By: Poelano Malema
June 16 marks the day when South Africans celebrate Youth Day.
On 16 June 1976 more than 20 000 scholars protested against Afrikaans as a language of instruction in secondary schools. Scores of learners lost their lives fighting for equal rights for all.
To date, many South African scholars enjoy learning in different languages thanks to the victory that was achieved by the youth of 1967.
What that historical day showed was that the youth are powerful and can change the world.
To celebrate the day, let us look at South African youths who are impacting the world positively with their gifts and making strides in their different sectors.
Vusi Thembekwayo
Vusi Thembekwayo is an inspiration to many young aspiring business owners.
The entrepreneur is a self-made millionaire and the CEO of a boutique investment & advisory firm in Africa.
READ: Vusi Thembekwayo’s seven lessons for creating wealth and finding happiness
Thembekwayo is shaping the lives of many young South Africans by offering mentorship and sharing insights about the creation of wealth on his social media pages.
Boity
Boity, real name Boitumelo Thulo, is a 2019 Forbes Africa 30 under 30 alumni.
The entrepreneur was honoured by the magazine as one of the most influential creatives in Africa.
Boity is multi-talented. She is an example that the sky is not the limit.
READ: Boity helps Twitter user in her search for employment
The ‘Bakae’ hitmaker is an actress, musician, and entrepreneur.
She is the founder of The BT signature – alcohol and non-alcohol drinks.
Boity is making the world a better place through her foundation.
The Boity Thulo Foundation states its purpose as: “to address challenges faced by, but not limited to, the Women and Youth of South Africa through education, mentoring and empowerment.”
Thuso Mbedu
Thuso Mbedu is a global superstar.
If the 29-year-old is not winning awards for her acting, she is hanging out with the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres.
READ: ‘Thuso Mbedu gives a performance of a lifetime’ says, Oprah
Mbedu is an example that the African child can achieve anything she puts her mind to.
In 2018, she made it onto Forbes Africa’s ’30 Under 30′ list.
To be counted amongst some of the most BRILLIANT minds on the CONTINENT: WOW!
I’m pushing, reppin & fighting so hard for our craft coz our potential is LIMITLESS!
Young creative TAKE NOTE: The future is ME. The future is YOU. The future is NOW.
Create the world you want to see pic.twitter.com/xRcW6MTA5K
— тнU§σ Mвє∂u (@ThusoMbedu) June 1, 2018
Master KG
From the dusty streets of Giyani in Limpopo, a star was born. Master KG is one of the most influential musicians of our time. He proves that you can achieve greatness regardless of where you come from.
His songs continue to dominate global charts and his list of international awards keep on increasing. Master KG made it on the 2021 #30under30 Forbes Africa list.
READ: Master KG makes the #30under30 Forbes Africa list
His latest single ‘Shine Your Light’ features DJ David Guetta and Akon.
He also had billboards in Times Square, New York.
I just keep getting better!Friday I dropped a new song with David guetta And Akon already its on millions of streams and charting across the globe and yesterday I was part of forbes Africa under 30.. Thank you GOD 🙏🙏🙏❤
— MASTER KG (@MasterKGsa) June 2, 2021
Nomzamo Mbatha
Nomzamo Mbatha is an actress known for starring in ‘Coming 2 America’ (2021), ‘Isibaya’ (2014) and ‘The Jakes Are Missing’ (2015).
The now US-based SA actress is flying the South African flag high in America.
READ: Nomzamo Mbatha gets real about adjusting to life in America
She recently graced the cover of Hello Beautiful, an American publication.
She attributed her success to black women who are breaking boundaries.
“All the Black women that just continue to break those glass ceilings, that continue to collaborate across and collaborate up and down as well, are my inspiration.”⠀
Mbatha is passionate about improving the lives of young South Africans. Earlier in 2021, she donated 20 desktop computers to a rural high school in KwaZulu-Natal with the help of BET Software.
Bonang Matheba
Queen B is a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry.
South Africa’s media darling is not only successful but she is also using her fame and money to better the lives of underprivileged South Africans.
READ: Halala! Bonang Matheba relocates to New York
Bonang runs a charity organisation where she funds the education of young girls.
“I believe that when you educate a girl child, you actually educate a community and you educate a family. As girls tend to become the head of the household, these young ladies pay their education forward; and an education is something that nobody can take away from you. It has a generational advantage and value,” states Bonang on her website.
According to the site, The Bonang Matheba Bursary Fund aims to provide 300 young ladies an opportunity to tertiary education by the year 2025.
Image courtesy of Instagram/ @Bonang_M



