South Africa's Gems - My Top 40 Young Movers and Shakers

(image source: https://thewishfactor.wordpress.com)

"I am the dream and the hope of the slave."- Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou's poem Still I Rise makes me think of the struggles of yesteryear and how the youth had sacrificed their childhoods and dreams in order for us to be free and achieve our wildest dreams and greatest ambitions.

It is no secret that "it is not yet uhuru" but with the youth of today leading an economic revolution through entrepreneurship and representation in corporate SA, the future is bright.

Below is a list of young movers and shakers who excite and inspire me (in no particular order). I follow some of them on social media and know some of them personally. All of them are definitely putting our country on the world map and it’s heartwarming to follow their stories and successes.

Representation matters. Seeing young people self-actualize inspires other young people to do the same.

After all...“we are the ones we have been waiting for.” – June Jordan (1980)

1.       Zanele  Zicwele – Entrepreneur: Himeros , Hemera Consultancy, 

(image source: http://afternoonexpress.co.za/guests/zanele-zicwele)

2.       Sibusiso Ngwenya – Entrepreneur: Skinny Sbu Socks

(image source: http://www.destinyman.com/2015/05/04/skinny-sbu-socks-the-story-behind-the-brand)

3.       Trevor Stuurman – Entrepreneur, Creative Director, Photographer

(image source: https://www.zalebs.com/whats-hot/young-creative-and-definitely-talented/)

4.       Mogau Seshoene – Entrepreneur: The Lazy Makoti

(image source: http://www.lionessesofafrica.com/blog/2016/2/7/the-startup-story-of-mogau-seshoene)

5.       Thuli Mola – Entrepreneur: Style Alert SA

(image source: http://www.zkhiphani.co.za/thuli-mola-on-biggest-fashion-mistakes-women-make/)

6.       Letlhogonolo Letsolonyane – Entrepreneur: Own It Intimate Wear, Own It Start Up Academy

(image source: http://www.zkhiphani.co.za/thuli-mola-on-biggest-fashion-mistakes-women-make/)

7.       Laduma Ngxokolo – Entrepreneur, Designer: Maxhosa

(image source: http://www.designindaba.com/profiles/laduma-ngxokolo)

8.       Sylvester Chauke – Entrepreneur: DNA Brand Architects

(image source: http://www.marklives.com/2016/05/young-gifted-killing-it-sylvester-chauke)

9.       Veli Ngubane – Entrepreneur: Avatar (Marketing Agency)

(image source: http://www.marklives.com/2017/01/young-gifted-killing-it-nganga-dlanga/)

10.   Allegro Dinkwanyane – Entrepreneur: Orgella Media

(image source: http://bosschiqsa.com/about/)

11.   Vuyi Zondi – Entrepreneur: Corium Naturals

(image source: http://www.destinyconnect.com/2016/11/16/meet-vuyi-building-beauty-empire-hobby/)

12.   Thato Kgatlhanye – Social Entrepreneur: Repurpose Schoolbags

(image source: http://www.lionessesofafrica.com)

13.   Kagiso Rabada – South African International Cricketer

(image source: http://www.cricket.com.au/players/kagiso-rabada)

14.   Gift Ngoepe – First African To Play In MLB

(image source: http://thecomeback.com/mlb/pirates-call-gift-ngoepe-first-player-mlb-player-african-continent.html)

15.   Bonolo Ramokhele – Entrepreneur, Co-Chief Executive Officer: LeoFortis Group

(image source: http://www.leofortis.co.za/team.html)

16.   Siyabulela Xuza – Entrepreneur, Rocket Scientist, Engineer, Asteroid 23182 Siyaxuza

(image source: http://www.destinyman.com/2015/08/17/living-the-brand-siya-xuza/)

17.   Octavius Phukubye – Economic Development Specialist and Entrepreneur: Brillianaire Consulting

(image source: Destiny Man Magazine)

18.   Tebogo Ditshego – Entrepreneur: Ditshego Media

(image source: http://www.saunder36.co.za/think-business/22-quick-tips-choosing-the-right-team)

19.   Menzi Ngcobo – Founder: #JobseekersSA

(image source: Twitter)

20.   Tshepo Moloi – Innovator, Entrepreneur: Stokfella

(image source: http://www.fin24.com)

21.   Thokozani Memela – Innovator, Entrepreneur: Phambili App

(image source:  http://www.mihandzulearn.org/team.aspx)

22.   Tshepo Tsala – Entrepreneur: Relevance For Men Tailored Suits

(image source: Twitter)

23.   Lulama “Wolf” Mlambo – Creative, Brand Influencer, The Documenter

(image source: https://superbalist.com/thesuperbalist100/profile/lulama-wolf-2015)

24.   Tshepang Mollison – Creative, Blogger, Brand Influencer, Sleepless In Soweto Personal and Lifestyle Blog

(image source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/interview-tshepang-mollison-mawatle-mpuru)

25.   Siyabonga Beyile – Creative Director, Entrepreneur: The Threaded Man

(image source: http://www.goldcreatures.com/the-threaded-man/)

26.   Rapelang Rabana – Entrepreneur: Yeigo Communications, Rekindle Learning

(image source: https://www.micampusmag.co.za/2014/12/mientrepreneurship-rapelang-rabana/)

27.   Farah Fortune – Entrepreneur: African Star Communications

(image source: http://www.thedisruptors.co.za/2016/02/farah-c-fortune-when-i-started-this.html)

28.   Ludwick Marishane – Innovator, Entrepreneur: DryBath

(image source: http://www.destinyman.com/2015/06/16/entrepreneur-focus-ludwick-marishane/)

29.   Jonathan Liebmann – Property Entrepreneur: Propertuity, 

(http://www.tuhf.co.za/client-stories/creating-place-light-city-use-mabonengs-photos-refer-p24-annual-report/)

30.   Karabo Mathang – Entrepreneur: PManagement, First SA Woman To Be Accredited As A SAFA Agent

(image source: http://200ysa.mg.co.za/2013/karabo-mathang/)

31.   Mamatsabu Maphike – Entrepreneur , Co-founder: Motheo Chartered Accountants

(image source: http://www.destinyconnect.com/2015/02/16/charting-success/)

32.   Bonang Matheba – Presenter, Entrepreneur, Media Personality

(image source: Twitter)

33.   Thabo Molefe – Entrepreneur, CEO: TouchWarwick Wines, Founder: Touch HD, Molefe Group

(image source: http://hypeavenue.com/2016/02/17/businessman-sello-rasethaba-buys-bottle-of-tbo-touchs-wine-for-r1-3m/)

34.   Itumeleng Mpatlanyana – Serial Entrepreneur, Franchisor, Founder: Nkukhu Box and Spykos Foods

(image source: http://www.dailysun.co.za/News/National/yummy-nkukhu-ticks-all-boxes-20170329)

35.   Owethu Makhathini – Entrepreneur: Makhathini Media

(image source: http://www.enca.com/south-africa/encalive-state-youth-sa)

36. Vuyiswa Mutshekwane - Serial Entrepreneur, CEO: SAIBPP, Co-Founder: The WKND Social

(image source: http://www.saibpp.co.za/saibpps-new-ceo/)

37. Mpho Muendane - Entrepreneur: Maki and Mpho, Creative, Textile Designer, Lecturer

(image source: http://www.fragmentsmag.com/2016/12/maki-mpho/)

38. Nthabiseng Likotsi - Executive Chairman: Young Women In Business Network, Founder: South Africa's First Women-led Co-Operative Bank

(image source: Twitter)

39. Ramasela Ganda - Group CFO: Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

(image source: http://city-press.news24.com/News/Newsmaker-The-woman-who-helped-Ekurhuleni-get-a-clean-audit-20150607)

40. Tebello Motsoane - Entrepreneur, Artist Manager, Showlove, Au Gold Vodka, Lavo Wines

(image source: http://afternoonexpress.co.za/guests/tebello-tibz-motsoane/2378)

Credit to: Ipeleng Matlhoko (Contributing Researcher)