Youth Month Spotlight: South African trailblazers on Forbes 30 under 30 list

Youth Month Spotlight: South African trailblazers on Forbes 30 under 30 list

As South Africa celebrates Youth Month, we take pride in highlighting the extraordinary young individuals shaping the future of the continent.

The Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list for 2025 features 12 dynamic South Africans who are breaking barriers, disrupting industries, and uplifting communities through their bold ideas and innovative work.

This year’s honourees represent a wide range of sectors,  from entertainment and science to technology and social entrepreneurship. Among them are musicians using their platforms to redefine African pop culture, scientists leading cutting-edge research, and tech entrepreneurs solving real-world problems with homegrown innovation. One standout voice is leading a revolution in menstrual health, challenging stigma and improving access to hygiene products for underserved communities.

What unites these individuals is not just their success before the age of 30, but their relentless drive to create change, challenge the status quo, and inspire others along the way. They are proof that the South African youth are not waiting for the future, they are building it now.

Their stories are a reminder of the resilience, creativity, and leadership that define our young generation. In honour of Youth Month, we celebrate these 12 South Africans who have earned international recognition, not only for what they’ve achieved, but for the impact they continue to make. Their inclusion on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list is a powerful testament to what’s possible when talent meets purpose.

Elaine Ndivhuwo Mukheli

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Elaine Ndivhuwo Mukheli, Image:Instagram/@elaine

Wisani Hlangwane

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Wisani Hlangwane, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Funti3r, Image:ForbesAfrica

Candice Chirwa

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Candice Chirwa, Founder and Director of Qrate, Image: ForbesAfrica

Avian Bell

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Avian Bell, Chief Executive Officer, Quantumed, Image: ForbesAfrica

Paballo Basetsana Mothapo- Pabi Cooper

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Paballo Basetsana Mothapo- Pabi Cooper, Amapiano Artist, Image: ForbesAfrica

Thabang Sizwe Zulu

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Thabang Sizwe Zulu, Founder, Lead Developer and Chief Executive Officer, Glitch Portal, Image: ForbesAfrica

Maambele Khosa

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Maambele Khosa, Founder and CEO, SheCab; Head of Science Research Communication at Stellenbosch University's Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), Image: Forbes Africa

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

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Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Flyhalf, Western Cape's DHL Stormers and the Springboks, Image: Ovayo Nonqa

Johnny Malepa

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Johnny Malepa, Founder and Creative Director, Malepa Agency, Image: ForbesAfrica

Mas'ooda Varachia

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Mas'ooda Varachia, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, USS Raven (also known as Raven Technologies) Image: Ovayo Nonqa

Chae Francis

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Chae Francis, Co-Founder, Ace Labs, Image: ForbesAfrica

Bradley Max Segal

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Bradley Max Segal, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Engage Mx, Image: Ovayo Nonqa
 
Issued on Glamour (South Africa) by Sindeka Mandoyi | https://www.glamour.co.za/lifestyle/youth-month-spotlight-south-african-trailblazers-on-forbes-30-under-30-list-fef0b3f0-b03b-4c1d-bba6-05f91bf01a18