Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

By Nkosana Khumalo

South Africa’s online community has spoken, honouring KwaZulu-Natal’s top cop, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, as Man of the Year at the 2025 Black Twitter Awards. The recognition comes amid widespread praise for his bold stand against corruption and political interference in policing. Popular X influencer ChrisExcel sparked the buzz with a viral post saluting Mkhwanazi’s solo battle against powerful figures, from the president to ministers and drug syndicates. The award, part of a lively virtual ceremony celebrating South African social media stars, highlights how ordinary citizens are rallying behind leaders who put integrity first. As the nation grapples with crime and graft, this nod underscores Mkhwanazi’s role as a beacon of hope in law enforcement.

The Viral Post That Ignited the Honour

It all started with a heartfelt tribute from ChrisExcel, a well-known X personality with over three million followers. In his post, he shared a custom certificate declaring Mkhwanazi “Man of the Year” for his relentless efforts to root out corruption. “This man risked his career and his life to fight corruption… Comrades please help me honour: Man of the year General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi,” ChrisExcel wrote, adding the hashtag #BlackTwitterAwards2025. The post quickly gained traction, racking up thousands of likes, reposts, and views within hours.

The certificate, designed in gold and black with South African flags, praised Mkhwanazi for “successfully entertaining Black Twitter” throughout 2025. It was signed by ChrisExcel as the “president” of Black Twitter, with a nod to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa. This informal yet impactful award reflects the power of social media in shaping public opinion and recognising unsung heroes in South Africa.

What Are the Black Twitter Awards?

The Black Twitter Awards are a community-driven celebration on X (formerly Twitter), spotlighting influential figures, influencers, and moments that defined the year for South Africa’s online Black community. Organised by ChrisExcel, who styles himself as the “Black Twitter President,” the awards feature categories like Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, and even humorous ones such as “Mampara” for blunders. Nominations and winners are announced virtually, often through viral threads and videos, with voting sometimes opened to the public.

In 2025, the awards trended widely, with Mkhwanazi sharing the spotlight alongside winners like Nasiphi Moya as Woman of the Year. Other nominees included politicians like Gayton McKenzie for the Mampara category. The event draws from the global Black Twitter phenomenon, which started in the US around 2009 as a space for Black voices to discuss social issues with humour and activism. In South Africa, it gained momentum in the early 2010s, blending local languages like isiZulu and isiXhosa into tweets. By 2025, with millions of South Africans on X, these awards have become a cultural staple, amplifying stories that mainstream media might overlook.

Who Is Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi?

Born on 5 February 1973 in Edendale township near Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Nhlanhla Sibusiso Mkhwanazi—affectionately known as “Lucky” or “The Tank”—has risen through the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS) over three decades. He joined SAPS in 1993, starting in Public Order Policing, where his fitness and combat skills earned him the nickname “Tank” for his tough, unyielding approach.

Mkhwanazi’s career highlights include heading the elite Special Task Force from 2005, managing specialised operations like air wing, tactical response teams, and cross-border missions. In 2011, at just 38, he became acting National Police Commissioner, where he made waves by suspending corrupt officials, including spy boss Richard Mdluli. “If we want to fight crime, we must rid the SAPS of criminals and stay with clean cops,” he told the media at the time.

Since 2018, as KZN Provincial Commissioner, Mkhwanazi has focused on curbing violent crime, political killings, and gang violence in one of South Africa’s most challenging provinces. His leadership led to key arrests, including seven suspects in the 2023 murder of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane. He has also tackled the construction mafia and drug syndicates, implementing strategies that reduced violent incidents and boosted community safety.

Mkhwanazi keeps his personal life private—he is married with a family and has no social media presence—but his net worth is estimated at around R28 million in 2025, stemming from his SAPS salary and investments.

Mkhwanazi’s Bold Stand Against Corruption and Interference

Mkhwanazi’s 2025 has been defined by his fearless testimony before parliamentary committees and commissions. In July, he accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of ties to the criminal underworld and hindering arrests, including in the murder of musician DJ Sumbody. “I will die for this badge,” Mkhwanazi declared, vowing to resist political meddling in policing.

His revelations sparked national outrage, leading to marches in his support, Mchunu’s suspension, and a judicial inquiry chaired by Justice Mandisa Maya (formerly Madlanga Commission). Mkhwanazi labelled provincial officials “clueless” on security threats and exposed deep rot in SAPS, including interference from parliamentarians and executives. These actions have positioned him as a national conscience, with experts praising his integrity amid fragile public trust in institutions.

Just last year, in November 2024, Mkhwanazi received the “Risk Influencer of the Year” award from the Institute for Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA). Presented by IRMSA President Bheki Gutshwa and CEO Yvonne Mothibi, it recognised his innovative risk management strategies for community safety. “This award recognises SAPS’ dedication to risk management and our commitment to creating a safer environment,” he said. National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola hailed it as a testament to Mkhwanazi’s leadership in enforcing the rule of law.

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