
He said the award was more about those who had been his support system than him.
“This award is a humbling affirmation that compassion transcends individual effort.
“It is not just about me, it is about every person who donated, shared or sent a word of encouragement.
“It validates that even in moments of self-doubt, showing up for others matters and, most importantly, it reinforces the fact that ubuntu isn’t a relic of the past but a guiding light for our future as South Africans.
“Recognition like this is not a finish line, it is a fuel.
“It reminds me that kindness is not a grand gesture but a series of intentional choices.
“While fundraising, sharing a meal, or simply listening, this award strengthens my resolve to keep bridging gaps and amplifying voices which need to be heard.”
Tshingana expressed appreciation for every nominee, saying their work had great impact.
And he sent a shout-out to his support system and the organisation.
“The Emerge Africa Awards celebrate countless changemakers across the continent, but I don’t have the exact number of nominees in my category.
“What I do know is that every nominee’s work reflects the same spirit of ubuntu — this award belongs to all of us.
“To my family, friends, and followers who have held me up, even when I doubted myself, and to the Emerge Africa Awards for seeing the quiet work that often goes unnoticed, enkosi kakhulu — thank you, from the depths of my heart.”
Daily Dispatch
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