Trevor Noah has been listed on the 2018 TIME 100 list which inspired us to look at other South Africans that have made the list as well.
Opinions on Trevor Noah may vary but there is no denying that the South African born comedian turned talk show host has wowed the world with his humour and stories.
Trevor was recently named one of 2018’s most influential people by TIME magazine. The magazine releases a list annually that includes Leaders & Revolutionaries, Builders & Titans, Artists & Entertainers, Scientists & Thinkers and Heroes & Icons.
Lupita Nyong’o wrote a beautiful piece honouring Trevor and his accomplishment. She said,
“When I think of Trevor Noah, the first image I see is from his brilliant memoir, Born a Crime, of Trevor’s mother throwing him out of a moving vehicle while he’s asleep in order to save his life. Through other eyes, this could be remembered as traumatic and harrowing. Through Trevor’s, it is bonding and hilarious, a testament to the love of someone who truly had to think on their feet.”
“That is how Trevor sees the world. A fantastic storyteller, he has always been a defier of rules, which he broke simply by being born in his native country. At The Daily Show, which he has truly globalized, Trevor seeks out comedians of colour in every possible venue, no matter how small. He is determined to find the best talent representing the most diverse viewpoints.”
“Trevor, who grew up biracial in apartheid South Africa, has the unique ability to tell truths that bring us together. He is uncannily skilled at holding up a mirror to whatever room he is in. Trevor is always reaching out: across cultures, continents and boundaries. He makes us laugh with each other and brings us that much closer to understanding one another.”
Lupita will be playing the role of Trevor’s mother in an upcoming film-adaption of his book ‘Born A Crime’.
Other South Africans have made the list since it was implemented in 1999. It was first launched to list the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. It was then brought back in 2004 and has been an annual staple since.
Here are some of the people that have been listed since.
Nelson Mandela was first featured in the original 1999 list, this was their most influential people of the 20th-century list. He featured in 2004 and 2005 as well. He was also a finalist in 2007 and 2008 but didn’t make the final list for those years.
Elon Musk was named on the 2018 list for his innovations with SpaceX and his charitable efforts throughout Africa.
Charlize Theron made the list in 2016 and was honoured by Mycoskie the founder of Toms Shoes.
“A lot of celebrities know how to raise awareness.Charlize Theron is different. First, she is deeply, deeply involved in the actual work of her foundation, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project; for the past nine years, she has spent a lot of time in southern Africa with young people, helping them protect themselves from HIV. Second, she’s incredibly results-oriented and knows her programs really well. And third—and this is what makes her particularly effective with people who can make stuff happen—she’s not afraid to say what’s on her mind. I’ve never met anyone who holds less back. That means people trust her, which helps spread her influence”
We are incredibly proud of our South Africans and hope to see many more appear on the pages of the TIME 100 in years to come.
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