Thokozile Mnguni
The founder of the Collen Mashawana Foundation, Dr Collen Mashawana, is set to be honoured at the 2026 Community Builders in Africa Awards in Harare, Zimbabwe, next week.
The ceremony will take place at the Rainbow Towers Hotel on Friday, 15 May and is expected to bring together African leaders, philanthropists and development practitioners celebrating efforts to uplift communities across the continent.
According to the foundation, the award recognises Dr Mashawana’s long-standing humanitarian work and his contribution to improving the lives of vulnerable communities through housing, infrastructure and social support initiatives.
Dr Mashawana said the honour reflects a shared commitment to service rather than personal achievement.
“This work has never been about one person, but about communities and partners who share a vision of dignity and hope,” he said.
The awards will also recognise African changemakers, including political leaders and innovators advancing social development in their respective countries.
The honour comes shortly after the foundation marked its 14th anniversary in April with a series of events focused on expanding its reach in underserved communities.
The programme included a golf day at Blue Valley Country Club, followed by a fundraising dinner attended by donors, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and public officials supporting the foundation’s initiatives.
Among those present were Julius Malema, Lindiwe Zulu, Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, alongside other public figures including Margaret Arnolds and David Skosana.
Speakers at the event highlighted the importance of cross-sector partnerships in addressing social challenges, with Zulu stressing the need for collaboration that delivers meaningful results for communities.
Traditional leadership structures were also represented, with delegates from the Lemba Cultural Association attending under PF Mutenda of the Hadzhi clan, alongside leaders from the Eastern Cape, North West and Limpopo.
The foundation said the anniversary celebrations and upcoming recognition reflect its continued commitment to restoring dignity and advancing sustainable development initiatives across Africa.