2016 saw Comedian Trevor Noah, making The Daily Show become a global phenomenon, and was among the top commentators for the 2016 US Presidential Elections which also had him interview US Ex-Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
Votes which drew public participation from about 90 countries from across the globe also endorsed DJ Zinhle, Nasty C, Caster Semenya and Sibusiso Leope as among the top 5 young South Africans who influenced South Africa and beyond in 2016.
DJ Zinhle known in private life as Zinhle Jiyane, and one of the few women in South Africa who took up a career in Disc Jockeying also got voted as the Most Influential Young Lady in the ranking.
Below are the Young South Africans voted as the Most Influential in their various categories related to their field of work:
- Business: Tebogo Ditshego – CEO, Ditshego Media.
- Sports: Caster Semenya – Athlete
- Media: Trevor Noah – Host, The Daily Show
- Lifestyle: DJ Zinhle
- Entertainment: Nasty C
- Law & Governance: Julius Malema – Leader, EFF
- Social Entreprise & Philanthropy: Lebang Nong – Founder, Katleho Pele Education
- Leadership & Civil Society: Khaya Dlanga
- Personal Development & Academia: Sibusiso Leope
- Science & Technology: Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng
MD of Avance Media, Prince Akpah extended his appreciation to all who participated in the inaugural ranking polls for South Africa and advised young people to learn and be inspired by the stories of these young achievers as they represent South Africa on the globally.
Below is the Official 2016 Ranking of 100 Most Influential Young South Africans
- Trevor Noah
- DJ Zinhle
- Nasty C
- Caster Semenya
- Sibusiso Leope
- Tebogo Ditshego
- Sandile Shezi
- Wayde van Niekerk
- Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng
- Julius Malema
- Khaya Dlanga
- Cassper Nyovest
- Akani Simbine
- Bonang Matheba
- Mbuyiseni Ndlozi
- Lebang Nong
- Siyabulela Xuza
- Mduduzi Manana
- Vusi Thembekwayo
- Catherine Constantinides
- Itumeleng Khune
- Thabang Mabuza
- Thabang Mathopo
- Khusela Sangoni
- AKA
- Minnie Dlamini
- Mmusi Aloysias Maimane
- Ashley Uys
- Lebo Selloane-Tshabalala
- Sizwe Nzima
- Yolanda Zoleka Cuba
- Tokologo Phetla
- Phakamile Mbengashe
- Emmanuel Bonoko
- Boitumelo Thulo
- Rosie Motene
- Luvuyo Rani
- Phumlani M. Majozi
- Duduzane Zuma
- Frederick Bohasu
- Khethi Ngwenya
- Elvis Mmaphuthelo Sekhaolelo
- Lindiwe Mazibuko
- LIRA
- Mmabatho Mokiti
- Faith Mangope
- Thato Kgatlhanye
- Rapelang Rabana
- MsCosmo
- AB de Villiers
- Thula Sindi
- Vuyo Jack
- Musa Manzi
- Bongani Baloyi
- Ludwick Marishane
- Terry Pheto
- Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh
- Candice Swanepoel
- Thando Thabethe
- Raelene Rorke
- Siya Beyile
- Zwelethu Mambane
- Mandisa Shandu
- Nizenande Machi
- Masechaba Ndlovu
- Redi Tlhabi
- Unathi Msengana
- Tembeka Ngcukaitobi
- Floyd Shivambu
- Conrad Travis David
- Azania Mosaka
- Collen Maine
- Simphiwe Dana
- Justin Stanford
- Naadiya Moosajee
- Victor Dlamini
- Vinny Lingham
- Seana Nkhahle
- Mogau Seshoene
- Jonathan Liebmann
- Steven Pienaar
- Thembi Seete
- Alex Fourie
- Cathy Mohlahlana
- Caspar Lee
- Karabo Mathang
- Max Hussmann
- JP Pietersen
- Adii Pienaar
- Masizole Mnqasela
- Shashi Naidoo
- Jaco De Bruyn
- Bulelwa Mkutukana
- Dario Trinchero
- Hajrah Ormajee
- Mike Eilertsen
- Gareth Pon
- Magdalene Moonsamy
- Chris Morris
- Louis Oosthuizen
The 100 Most Influential Young South Africans is an initiative of Avance Media in partnership with Reputation Poll, EOD Partners, Jagari Designs, CELBMD Africa, My Naija Naira, Dream Ambassadors Foundation GH, iCare Hub Africa, Global Skills Exchange, Core Foundation Barcity Media and Project Know Thyself International.
