By Thapelo Molefe
In a country reflecting on 30 years of constitutional democracy and 50 years since the historic youth uprising of 1976, a new generation is stepping forward with its own vision for South Africa.
They are not defined only by protest, but by projects. Not only by frustration, but by solutions.
This year, Inside Education honoured 100 exceptional young achievers through its 100 Shining Stars initiative, celebrating them as beacons of hope and drivers of change across the country.
Since 2018, the programme has recognised young leaders working across 12 categories, including education, health, civil society, business, science and technology, arts and culture, politics, justice and law, environment and philanthropy.
Behind the accolades lies a shared purpose: to uplift underprivileged communities and expand opportunities for young people.
Faith Murumbi, special projects manager at K and K Media, said the annual celebration continues to affirm the power of youth leadership in shaping the country’s tomorrow. The winners may come from different sectors, but their mission is unified, to create meaningful change where it matters most.
For Wayde Groep, Youth Development Leader at YearBeyond, the recognition is both personal and collective.
“I feel good, I’m humbled. It’s an important recognition but it’s not just about me, it’s about the work that we do for young people in our country.”
Groep said while South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, there is still significant work to be done. Although unemployment statistics are slowly declining, too many young people remain without decent income opportunities.
He believes young people are already playing a major role in shaping the country, describing them as innovators, educators and leaders serving communities in multiple ways. His programme hopes to recruit close to 4,000 young people this year, even as applications exceed available spaces, and he emphasised the need to amplify youth voices and invest more boldly in national youth service.
In Soweto, literacy advocate and early childhood development champion Bontle Ndaba is confronting a stark reality: 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read for meaning.
“I feel very humbled and grateful to be acknowledged for the impact and purpose that I have within my community,” she said.
Ndaba said the milestone of 50 years since the 1976 youth uprising carries deep significance, as it honours young people who fought for the right to education. She believes today’s youth are introducing new movements and new ways of thinking that align with current realities.
Through her literacy work in underserved communities, she aims to strengthen foundational reading skills and create safe, engaging reading spaces that allow children to thrive.
For Advice Tshikani Chuma, provincial chairperson of the ActionSA Youth Forum in Gauteng and a PR councillor in the City of Johannesburg, youth empowerment also means civic participation and ethical leadership.
“It’s a mixed reaction,” he said of the country’s milestone celebrations. “The youth of 1976 said enough is enough, but today many young people don’t want to participate in politics or vote.”
Chuma believes young people must conscientise one another about the importance of democratic participation, particularly ahead of local government elections. He said advancing democracy requires active involvement, from registering to vote to raising one’s hand to serve in public office, especially within higher learning institutions and local communities.
Innovation is another strong thread among the Shining Stars. At just 20 years old, Relebogile Lebitsa is developing digital solutions aimed at modernising township taxi industry through digital payments and commuter support, and improving access to healthcare services.
“The youth is opening opportunities for themselves,” she said. “They are taking whatever space there is and showing up.”
Lebitsa described the recognition as an honour and said young people continue to demonstrate resilience by embracing challenges and creating solutions, whether in technology, policy or community development. She is continuing her work in tech while building her professional career.
In the legal field, candidate attorney Lesego Makhwenkwe of Motsoeneng Bill Attorneys is building a reputation as an emerging labour law scholar while mentoring fellow young professionals and advancing his postgraduate studies.
“To be recognised at such an early stage in my career means a lot,” Makhwenkwe said. “It shows that the hard work we put in is seen.”
He described the 30-year constitutional milestone as both a celebration of progress in freedom and equality and a reminder that more work lies ahead. He believes young entrepreneurs and professionals are helping reshape South Africa with innovation and determination as he continues to pursue academic excellence in law.
INSIDE EDUCATION
