By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Renowned South African philanthropist Dr Collen Mashawana has been nominated for the 2026 edition of AfriHeritage Awards, the 4th in the series organised by the Heritage Times HT.
Mashawana, the founder and chair of the Collen Mashawana Foundation (CMF) is nominated in the philanthropy category in recognition of his tireless efforts toward uplifting vulnerable communities and driving sustainable development initiatives across South Africa.
“It is a great honour to be recognised at the 4th AFRIHeritage Awards in Accra, alongside such distinguished African leaders. I am deeply grateful for this recognition of the work we have done through CMF in the past 14 years. This honour inspires me to continue advancing initiatives that uplift Africa and showcase the continent’s excellence globally,” Mashawana said, while reflecting on the journey that led to this international recognition.
His CMF, a non-governmental organisation has in the past 14 years focused on improving the lives of underprivileged families through housing projects, educational support, healthcare interventions and community development programmes.
The foundation’s work has earned Mashawana a reputation as one of South Africa’s leading philanthropists dedicated to restoring dignity and hope.
The award celebrates distinguished Africans who have made remarkable contributions in leadership, public service, business, philanthropy, culture, media, science and technology, and social impact across the continent and the Diaspora.
Mashawana has been nominated along with other prominent figures, including Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, CON, CGH, Honorary President and Former President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), (NIGERIA); Her Excellency, Dame Marcella Liburd, GCMG, JP, Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis (THE CARIBBEAN); Ms. Antoinette Monsio Sayeh, Former Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), (LIBERIA); Professor Lesley Lokko, OBE, Founder and Chair of the African Futures Institute (AFI), (GHANA) and many other eminent personalities and top brands.
The 4th edition of the AFRIHeritage Awards is expected to convene over 1,000 attendees from across Africa and diaspora, consisting of top dignitaries, policymakers, business leaders, creatives, Chairman/CEO of Heritage Times HT, Mr. Moses Siloko Siasia stated in a statement earlier.
Coming up April 11 at the prestigious Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, in the historic city of Accra, Ghana, the ceremony will feature a high-level convergence for strategic networking and panel sessions, bringing together African icons, senior public officials, global CEOs, investors, creatives, top brands, and thought leaders from Africa and the Diaspora.
