Caster Semenya Voted 2018 Most Influential Young South African

06 Mar Caster Semenya Voted 2018 Most Influential Young South African

South African Olympic Gold medallist and athlete, Caster Semenya has been voted the 2018 Most Influential Young South African in the 3rd edition of the annual ranking poll by international rating firm, Avance Media in partnership with 1000 African Voices & VIPI State.

Caster who was nominated in the sports category for her outstanding achievements in athletics across the globe got her massive endorsement after winning a heavily contested poll among 100 most influential young South Africans nominated across 10 different categories.

Caster, a global champion and middle distance runner began her career in 2008 by winning gold in the World Junior Championship and Commonwealth Youth Games. She has since continued to excel in her career making also making her one of the most important female athlete on the African continent.

The ranking which was launched by Avance Media in 2016 has been won by Comedian & TV Personality Trevor Noah (2016) and Spokesperson of Economic Freedom Fighters, Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (2017)  making Caster Semenya the first woman to be awarded the coveted title as the Most Influential Young South African for 2018.

Following keenly in the 2018 ranking are: 2018 winner Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Nomzamo Mbatha, Brent Lindeque and Zincedile Tiya who were voted among the top 5 most influential young South Africans.

Sharing insights about this year’s polls, Prince Akpah, MD of Avance Media mentioned; the ranking was instituted to highlight the works of young South Africans who are contributing in diverse ways towards the advancement of development in South Africa and across Africa.

Avance Media also runs the same initiative in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, DR Congo, Ghana & Cameroon in partnership with various organisations and is expected to release a global ranking in 2019.

Below are winners in the various categories:

1. Business – Sandile Shezi – CEO, Rivoltare
2. Entertainment – Mapeseka Koetle-Nyokong – Actress
3. Law & Governance – Mbuyiseni Ndlozi – Spokesperson, Economic Freedom Fighters
4. Leadership & Civil Society – Nthabeleng Likotsi – Young Women in Business Network
5. Lifestyle – LaSizwe Dambuza – Comedian
6. Media – Nomzamo Mbatha – On Air Personality
7. Personal Development & Academia – Bongiwe Beja – Youth Employment Service
8. Science & Technology – Dr Ncumisa Jilata – Neurosurgeon
9. Social Enterprise & Philanthropy – Brent Lindeque – Founder, Good Things Guy
10. Sports – Caster Semenya – Athlete

Below is the list of Avance Media’s 2018 100 Most Influential Young South Africans

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

The 100 Most Influential Young South Africans initiative is spearheaded by Avance Media in partnership with 1000 African Voices & VIPI State with support from Blue Blazer Media, COSDEF Group, My Naija Naira, Jagari Designs, Cliq Africa, & WatsUp TV