Latest news with #YoungMandelas
News24
18-07-2025
- Politics
- News24
Young Mandelas show what the best of SA can be
News24 Mlungisi Jack Msibi. Thabo Mngomezulu. Juandré Klopper. Ryan Young. Yeshav Sewlal. Yolisa Singaphi. Savanna Sibutha. Remember these names. They are our News24 Star Mandelas of 2025 – young people who have not allowed their age to limit and define their dreams. Mandela Day is one of my favourite celebrations of the year. For 24 hours, the country pauses to celebrate the legacy and lessons of the most remarkable human being to have walked these shores. Why do we celebrate the Young Mandelas of South Africa? Because between the doom and gloom of an ordinary day in South Africa, people like the ones I mentioned above refuse to give up on their nation. Young Mandelas 2025 | Meet 30 shining SA leaders of the future, and our 6 Star Mandelas They have used their time, skills and passion to help others, improve the planet, feed, teach, coach and empower. Of course, there are thousands, no, millions of others like them. The good people of South Africa who keep our country together. We cannot celebrate everyone by their names, but today we shine a light on these special youngsters who inspire us and show the way. This country's future will not be determined by today's politicians, but by people like Yolisa, Juandré and Mlungisi. Let's support them and their initiatives where we can and celebrate the good people of our nation who refuse to give up today. Two quotes from Madiba will guide my Mandela Day this year. 'Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.' There is a lot to resent in South Africa: corruption, poverty, unemployment, crime, poor service delivery and crumbling infrastructure, to name but a few. If we allow these issues to make us bitter and twisted, we will not be able to see the light. Let go of the resentment and do something tangible to help yourself and others. Get involved in your street committee, community policing forum or school governing body. Join an NGO or donate to a cause close to your heart. 'A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.' Here, Madiba reminds us how to change the world by having a 'fundamental concern' for others. This requires us to look beyond our own needs and challenges and reach out to others we can help.
News24
25-04-2025
- Politics
- News24
Nominations are open for News24's Young Mandelas 2025 - here's how to enter
Enter now! News24's Young Mandelas are back for another year celebrating the inspiring young people shaping the country's future. Each year News24 shines a spotlight on young leaders who've taken up the baton to continue Madiba's legacy and vision of a prosperous Mzansi for all. Think you or someone you know is up to the task? Nominate yourself or them in one of the six categories before the deadline on Friday, 16 May. Our final list of this year's Young Mandelas will be announced on 18 July, which is globally celebrated as "Mandela Day". Nominations have opened once again for News24's annual Young Mandelas of the Future newsroom initiative. Created to recognise and shine a spotlight on young South Africans who are making a positive impact in their communities and our country at large, the News24 initiative is calling for entries across the nation. As Mzansi gears up to celebrate the life and legacy of global icon, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, on 18 July, we are calling upon young South African changemakers to share their stories of how they are, in their own unique way, championing Madiba's dream of a united SA where compassion, equality, freedom, and opportunity thrives. See the class of 2024 here Marking the sixth year since its launch, News24's Young Mandelas project came about to honour Madiba's centenary birthday. Since then, the publication has set out to find a new generation of leaders taking South Africa forward each year. Here are the six categories for Young Mandelas 2025: Climate Literacy and Sustainability Any young person who is playing a significant role in responding to the impact of climate change, including efforts and activities that focus on mitigation, adaption, and education. Social Justice Any young person who is advocating for social justice causes and systemic change, including initiatives and movements related to equal education, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, gender, racial equality, and more. Innovation Any young person who is taking steps to create and develop impactful offerings such as products, services, processes, technologies, and business opportunities. Mental Health Any young person who is creating awareness about mental health or providing support services that are addressing issues such as stigma and limited access to care. Humanitarianism Any young person who is using the resources at their disposal to serve and uplift local communities, including community-based projects, social initiatives or movements which are combating poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Deepening Democracy Any young person who is creating platforms and opportunities to strengthen and revitalise democratic values without political affiliation, including electoral education, voting rights, civic engagement, and the rule of law. HOW TO ENTER Are you or someone you know making a meaningful contribution to any of the above categories? If so, please submit your nomination by filling out this form. In addition to filling in the entry form, entrants MUST send a high-res profile photo of the nominated person via email to 100mandelas@ Applications will only be considered when both the form and image are completed and submitted. The entries are limited to South African citizens, aged 35 and younger – as only these entries will be eligible for consideration for the Young Mandelas 2025 list. Please note that entries close on Friday, 16 May at 23:59. A panel of judges will make the final selection of Young Mandelas to be published on Mandela Day (Friday, 18 July).
