2018 MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG SOUTH AFRICANS

Official Final Ranking

  1. Caster Semenya – Athlete
  2. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi – Economic Freedom Fighters
  3. Nomzamo Mbatha – OAP
  4. Brent Lindeque – Good Things Guy
  5. Zincedile Tiya – National Association of Democratic Lawyers
  6. Mapeseka Koetle-Nyokong – Actress
  7. LaSizwe Dambuza – Comedian
  8. Mihlali Ndamase – Social Media Influencer
  9. Sandile Shezi – Rivoltare
  10. Kagiso Legodi – I Am She
  11. Bongiwe Beja – Youth Employment Service
  12. Cassper Nyovest – Musician
  13. Dr Ncumisa Jilata – Neurosurgeon
  14. Nthabeleng Likotsi – Young Women in Business Network
  15. Nasty C – Musician
  16. Thuso Mbedu – Actress
  17. Shekhinah – Musician
  18. Kagiso Rabada – Cricketer
  19. Pearl Modiadie – OAP
  20. Nandipha Magudumana – Optimum Medical Solutions
  21. Thando Thabethe – 5 FM
  22. Thembi Kgatlana – Footballer
  23. Cindy Pearl Maphumulo – Entrepreneurship Advocate
  24. AKA – Musician
  25. Lebo Madiba – Etion Limited
  26. Kwesta – Musician
  27. Warren Masemola – TV Host
  28. Erna Basson – Woman Entrepreneur Ltd
  29. Kgaogelo Mahasha – South African Airways
  30. Zukie Siyotula – Siyotula Holdings
  31. Prof Thabo Msibi – UKZN School of Education
  32. Koketso Moeti – Activist
  33. DJ Maphorisa – DJ
  34. Thulisile Phongolo – Influencer
  35. Nozipho Dlali – Nozipho Dlali Attorneys
  36. Buhle Lekokotla – Victoria Mxenge Group of Advocates
  37. Zesipho Mncwango – Estée Lauder Companies
  38. Dr Hleze Kunju – Rhodes University
  39. Thulile Khanyile – Nka’Thuto EduPropeller
  40. Kabelo Chabalala – Young Men Movement
  41. Pabi Moloi – Trending SA
  42. Sisa Ntlango – Deloitte
  43. Lefatshe Moagi – University of South Africa
  44. Shakira Choonara – Public Health (PHD)
  45. Wayde van Niekerk – Athlete
  46. Nthabiseng Kgoronyane – Nthabiseng Kgoronyane Foundation
  47. Lynette Ntuli – Innate Investment Solutions
  48. Dr Joel M Modiri – University of Pretoria
  49. Taryn Lock – Read to Rise
  50. Khanyi Mbau – OAP
  51. Katlego Maboe – The Expresso Show
  52. Zola Nombona – Actress
  53. Sandiso Sibisi – Accenture South Africa
  54. Nicolas Manyike – Property Stokvel Investment Club
  55. Percy Tau – Brighton & Hove Albion
  56. Malebo Sephodi – Activist
  57. Bhongolwethu Sonti – Tore’s Africa Foundation
  58. Sophie Kanza – Sophie A Kanza Foundation
  59. Taylor Gibb – Microsoft
  60. Mukovhe Phanguphangu – University of Pretoria
  61. Blessings Ramoba – Mining Forum of South Africa
  62. Robert Mtshali – BizKidzSA Academy
  63. Naleli Morojele – Activist
  64. Shaun Stylist – Style Influencer
  65. Bontle Modiselle – Actress
  66. Thabani Ngilande – 3M South Africa
  67. Dr Habib Noorbhai – The Humanitarians
  68. Lubabalo Mnyaka – Aflu Med Healthcare
  69. Linda Mabhena-Olagunju – DLO Energy Resources
  70. Rivo Mhlari – Rikatec
  71. Rethabile Sonibare Mashale – Thope Foundation
  72. Vere Shaba – Shaba Engineering & Green Buildings
  73. Rufaro Mudimu – enke: Make Your Mark
  74. Gwen Ngwenya – MP
  75. Yusuf Randera-Rees – Awethu Project
  76. Kgatli Hlahane – Rough Diamonds
  77. Ahmed Mokdad – Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc
  78. Masechaba Ndlovu – OAP
  79. Itumeleng Mukhovha – Baker McKenzie
  80. Khanya Mkangisa – Actress
  81. Papikie Mohale – SAMWU
  82. Orapeleng Modutle – Designer
  83. Michaela Mycroft – Ability Activist
  84. Chante Jantjies – SABC
  85. Akani Simbine – Athlete
  86. Sibusiso Khumalo – Footballer
  87. Luvo Manyonga – Athlete
  88. Thulani Hlatshwayo – Footballer
  89. Zareef Minty – ZRF Holdings
  90. Riaz Moola – Hyperion Development
  91. Wouter Wessels – MP
  92. Mkhuleko Hlengwa – MP
  93. Quinton de Kock – Cricketer
  94. Alexander Knieps – Printulu
  95. Lirandzu Themba – Journalist
  96. Gemini Major – Producer
  97. Wesley Beneke – WCB Construction
  98. Banele Christopher – Ndalo Media
  99. Lulo Rubushe – RNDM Network
  100. Kellyn Fung – Elle Magazine

CATEGORIES RANKING

Below are the Official Rankings according to Categories

BUSINESS

  1. Sandile Shezi – Rivoltare
  2. Lebo Madiba – Etion Limited
  3. Erna Basson – Woman Entrepreneur Ltd
  4. Zukie Siyotula – Siyotula Holdings
  5. Lynette Ntuli – Innate Investment Solutions
  6. Linda Mabhena-Olagunju – DLO Energy Resources
  7. Vere Shaba – Shaba Engineering & Green Buildings
  8. Zareef Minty – ZRF Holdings
  9. Alexander Knieps – Printulu
  10. Wesley Beneke – WCB Construction

ENTERTAINMENT

  1. Mapeseka Koetle-Nyokong – Actress
  2. Cassper Nyovest – Musician
  3. Nasty C – Musician
  4. Thuso Mbedu – Actress
  5. Shekhinah – Musician
  6. AKA – Musician
  7. Kwesta – Musician
  8. Zola Nombona – Actress
  9. Bontle Modiselle – Actress
  10. Khanya Mkangisa – Actress

SOCIAL ENTREPRISE & PHILANTHROPY

  1. Brent Lindeque – Good Things Guy
  2. Kagiso Legodi – I Am She
  3. Nthabiseng Kgoronyane – Nthabiseng Kgoronyane Foundation
  4. Nicolas Manyike – Property Stokvel Investment Club
  5. Bhongolwethu Sonti – Tore’s Africa Foundation
  6. Sophie Kanza – Sophie A Kanza Foundation
  7. Blessings Ramoba – Mining Forum of South Africa
  8. Rethabile Sonibare Mashale – Thope Foundation
  9. Rufaro Mudimu – enke: Make Your Mark
  10. Yusuf Randera-Rees – Awethu Project

SPORTS

  1. Caster Semenya – Athlete
  2. Kagiso Rabada – Cricketer
  3. Thembi Kgatlana – Footballer
  4. Wayde van Niekerk – Athlete
  5. Percy Tau – Brighton & Hove Albion
  6. Akani Simbine – Athlete
  7. Sibusiso Khumalo – Footballer
  8. Luvo Manyonga – Athlete
  9. Thulani Hlatshwayo – Footballer
  10. Quinton de Kock – Cricketer

LAW & GOVERNANCE

  1. Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi – Economic Freedom Fighters
  2. Zincedile Tiya – National Association of Democratic Lawyers
  3. Nozipho Dlali – Nozipho Dlali Attorneys
  4. Buhle Lekokotla – Victoria Mxenge Group of Advocates
  5. Thabani Ngilande – 3M South Africa
  6. Gwen Ngwenya – MP
  7. Ahmed Mokdad – Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc
  8. Itumeleng Mukhovha – Baker McKenzie
  9. Wouter Wessels – MP
  10. Mkhuleko Hlengwa – MP

MEDIA

  1. Nomzamo Mbatha – OAP
  2. Pearl Modiadie – OAP
  3. Thando Thabethe – 5 FM
  4. Warren Masemola – TV Host
  5. Pabi Moloi – Trending SA
  6. Khanyi Mbau – OAP
  7. Katlego Maboe – The Expresso Show
  8. Masechaba Ndlovu – OAP
  9. Chante Jantjies – SABC
  10. Lirandzu Themba – Journalist

LIFESTYLE

  1. LaSizwe Dambuza – Comedian
  2. Mihlali Ndamase – Social Media Influencer
  3. DJ Maphorisa – DJ
  4. Thulisile Phongolo – Influencer
  5. Shaun Stylist – Style Influencer
  6. Orapeleng Modutle – Designer
  7. Gemini Major – Producer
  8. Banele Christopher – Ndalo Media
  9. Lulo Rubushe – RNDM Network
  10. Kellyn Fung – Elle Magazine

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

  1. Dr Ncumisa Jilata – Neurosurgeon
  2. Dr. Nandipha Magudumana – Optimum Medical Solutions
  3. Kgaogelo Mahasha – South African Airways
  4. Thulile Khanyile – Nka’Thuto EduPropeller
  5. Dr. Shakira Choonara – Public Health (PHD)
  6. Sandiso Sibisi – Accenture South Africa
  7. Taylor Gibb – Microsoft
  8. Lubabalo Mnyaka – Aflu Med Healthcare
  9. Rivo Mhlari – Rikatec
  10. Riaz Moola – Hyperion Development

LEADERSHIP & CIVIL SOCIETY

  1. Nthabeleng Likotsi – Young Women in Business Network
  2. Cindy Pearl Maphumulo – Entrepreneurship Advocate
  3. Koketso Moeti – Activist
  4. Zesipho Mncwango – Estée Lauder Companies
  5. Sisa Ntlango – Deloitte
  6. Malebo Sephodi – Activist
  7. Naleli Morojele – Activist
  8. Dr Habib Noorbhai – The Humanitarians
  9. Papikie Mohale – SAMWU
  10. Michaela Mycroft – Ability Activist

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & ACADEMIA

  1. Bongiwe Beja – Youth Employment Service
  2. Prof Thabo Msibi – UKZN School of Education
  3. Dr Hleze Kunju – Rhodes University
  4. Kabelo Chabalala – Young Men Movement
  5. Lefatshe Moagi – University of South Africa
  6. Dr Joel M Modiri – University of Pretoria
  7. Taryn Lock – Read to Rise
  8. Mukovhe Phanguphangu – University of Pretoria
  9. Robert Mtshali – BizKidzSA Academy
  10. Kgatli Hlahane – Rough Diamonds

100 Most Influential Young South Africans

VISION.

Become the Leading and Most Credible program to Rank and Honour Young South Africans.

CRITERIA.

A Nominee must be:

  1. A South African.
  2. 15 or below 40 years.
  3. In 2 years of Active Service in a Category.
  4. Outstanding with Public Evidence of Impact
  5. Motivating to be able to inspire other young people with his/her work

MISSION.

  • Rank and Honour the Most Influential Young South Africans Annually.
  • Uphold Public discretion of the Most Influential Young South Africans.
  • Evangel the Inspiring Stories, Works and Impacts of Young South Africans across the World.
  • Change the Negative Perceptions of the Potentials of Young People.
  • Fuel Patriotism among Young South Africans.
  • Create Value for the Works of Young South Africans Globally.

CATEGORIES.

  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Law & Governance
  • Leadership & Civil Society
  • Lifestyle
  • Media
  • Personal Development & Academia
  • Social Entreprise & Philanthropy
  • Sports
  • Science & Technology

ABOUT US

The Most Influential Young South Africans initiative is an annual awards and ranking scheme for young South African Achievers between 15-40 years, spearheaded by Avance Media, a social enterprise in partnership with 1000 African Voices & VIPI State and various Organisations.

The initiative is intended to disclose the true and genuine potentials of young people who are earnest to turn around the fortunes of South Africa’s economy and whose works are at par with their impacts. It is also expected to serve as a source of encouragement to these young individuals whose commitment towards stimulating growth is undoubted.

CREDIBILITY
100%
PUBLIC CHOICE
100%
SOUTH AFRICAN
100%

categories

BUSINESS

This category is dedicated to Individuals who run successful enterprises in South Africa, which are adding valuable social, economic and cultural remittances to lives and contributing towards shaping the image of the African continent

ENTERTAINMENT

This category is exclusive to a diverse group of individuals involved in entertainment relating to Music, Comdey & Film. They must be national icons that command a high level of influence not just popularity through the positive impact of their works.

SOCIAL ENTREPRISE & PHILANTHROPY

This category is meant for young individuals leading social entrepreneurship and philanthropy activities impacting lives across South Africa and their respective provinces. The public on the reach of their impacts must phenomenally endorse their works and achievements.

SPORTS

This category throws a spotlight on diverse sports personalities who in diverse ways are contributing to the development of various sporting activities. These can be athletes, coaches or individuals directly involved in the sporting industry

LAW & GOVERNANCE

This category compiles distinguished young South Africans who display continental influence based on their roles in public office, politics, Law and governance. Their work should have yielded significant commendation from their benefactors.

MEDIA

This category is targeted at journalists and media personalities who have defied odds to propel stories of South Africa across the Globe. Their work should carry a national focused vision on leading South Africans to tell their own stories whether good or bad.

LIFESTYLE

This category is focused on young people who are leading the creative & lifestyle community in South Africa. They are passionately setting the pace in Fashion & Arts which have become common among the populace.  These personalities must be leading initiatives and organisations, which are addressing problems in their communities and have potentials for global expansion, adoption and recognition.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

This category is focused on young South Africans who are leading the innovation revolution across the country. Their products and services must be dedicated to solving either local or global problems from the South African soil. They must be potential competitors in the global science, technology, and innovation space.

LEADERSHIP & CIVIL SOCIETY

This category involves highly recommended young individuals who are championing various activities in the country related to advocacy, religion, civil organizations etc. They need to possess the qualities of a leader and must have achieved significant feats in their works across the country and beyond.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & ACADEMIA

This category is exclusive to individuals who have excelled in various academic assignments and young South Africans who have dedicated their career in training the next generation of African Leaders.

"Everything I have today is because of Africa, I was born here, went to school here, I work here and I'm achieving some level of financial comfort here"

TONY ELUMELU

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