The amounted of talented youth this country continues to produce is something we can all be very proud of. So many of our favourite entrepreneurs, entertainers and academics have to overcome enormous barriers before they get anywhere near success, but this terrific ton have risen to every challenge thrown their way.
PR Firm Avance Media have compiled their list for the top 100 Most Influential Young South Africans of the past year. At first, there was a bit of consternation from social media, as the likes of Pearl Thusi and 2016 winner Trevor Noah were nowhere to be seen on the list.
MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG SOUTH AFRICANS NAMED
However, big names from business, sport and politics have all gatecrashed the party this year. In fact, the fun is only just beginning. You can now vote for who you think should be declared the most influential young person in the country, by visiting Avance’s voting page and choosing a favourite from all 10 categories.
Once those finalists have been picked, the top 10 will then square-off with each other in a bid to earn the title of Most Influential Young South African for the next 12 months. A total of 50 women and 50 men make up the list, as the competition rolls into its third year of existence. Here are the brilliant minds that need your support:
BUSINESS
- Alexander Knieps – Printulu
- Erna Basson – Woman Entrepreneur Ltd
- Lebo Madiba – Etion Limited
- Linda Mabhena-Olagunju – DLO Energy Resources
- Lynette Ntuli – Innate Investment Solutions
- Sandile Shezi – Rivoltare
- Vere Shaba- Shaba & Ramplin Green Building Solutions
- Wesley Beneke – WCB Construction
- Zareef Minty – ZRF Holdings
- Zukie Siyotula – Siyotula Holdings
ENTERTAINMENT
- AKA – Musician
- Bontle Modiselle – Actress
- Cassper Nyovest – Musician
- Kwesta – Musician
- Mapeseka Koetle-Nyokong – Actress
- Nasty C – Musician
- Shekhinah – Musician
- Khanya Mkangisa – Actress
- Thuso Mbedu – Actress
- Zola Nombona – Actress
LAW AND GOVERNANCE
- Ahmed Mokdad – Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc
- Buhle Lekokotla – Victoria Mxenge Group of Advocates
- Mbuyiseni Ndlozi – Economic Freedom Fighters and 2017’s winner
- Gwen Ngwenya – MP
- Itumeleng Mukhovha – Baker McKenzie
- Mkhuleko Hlengwa – MP
- Nozipho Dlali – Nozipho Dlali Attorneys
- Thabani Ngilande – 3M South Africa
- Wouter Wessels – MP
- Zincedile Tiya – National Association of Democratic Lawyers
LEADERSHIP AND CIVIL SOCIETY
- Cindy Pearl Maphumulo – Entrepreneurship Advocate
- Dr Habib Noorbhai – The Humanitarians
- Koketso Moeti – Activist
- Malebo Sephodi – Activist
- Michaela Mycroft – Ability Activist
- Naleli Morojele – Activist
- Nthabeleng Likotsi – Young Women in Business Network
- Papikie Mohale – SAMWU
- Sisa Ntlango – Deloitte
- Zesipho Mncwango – Estée Lauder Companies
LIFESTYLE
- Banele Christopher – Ndalo Media
- DJ Maphorisa – DJ
- Gemini Major – Producer
- Kellyn Fung – Elle Magazine
- LaSizwe Dambuza – Comedian
- Lulo Rubushe – RNDM Network
- Mihlali Ndamase – Social Media Influencer
- Orapeleng Modutle – Designer
- Shaun Stylist – Style Influencer
- Thulisile Phongolo – Influencer
MEDIA
- Chante Jantjies – SABC
- Katlego Maboe – The Expresso Show
- Khanyi Mbau – OAP
- Lirandzu Themba – Journalist
- Masechaba Ndlovu – OAP
- Nomzamo Mbatha – OAP
- Pabi Moloi – Trending SA
- Pearl Modiadie – OAP
- Thando Thabethe – 5 FM
- Warren Masemola – TV Host
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACADEMIA
- Bongiwe Beja – Youth Employment Service
- Dr Hleze Kunju – Rhodes University
- Dr Joel M Modiri – University of Pretoria
- Kabelo Chabalala – Young Men Movement
- Kgatli Hlahane – Rough Diamonds
- Lefatshe Moagi – University of South Africa
- Mukovhe Phanguphangu – University of Pretoria
- Prof Thabo Msibi – UKZN School of Education
- Robert Mtshali – BizKidzSA Academy
- Taryn Lock – Read to Rise
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- Dr Ncumisa Jilata – Neurosurgeon
- Nandipha Magudumana – Optimum Medical Solutions
- Shakira Choonara – Public Health (PHD)
- Kgaogelo Mahasha – South African Airways
- Lubabalo Mnyaka – Aflu Med Healthcare
- Riaz Moola – Hyperion Development
- Rivo Mhlari – Rikatec
- Sandiso Sibisi – Accenture South Africa
- Taylor Gibb – Microsoft
- Thulile Khanyile – Nka’Thuto EduPropeller
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AND PHILANTHROPY
- Bhongolwethu Sonti – Tore’s Africa Foundation
- Blessings Ramoba – Mining Forum of South Africa
- Brent Lindeque – Brains behind Good Things Guy
- Kagiso Legodi – I Am She
- Nicolas Manyike – Property Stokvel Investment Club
- Nthabiseng Kgoronyane – Nthabiseng Kgoronyane Foundation
- Rethabile Sonibare Mashale – Thope Foundation
- Rufaro Mudimu – Enke: Make Your Mark
- Sophie Kanza – Sophie Kanza Foundation
- Yusuf Randera-Rees – Awethu Project
SPORTS
- Akani Simbine – Athlete
- Caster Semenya – Athlete
- Kagiso Rabada – Cricketer
- Luvo Manyonga – Athlete
- Percy Tau – Brighton & Hove Albion
- Quinton de Kock – Cricketer
- Sibusiso Khumalo – Footballer
- Thembi Kgatlana – Footballer
- Thulani Hlatshwayo – Footballer
- Wayde van Niekerk – Athlete
Source: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/op-100-most-influential-young-south-africans-2018-photos/