SA’s Most Influential people get the nod
SOUTH Africa is celebrating its inspiring men and women who made it to the annual list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023, released by the New African magazine.
The list features a diverse group of men and women from various fields and sectors who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world.
The magazine also serves as a platform for readers to learn from and be inspired by their stories.
The Springboks under captain Siya Kolisi; businessman Patrice Motsepe; chief executive of the Standard Bank Group Sim Tshabalala; Black Coffee; Thebe Magugu; Tyla Laura Seethal; Pretty Yende; and Daily Maverick founder Branko Brkic are among those recognised for having excelled and shown ingenuity, leadership, perseverance and vision in their fields.
Creatives dominate with 31 representatives, followed by business with 25 entries.
The list also reflects the shifting trends and priorities in Africa as the continent faces new challenges and opportunities in the post-pandemic era.
Making it to the list adds to the accolades achieved by the Springboks after their World Cup win against New Zealand last year.
More than any other sporting events last year, according to Google search, South Africans were watching the rugby and cricket World Cups.
The most frequently selected “athlete” on the list was the Springboks, followed by the Rugby World Cup and Inter Miami.
The list comprises:
Politics and Public Service
William Ruto, Ibrahima Cheikh Dion, Sidi Ould Tah, Akinwumi Adesina, Ngozi
Okonjo-Weala, Bola Tinubu, Mamady Doumbouya, Ousmane Sonko, Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, and Tidjane Thiam.
Business
Mohamed Kande, Sim Tshabalala, Karim Beguir, Didier Acouetey, Olugbenga Agboola, Samaila Zubairu, Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, Ralph Mupita, Ibrahim Sagna, Simon Tiemtoré, Jules Ngankam, Riham EIGizy, André de Ruyter, Aliko Dangote, Ham Serunjogi, Serge Ekué, Bahija Jallal, Coura Sène, Bernard Koné Dossongui, Hassanein Hiridjee, Shola Akinlade, James Mwangi, and Pascal Agboyibor.
Science and Academia
Anna Adela Makaniu, Chao Tayiana Maina, Nemat Talaat Shafik, Ismahane Elouafi, Moungi Bawendi, and Timnit Gebru.
Environmental
James Irungu Mwangi, Ephraim Mwepya Shitima, Wanjira Mathai, Rashid Sumaila, Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, and
Dr Musonda Mumba.
Creative
Kaouther Ben Hania, Danai Gurira, Ncuti Gatwa, Black Coffee, Tyla Laura Seethal, Temilade “Tems” Openiyi, Lesley Lokko, Mulenga Kapwepwe, Alice Diop, Wanuri Kahiu, Bassem Youssef, Malenga Mulendema, Jadesola Osiberu, Editi Effiong, Ali Said Alamin Mandhry, Abel “The Weekend” Tesfaye, Pretty Yende, Julie Mehretu, Pierre Thiam, Teju Cole, Thebe Magugu, David Diop, Burna Boy, Serge Attukwei Clottey, Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, Aïda Muluneh, Omoyemi Akerele, Mariam Issoufou Kamara, Victor Ekpuk, DJ Snake, and Gandhi “Maitre Gims” Diuna.
Media
Claude Grunitzky, Chioma Nnadi, Edward Enninfu, Alan Kasujia, Wode Maya, Anton Harber, Khabane “Khaby” Lame, Charity Ekezie, Moses “Uncle Mo” Kiboneka, Branko Brkic, Tomiwa Aladekomo, Marie Mbullu, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Daniel Ahaoussa, and Fabrice Sawegnon.
Sports
Francis Ngannou, Faith Kipyegon, the Springboks, led by captain Siya Kolisi, Patrice Motsepe, Kelvin Kiptum, Victor Osmihen, Biniam Girmay, and Yassine Bounou.