By Johnathan Paoli
Author and indigenous languages activist Mashudu Ravele on Thursday challenged young South Africans to treat recognition not as a ceremonial milestone, but as a responsibility to act decisively in their communities, as the 100 South African Shining Stars for 2025 were unveiled.
Delivering the keynote address in North Riding, Ravele said the initiative was grounded in the values of Nelson Mandela and aimed to spotlight real, measurable impact instead of status, education or wealth.
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“When I look at you, I see leaders and the people who will talk for us tomorrow. You are not nominated because of position or titles, but because of the difference you are making in your communities,” she said.
Ravele hails from the Vhembe District in Limpopo, writes and publishes in Tshivenda, and is the author of two award-winning books that are used in the education sector.
Born and raised in Mbilwi Sibasa township, she holds a diploma in journalism and is currently studying communication science at the University of South Africa.
Her poetry collection Tshisima Tsha Dora (2020) and novel Ndi Vhudza Nnyi? (2022) have earned critical recognition, including a nomination for Best Tshivenda Book.
“The power of youth in action is not a slogan. It’s a call to action. When young people act, they do not wait for permission. They create new pathways, new industries and new movements,” Ravele said.
She said the stories represented by previous Shining Stars since the programme’s launch in 2018 were “stories of courage”, demonstrating that youth empowerment was “practical and lived every day”.
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Ravele said the awards signalled an investment in South Africa’s future, particularly as the country marks 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution and looks ahead to upcoming local government elections.
“You are not just recipients of recognition. You are custodians of Mandela’s dream. Greatness is not measured in titles, but in impact,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to continue backing young people, stressing that investing in youth was “not optional, but the only path to success”, and encouraged the award recipients to see the moment as the beginning of a broader movement rather than an end point.
Delivering the welcoming address, Inside Education Foundation chairperson Matuma Letsoalo congratulated the 100 honourees selected from over 800 nominations nationwide.
“It gives us immense pleasure as the foundation to present the 100 South African Shining Stars for 2026. You are trailblazers and thinkers of the future,” he said.
Letsoalo reflected on the inspiration he drew from working with young people.
“One of the good things about interacting with young people is that it reminds those of us of a time when we were young. When I was your age, I was not thinking about the amazing things you are doing to change the world,” he said.
He said the Shining Stars initiative celebrated youth from all nine provinces who were making a positive impact in their own lives and in their communities, describing them as “thinkers, doers, athletes and activists” who served as role models to their peers.
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Letsoalo placed strong emphasis on the role of young people in sustaining democracy, particularly as South Africa reflects on three decades of constitutional rule.
“As South Africa celebrates 30 years of the adoption of the Constitution and prepares for the upcoming local government elections, you serve as a reminder that young people are central to a thriving democracy,” he said.
Letsoalo highlighted youth unemployment as one of the country’s most pressing challenges, pointing out that four out of 10 young people were without work, with many classified as not in employment, education or training.
Several Shining Star awardees were already responding to this crisis by facilitating skills training, establishing small businesses and supporting entrepreneurship within their communities, he said.
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“As young ambassadors, you take your cue from Theodore Roosevelt: do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
Letsoalo cited alumni success stories to illustrate the programme’s long-term impact, including Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, now the national spokesperson of the South African Police Service, who was recognised as a Shining Star in 2022.
“We are quite good at spotting potential,” Letsoalo said.
He concluded by praising the awardees as problem-solvers who often step in where government or markets fall short, from education and healthcare to environmental work, legal services, civic education and climate mitigation initiatives.
INSIDE EDUCATION
