Honouring the Soweto uprising of June 16 1976 when students protested against Bantu education, June 16 has become the day we celebrate the rights of our youth and the power they hold in shaping our country.
Today we’re taking a look at five influential youngsters who are changing South Africa, one step at a time. They also made it into Forbes’ Africa 30 Under 30 list of most promising entrepreneurs.
Siya Beyile
(Images: Instagram/@!thethreadedman)
The founder and creative director of The Threaded Man, Siya is making his mark in the fashion industry. Launched in February 2013, the site has become the leading online destination for men’s fashion, particularly for the modern African man. Besides featuring the latest style trends, he also offers styling and image consulting, creative direction, brand collaborations and content production. Siya has also been featured in GQ online digitorials and styled this year’s SAMAs hosts.
Mogau Seshoene
(Images: Instagram/@thelazymakoti)
Mogau Seshoene is the founder of The Lazy Makoti, a business that provides cooking lessons and recipes for popular South African cuisine, plus it sells kitchen and cooking utensils.
Emmanuel Bonoko
(Image: ebonokofoundation.co.za)
The Ebonoko Foundation, started by Emmanuel Bonoko in 2012, focuses on youth empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, with the aim of transforming society.
Nadav Ossendryver
(Images: INstagram/@nadav_ossendryver)
At the tender age of 19, Nadav is the CEO and founder of Latest Sightings – an online, real time wildlife-spotting service. Available for Kruger National Park visitors, it’s a great way for enthusiasts to explore their passion for wildlife.
Inga Gubeka
(Images: Instagram/@IndaloDecor)
Entrepreneur Inge Dubeka, born in the Eastern Cape and raised in Durban, is making waves in the design and decor scene. He established Indalo Decor in 2012, which creates unique handcrafted wooden and canvas bags and leather accessories, and provides interior design and decor services.