MAMaZ Project Technical Coordinator Ernest Chanda wins 2025 Victor Simfukwe Award

30th October 2025

Transaid is delighted to announce that Ernest Chanda, Project Technical Coordinator for Transaid’s Mobilising Access to Maternal Health Services (MAMaZ) programmes, has been announced as the winner of the 2025 Victor Simfukwe Award, which recognises outstanding commitment to Transaid’s mission and values over the last year, in honour of our late friend and colleague Victor Simfukwe.

Ernest has been instrumental in advancing the work of the MAMaZ programmes, playing a pivotal role in coordinating project delivery and ensuring impact across communities. His leadership, professionalism and unwavering dedication have helped drive forward lifesaving work in maternal, newborn and child health, while strengthening the visibility of Transaid’s programmes locally and beyond.

One nominator praised Ernest and the wider MAMaZ team for “perfectly encapsulating the spirit of collaboration and impact”, highlighting his ability to combine technical expertise with on-the-ground responsiveness. Another noted that Ernest has been “flying the flag for Transaid’s work in Zambia”, representing the organisation with integrity, passion and a deep commitment to improving access to healthcare and transport services.

This year, Ernest travelled to Nigeria to train trainers on the use of Rectal Artesunate (RAS) at the community level as a treatment for severe malaria. He has also travelled to Cote D’Ivoire to present on Transaid’s model in Zambia. Ernest’s work exemplifies the qualities that the Victor Simfukwe Award was created to celebrate; compassion, professionalism, and a drive to deliver sustainable change. His contributions have not only supported programme delivery but also strengthened relationships with partners and communities across Zambia.

 

Highly Commended

Transaid Project Manager Dennis Simuyuni received the 2025 Highly Commended Award for his outstanding work ethic and can do attitude, both in the office as a manager and in the field. Dennis plays an instrumental role alongside Ernest in the delivery of the MAMaZ programme, he is also delivering Transaid’s project in South Africa – managing stakeholders with care and attention and exceeding the targets. Dennis was praised for being an absolute team player and always going the extra mile.

A thank you to everyone!

The 2025 Victor Simfukwe Award and the Highly Commended Award were presented by Transaid’s Chief Executive, Caroline Barber at Transaid’s 2025 Royal Showcase, held at Eversheds Sutherland in London on 28 October. This year, Impress Communications kindly sponsored the Victor Simfukwe Award once again.

Transaid extends its warmest congratulations to Ernest and all those shortlisted on their well-deserved recognition, and thanks all those who submitted nominations for this year’s award. We hope that the 2025 Victor Simfukwe Awards has inspired you and don’t forget to nominate people next year who are making exceptional contributions to Transaid’s mission!

The shortlist

Andree Ball — Marketing Events Manager at Microlise — Andree has been the driving force behind Microlise’s support for Transaid, playing a central role in raising over £250,000 for the charity in the last decade. Since stepping in for the Cycle South Africa challenge in 2017, she has become the link between Microlise and Transaid — offering constant support, encouragement, and coordination across both teams.

 

Dennis Simuyuni — Project Manager for Transaid — Dennis always goes the extra mile and has been outstanding in advancing Transaid’s work in Zambia and beyond, with a can-do attitude and commitment to impact.

 

 

 

Edward O’ Connor — Programmes Support Manager for Transaid— Edward has consistently demonstrated dedication and hands-on commitment, delivering with reliability and professionalism.

 

 

 

Frank Agyei-Monney — Road Safety Advocate for Transaid’s Driving Safety Across Ghana project — Frank has devoted his time to promoting road safety through education, community outreach and advocacy, going above and beyond to help improve road safety in Ghana.

 

 

Gladys Nyachieo — Research Lead and member of the Kenyan National Helmet Wearing Coalition — Gladys put in an immense amount of time to produce important research on motorcycle crashes and health outcomes, forming an important part of Transaid’s helmet safety advocacy in Kenya.

 

 

Guy Heywood — Transaid Ambassador — Guy completed a series of gruelling events this year to fundraise for Transaid’s programmes.

 

 

 

 

Joan Nyaga — North Star Alliance Outreach Clinician — Joan works with Transaid to support the Madereva Salama Zaidi project in Kenya, which aims to support commercial truck drivers with healthcare and road safety messaging. She was exceptional at accessing these hard-to-reach areas, engaging with the drivers, and encouraging them to attend the clinics.

 

Maddy Matheson – Head of Fundraising for Transaid – Maddy works tirelessly and passionately to promote Transaid and always does it with a smile and enthusiasm.

 

 

 

Mike Daly — Transaid Ambassador — Mike is a longstanding supporter of Transaid is always willing to volunteer his time, knowledge, and networks.

 

 

 

 

Elly Kegode — Chairman KRO Boda Boda Sacco— Elly is a champion for helmet wearing among riders in Kenya and has been instrumental in piloting and scaling up a sustainable helmet initiative benefiting hundreds of riders in Kenya.

 

 

Peter Nana Yaw Eetty — Road Safety Campaigner — Peter has advocated passionately for road safety through education and outreach for Transaid’s Driving Safety Across Ghana Project.

 

 

 

Robert Jervis — Transaid Ambassador and Managing Director of Clarion Events —Robert mobilises the transport and logistics industry year after year for the Multimodal Exhibition, creating a platform that consistently raises substantial funds and awareness for Transaid’s life-saving work. In 2025, Robert went even further by completing a sponsored walk from Fulham to the NEC, raising £6,000 for Transaid.

 

Samuel Whyte Agyapong — Road Safety Campaigner — Since 2019, Samuel has continuously promoted safer driving practices in Ghana, and works closely with Transaid on the Driving Safety Across Ghana project.

 

 

 

William Kimanzi — Founder & Trainer The QuickFix Learning Hub — William is passionate about reducing road deaths and injuries in Kenya, launching the STOP THE BLEED® Kenya Initiative under The QuickFix Learning Hub, an AHA-certified training centre, to improve road safety in Kenya.