Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng has been named as the 2017 South African of the Year

A poll was taken by News24 asking the public who their favourite South African was. Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng was voted the South African of the year.

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng has been very outspoken against the leadership in South Africa and fighting corruption. News24 hosted a poll on their website in conjunction with their National Braai Day initiative as part of Heritage Day celebrations.

The poll consisted of five South Africans including the Blitzbokke, Chief Justice Mogoeng, tennis player Kevin Anderson, long jump World Champion Luvo Manyonga and Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu. The people were chosen by a panel of journalists and experts.

News24 gave their readers a week to vote in the poll before the winner was announced. The poll is in its third year.

The first round of voting knocked long jump World Champion Luvo Manyonga and Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu out of the running. In the end, Chief Justice Mogoeng won with 63% of the vote. He was followed by the Blitzbokke (21%) and then Kevin Anderson (16%).

“All five of the original 2017 candidates are truly exceptional South Africans, and their achievements should make us all feel proud to be South African,” – Jan Braai

“Clearly Chief Justice Mogoeng’s efforts in his position and his continued excellence have resonated with the South African of the Year voters in 2017!,” – Jan Braai

When the panel nominated Mogoeng to be on the list, they motivated the nomination by saying,

“he has proven to be a beacon of morality that provides a light for others to follow. He is consistent in choosing what is right and lawful, and demonstrates commitment to serving the people of South Africa above all.”