BY NELIWE NGUBANE
EZULWINI – At just 22 years old, Nkhosikhona Mafuleka of Sithobelweni is the proud owner of a brand-new Omoda C5 after emerging as the grand prize winner of the MTN 7080 Cash & Keys promotion.
Mafuleka, who revealed that he had spent more than E20 000 on airtime participating in the competition, was announced as the winner during the promotion’s grand finale held at MTN Headquarters in Ezulwini on Thursday, 8 October 2026.
His latest victory comes just two weeks after he won E10 000 in the same competition.
Speaking shortly after being announced as the winner, Mafuleka said he had entered the competition without imagining that he would eventually walk away with a brand-new vehicle.
He revealed that he was encouraged to participate by Christian Dude, whose influence motivated him to try his luck.
“I was too excited. I was motivated by Christian Dude to join the competition, but I never thought I could win it,” he said.
According to Mafuleka, his participation in the promotion saw him spend more than E20 000 on airtime, although there was no guarantee that he would win any of the prizes.
Despite the amount he had spent, he continued participating until the competition reached its conclusion.
His efforts eventually saw him secure the grand prize, adding to the E10 000 he had won earlier.
Mafuleka attributed his victory to God, describing the vehicle as a gift he had never expected to receive.
The announcement also brought excitement to his family, particularly his father, Sabelo Mafuleka, who congratulated him upon receiving the news.
Recalling his father’s reaction, Mafuleka said he was told: “Mfana wami usebentile,” which translates to “My boy, you have done well.”
Meanwhile, MTN Acting Chief Executive Officer Chris Wasswa congratulated the young winner and expressed satisfaction with the response the promotion had received from customers.
Wasswa disclosed that participation in the MTN 7080 Cash & Keys promotion had exceeded the company’s expectations.
He further announced that Mafuleka would not have to immediately worry about some of the expenses associated with owning his new vehicle.
According to Wasswa, MTN had already secured insurance coverage for the Omoda C5 for one year and would also provide the winner with free fuel for eight months.
“We want you to enjoy the car without worrying about some of these costs,” Wasswa said.
The additional benefits mean Mafuleka will receive not only the vehicle but also assistance with insurance and fuel expenses during the specified periods.
As the MTN 7080 Cash & Keys promotion came to an end, the telecommunications company announced another competition for its customers.
Under the new promotion, one winner will receive a trip to Cape Town for two people, together with a cash prize of E100 000.
For Mafuleka, Thursday’s announcement marked the conclusion of a competition in which he had already secured E10 000 before being named the winner of its biggest prize.
His win also attracted attention because of the more than E20 000 he disclosed spending on airtime to participate, an amount that illustrates the financial commitment he made despite the uncertainty surrounding the outcome.
The 22-year-old now returns to Sithobelweni as the owner of a brand-new Omoda C5, with one year’s insurance and eight months of free fuel included in his prize package.
Source: Original report by Neliwe Ngubane.
