On Saturday, 19 July, Mlungisis Maseko of Mooiplaas won the coveted national Devoted Citizen Award at the Mandela Memorial Lecture event in Kempton Park.
The ceremony highlighted individuals who symbolise the values of selflessness and dedication towards improving the lives of others, echoing Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
Maseko was chosen for his extraordinary act of altruism: using a portion of his Road Accident Fund payment to provide water to more than 100 families in his community.
His is story is one which resonates deeply with the spirit of Ubuntu. He used the largest part of his pay-out from the Road Accident Fund after being seriously injured in a car accident. Instead of using the money for personal recovery and future security, he chose to benefit his Mooiplaas community.
Witnessing the persistent struggle for clean water in Mooiplaas, he made the courageous decision to redirect a significant portion of his funds towards alleviating this critical water shortage. His selfless act transformed the daily struggle of his neighbours by providing water, a fundamental necessity.
Access to water is a basic human right, necessary for health, hygiene and dignity. One man’s selfless act undoubtedly improved the quality of life for the most vulnerable. His decision highlighted how personal, unfortunate circumstances such as his accident, can be transformed into positive change.
During July, while celebrating Mandela’s Day on the 18th, Maseko stands as a shining example of what it means to be a truly devoted citizen, turning personal gain into a lifeline for an entire community.
The Mooiplaas community had been without water for many years as the government did not come to their aid. Instead, one man, Mlungisi “Majazi” Maseko, did. A worthy winner, changing lives and showing what a true spirit of Ubunti means.
