2018 100 Most Influential Young South Africans Finalists Announcement

12 Feb 2018 100 Most Influential Young South Africans Finalists Announcement

12 February, 2019

MEDIA RELEASE

Leading PR and rating agency – Avance Media in partnership with 1000 African Voices and VIPI State (Avenva) have announced the finalists for the 3rd edition of the prestigious ranking of young professionals dubbed the “100 Most Influential Young South Africans.”

According to Prince Akpah, MD of Avance Media, this year’s list features a record of 50 females and 50 males who have made remarkable contributions towards their respective fields which has extended impact to other young people across South Africa and beyond.

Public voting has officially commenced via their sa.avancemedia.org website to determine a Category Winner for each category and Overall Winner.

Previously the ranking which was launched in 2016 has been won by Comedian and TV Personality Trevor Noah (2016) and Spokesperson of Economic Freedom Fighters, Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (2017) who were voted as the Most Influential Young South Africans in their respective years.

Some notable personalities in 2018’s nominations include: AKA, Cassper Nyovest, DJ Maphorisa, Caster Semenya, Akani Simbine, Chante Jantjies, Percy Tau, Sophie Kanza to mention a few.

After launching the initiative in Ghana in 2015, Avance Media has been able to partner various organisations across Africa to extend the ranking to Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and DR Congo, with a global ranking announcement expected in 2019.

Below is the full list of nominees represented in their respective categories:

1. 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

2. 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

3. Law and Governance

• Ahmed Mokdad – Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc
• Buhle Lekokotla – Victoria Mxenge Group of Advocates
• Mbuyiseni Ndlozi – Economic Freedom Fighters
• 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Social Enterprise and Philanthropy

• Bhongolwethu Sonti – Tore’s Africa Foundation
• Blessings Ramoba – Mining Forum of South Africa
• Brent Lindeque – 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

10. 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

For more information, kindly contact our Media Liaison Zandile Sithole at (+27) 62 822 1161 or Jones Maleka at (+27) 84 396 5725.

Yours Sincerely,

Prince Akpah

Avance Media

Managing Director

#END