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.
This year’s list is special as it is a milestone for South Africa in reflecting progress made towards gender parity.
Public voting officially commenced on Tuesday, the 12 February 2019 via the 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 with various organisations across Africa to extend the ranking to Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and DRC, with a global ranking announcement expected in 2019.
Nominees featured in various categories:
(Business) Lebo Madiba- Etion Limited, Zareef Minty-ZRF Holdings, Lynette Ntuli- Innate Investment Solutions, etc.
(Entertainment) AKA, Bontle Modiselle, Kwesta, Shekhinah, Thuso Mbedu, and others.
(Law and Governance) Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi- Economic Freedom Fighters, Thabani Ngilande-3M South Africa, Gwen Ngwenya-MP and others.
(Leadership & Civic Society) Dr Habib Noorbhai- The Humanitarians, Malebo Sephodi- Activist, Papikie Mohale- SAMWU, Nthabeleng Likotsi-Young Women in Business Network, and others.
(Lifestyle) DJ Maphorisa-DJ, Thulisile Phongolo- Influencer, LaSizwe Dambuza– Comedian, Kellyn Fung- Elle Magazine, Gemini Major- Producer, and others.
(Media) Khanyi Mbau-OAP, Warren Masemola- TV Host, Masechaba Ndlovu– OAP, Lirandzu Themba- Journalist, and others.
(Personal Dev and Academia) Taryn Lock- Read to Rise, Prof Thabo Msibi -UKZN School of Education, Kabelo Chabalala- Young Men Movement, Robert Mtshali- BizKidzSA Academy, Dr Joel M Modiri- University of Pretoria, and others.
(Science and Tech) Sandiso Sibisi- Accenture South Africa, Dr Shakira Choonara- Public Health (PHD), Lubabalo Mnyaka- Aflu Med Healthcar Thulile Khanyile- Nka’Thuto EduPropeller, and others.
(Social Science and Anthropology) Bhongolwethu Sonti- Tore’s Africa Foundation, Kagiso Legodi- I Am She, Nicolas Manyike- Property Stokvel Investment Club, and others.
(Sport) Akani Simbine, Caster Semenya, Kagiso Rabada, Luvo Manyonga, Percy Tau, and others.
Full list of nominees, categories visit: sa.avanvemedia.org or email pr@avancemedia.org
