Cattle cash for cops’ kids: Mkhwanazi turns R44k gift into education lifeline

It started as a cheeky online stunt to buy KwaZulu-Natal police boss Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi two cows.

It now ends up with R44 074 going to help educate the children of slain police officers through the South African Police Service Education Trust Fund (SAPSET).

The viral “Buy Mkhwanazi Cows” campaign, launched on X (formerly Twitter) by notorious parody account Chris Excel, had one goal: to raise R35 000 to buy the provincial commissioner two head of cattle in recognition of his zero tolerance for crime.

Many social media users rallied behind the idea after Mkhwanazi’s explosive July 6 press briefing, where he dropped a bombshell that triggered top cop suspensions and even saw Police Minister Senzo Mchunu placed on special leave.

Mchunu's portfolio is now headed by Prof Firoz Cachalia, as acting police minister.

But as the BackaBuddy (crowdfunding platform) total exceeded its target, questions started flying on social media about where the cows are or at least the money.

Mkhwanazi's rejection of the offer now solves the mystery and the logistics of buying and transporting the cattle.

In a video message, Mkhwanazi thanked donors but politely declined the bovine gift, saying public servants are already paid with taxpayers’ money.

 "I'd like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the X user by the name of Chris Excel, who came up with the initiative to raise funds in support of the work that police are doing to keep criminals at bay. 

"Although this original idea supported by those who contributed the money was to buy cows for myself, I appreciate the gesture and the thoughts of goodwill behind the idea of contributing money.

"I am a civil servant, and the public already thank me enough through the salary that I receive every month. It is their taxes that compensate us public servants. And I am privileged to have been one of the few to serve and protect the people of South Africa through my role as a police officer.

"I therefore would like Chris Excel and those who donated the money to please deposit it to the South African Police Educational Trust. This is a fund which pays for the educational needs of the children of the members of the South African Police who died in the line of duty," said Mkhwanazi.

He said every year, they gather at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where the members that died in the line of duty are commemorated, and expressed that the majority of these members died at a very young age and very junior ranks. 

"Therefore, they have not contributed much in terms of their pension, leaving behind the children that need support. The South African Police Service Educational Fund takes care of these children by contributing to their educational needs," said Mkhwanazi.

He expressed his satisfaction with the academic achievements of the deceased police officers' children through this trust. 

"It is the least that the police can do to support the families and the children of our fallen colleagues."

The BackaBuddy campaign ended up raising R44 074.

Mkhwanazi said if Excel and other contributors have agreed, they can deposit the money, as he shared the banking details.

Responding to Mkhwanazi's announcement, ActionSA president Herman Mashaba said, "This public servant, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, is absolutely an amazing man. This country is fortunate to have such an individual within the ranks of SAPS."

On Tuesday, national SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe had said Mkhwanazi's office was awaiting National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola's approval for the funds to be deposited to the SAPSET account.