14 Fantastic South Africans have been named as Africa’s Most Influential People including Elon Musk, Trevor Noah, Wayde van Niekerk and Caster Semenya.
The New African Magazine recently announced its list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2017 and 14 of those spots went to South Africans. This list is different from the one we posted earlier in the year, the Top 100 Most Influential Young Africans, but the consensus seems to be the same… South Africa is home to some of the most influential people on the continent.
According to the magazine’s editor, the term “influential” is defined as a person whose work or activity causes transformation outside of their main calling.
“This effect results in a change of perception or provides inspiration to others. Many in our selection have shattered the proverbial glass-ceilings or disability stigma and do so with great bravery, determination and personal sacrifice.” – Anver Versi, New African Magazine Editor
These are the South Africans that made the list (in order of category):
- Pravin Gordhan – Political stalwart, former Finance Minister (POLITICS AND PUBLIC SERVICE)
- Elon Musk – Founder: PayPal, SpaceX, Tesla, and OpenAI (BUSINESS AND FINANCE)
- Kumi Naidoo – Co-founder, Africans Rising (CIVIL SOCIETY AND ACTIVISM)
- Nunu Ntshingila – Head, Facebook Africa (SCIENCE, TECH & INNOVATION)
- Dr Tebello Nyokong – Award-winning Chemist (SCIENCE, TECH & INNOVATION)
- Khanyi Dhlomo – Media Mogulette, Founder of Ndalo Media (MEDIA)
- Trevor Noah – Satirist and Host of The Daily Show (MEDIA)
- Khadija Patel – Editor-in-Chief, Mail & Guardian (MEDIA)
- Koos Bekker – Chairman and former CEO of media giant Naspers (MEDIA)
- Laduma Ngxokolo – Fashion Designer inspired by his Xhosa heritage (ARTS AND CULTURE)
- Porky Hefer – A unique Designer with an ethical conscience (ARTS AND CULTURE)
- Caster Semenya – Athletics 800 meters golden girl (SPORTS)
- Wayde van Niekerk – The world-record-breaking boy wonder (SPORTS)
- Kagiso Rabada – World’s most feared cricket bowler (SPORTS)
What our readers will find pleasing, is the almost bewildering diversity of this list – in terms of race, ethnic and national diversity. This list, if nothing else, displays the beauty and power of the diversity that makes the Africa we all love,” – Omar Ben Yedder, Group Publisher and Managing Director of IC Publications.
We are very proud to see so many South Africans on the list. Well done to everyone who made it and thanks for being such great influences.
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