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:
- Business – Sandile Shezi – CEO, Rivoltare
- Entertainment – Mapeseka Koetle-Nyokong – Actress
- Law & Governance – Mbuyiseni Ndlozi – Spokesperson, Economic Freedom Fighters
- Leadership & Civil Society – Nthabeleng Likotsi – Young Women in Business Network
- Lifestyle – LaSizwe Dambuza – Comedian
- Media – Nomzamo Mbatha – On Air Personality
- Personal Development & Academia – Bongiwe Beja – Youth Employment Service
- Science & Technology – Dr Ncumisa Jilata – Neurosurgeon
- Social Enterprise & Philanthropy – Brent Lindeque – Founder, Good Things Guy
- Sports – Caster Semenya – Athlete
Below is the list of Avance Media’s 2018 100 Most Influential Young South Africans
- Caster Semenya – Athlete
- Mbuyiseni Ndlozi – Economic Freedom Fighters
- Nomzamo Mbatha – OAP
- Brent Lindeque – Good Things Guy
- Zincedile Tiya – National Association of Democratic Lawyers
- Mapeseka Koetle-Nyokong – Actress
- LaSizwe Dambuza – Comedian
- Mihlali Ndamase – Social Media Influencer
- Sandile Shezi – Rivoltare
- Kagiso Legodi – I Am She
- Bongiwe Beja – Youth Employment Service
- Cassper Nyovest – Musician
- Dr Ncumisa Jilata – Neurosurgeon
- Nthabeleng Likotsi – Young Women in Business Network
- Nasty C – Musician
- Thuso Mbedu – Actress
- Shekhinah – Musician
- Kagiso Rabada – Cricketer
- Pearl Modiadie – OAP
- Nandipha Magudumana – Optimum Medical Solutions
- Thando Thabethe – 5 FM
- Thembi Kgatlana – Footballer
- Cindy Pearl Maphumulo – Entrepreneurship Advocate
- AKA – Musician
- Lebo Madiba – Etion Limited
- Kwesta – Musician
- Warren Masemola – TV Host
- Erna Basson – Woman Entrepreneur Ltd
- Kgaogelo Mahasha – South African Airways
- Zukie Siyotula – Siyotula Holdings
- Prof Thabo Msibi – UKZN School of Education
- Koketso Moeti – Activist
- DJ Maphorisa – DJ
- Thulisile Phongolo – Influencer
- Nozipho Dlali – Nozipho Dlali Attorneys
- Buhle Lekokotla – Victoria Mxenge Group of Advocates
- Zesipho Mncwango – Estée Lauder Companies
- Dr Hleze Kunju – Rhodes University
- Thulile Khanyile – Nka’Thuto EduPropeller
- Kabelo Chabalala – Young Men Movement
- Pabi Moloi – Trending SA
- Sisa Ntlango – Deloitte
- Lefatshe Moagi – University of South Africa
- Shakira Choonara – Public Health (PHD)
- Wayde van Niekerk – Athlete
- Nthabiseng Kgoronyane – Nthabiseng Kgoronyane Foundation
- Lynette Ntuli – Innate Investment Solutions
- Dr Joel M Modiri – University of Pretoria
- Taryn Lock – Read to Rise
- Khanyi Mbau – OAP
- Katlego Maboe – The Expresso Show
- Zola Nombona – Actress
- Sandiso Sibisi – Accenture South Africa
- Nicolas Manyike – Property Stokvel Investment Club
- Percy Tau – Brighton & Hove Albion
- Malebo Sephodi – Activist
- Bhongolwethu Sonti – Tore’s Africa Foundation
- Sophie Kanza – Sophie A Kanza Foundation
- Taylor Gibb – Microsoft
- Mukovhe Phanguphangu – University of Pretoria
- Blessings Ramoba – Mining Forum of South Africa
- Robert Mtshali – BizKidzSA Academy
- Naleli Morojele – Activist
- Shaun Stylist – Style Influencer
- Bontle Modiselle – Actress
- Thabani Ngilande – 3M South Africa
- Dr Habib Noorbhai – The Humanitarians
- Lubabalo Mnyaka – Aflu Med Healthcare
- Linda Mabhena-Olagunju – DLO Energy Resources
- Rivo Mhlari – Rikatec
- Rethabile Sonibare Mashale – Thope Foundation
- Vere Shaba – Shaba Engineering & Green Buildings
- Rufaro Mudimu – enke: Make Your Mark
- Gwen Ngwenya – MP
- Yusuf Randera-Rees – Awethu Project
- Kgatli Hlahane – Rough Diamonds
- Ahmed Mokdad – Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc
- Masechaba Ndlovu – OAP
- Itumeleng Mukhovha – Baker McKenzie
- Khanya Mkangisa – Actress
- Papikie Mohale – SAMWU
- Orapeleng Modutle – Designer
- Michaela Mycroft – Ability Activist
- Chante Jantjies – SABC
- Akani Simbine – Athlete
- Sibusiso Khumalo – Footballer
- Luvo Manyonga – Athlete
- Thulani Hlatshwayo – Footballer
- Zareef Minty – ZRF Holdings
- Riaz Moola – Hyperion Development
- Wouter Wessels – MP
- Mkhuleko Hlengwa – MP
- Quinton de Kock – Cricketer
- Alexander Knieps – Printulu
- Lirandzu Themba – Journalist
- Gemini Major – Producer
- Wesley Beneke – WCB Construction
- Banele Christopher – Ndalo Media
- Lulo Rubushe – RNDM Network
- 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
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