South Africa Dominates the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30

Celebrating a decade of recognizing young talent and innovation, the prestigious Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list has been unveiled, spotlighting 14 exceptional South Africans across a spectrum of industries. Let’s see who these inspirational game-changers are.

Meet Chad Jones, the beloved TikTok sensation renowned for his dance tutorials. He features on the list in the social media industry and is an example of how one can sustain themselves as a content creator and brand influencer.

Dancing King, Chad Jones (image by SowentanLIVE)

Something the list effectively displayed was our country’s love for sports. From the exhilarating world of rugby, Springbok players Nadine Roos and Damian Willemse stood as shining examples of the nation’s rugby enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the track and field scene finds representation through the remarkable achievements of Shaun Maswanganyi. And for soccer lovers, fear not, Banyana Banyana player Hildah Magaia proudly earned her place on the list, symbolising the excellence of South African football.

Our sports stars graced the list (Clockwise: Nadine Roos, Damien Willemse, Shaun Maswangayi, Hildah Magaia; images by Springboks Rugby, Planet Rugby, Twitter, FARPost)

Among the luminaries gracing the list is Tyla, the talented artist behind the chart-topping track “Water,” whose name stands tall alongside the acclaimed actress Ama Qamata from the hit series “Blood and Water.”

From the Grammys to the Forbes List, Tyla continues to shine bright. Actress, Ama Qamata, role model status rises higher with this achievement (images by Colors, The South African)

In a refreshing departure from the conventional, the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list spotlights emerging talents from lesser-known sectors like beauty, software development, and technology solutions, highlighting the vast array of opportunities accessible to South Africans. Among the standout entries is CatalyzU, a brainchild of Luke Mostert, offering fellowships tailored to empower entrepreneurs with the essential skills needed to drive their ventures forward.

Visionary, Luke Mostert (image by Catalyzu)

As the world continues to navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been a noticeable shift towards prioritising mental health and overall well-being. Ingage Support, spearheaded by registered counselor Cayley Jorgensen, stands at the forefront of this movement, striving to raise awareness around mental health and make it easy for people to receive the help they need.

Cayley Jorgensen’s efforts to help people heal were recognised (image by Ingage Counsellors)

In the vibrant lifestyle world, founders of Omninela Medical, Ricardo Lognath and Nicolas Lognath, stand at the helm. Their pioneering venture seamlessly merges healthcare and e-commerce, offering a range of medical devices that assist individuals in taking charge of their well-being from the comfort of their homes.

The new faces of health? Ric and Nic of Omninela Medical (image by IOL)

As the slow fashion movement gains momentum across the country, Esethu Cenga, co-founder and CEO of Rewoven, is leading the charge to ensure that sustainability remains at the forefront of the fashion industry. Headquartered in Cape Town, Rewoven headlines innovative approaches to redefine the perception of textile waste, reflecting a commitment to eco-conscious practices in fashion.

Fashion with a future by Esethu (image by WCEF)

Looking at the remarkable achievements of these vibrant young South Africans, it’s clear that the future of our beloved Mzansi is filled with promise and potential. Delve deeper into the passions and aspirations driving this year’s Forbes Africa Top 30 Under 30 cohort to discover the inspiring stories behind their success.