- Enter now! News24's Young Mandelas are back for another year celebrating the inspiring young people shaping the country's future.
- Each year News24 shines a spotlight on young leaders who've taken up the baton to continue Madiba's legacy and vision of a prosperous Mzansi for all.
- Think you or someone you know is up to the task? Nominate yourself or them in one of the six categories before the deadline on Friday, 16 May.
- Our final list of this year's Young Mandelas will be announced on 18 July, which is globally celebrated as "Mandela Day".
Nominations have opened once again for News24's annual Young Mandelas of the Future newsroom initiative.
Created to recognise and shine a spotlight on young South Africans who are making a positive impact in their communities and our country at large, the News24 initiative is calling for entries across the nation.
ADVERTISEMENT
As Mzansi gears up to celebrate the life and legacy of global icon, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, on 18 July, we are calling upon young South African changemakers to share their stories of how they are, in their own unique way, championing Madiba's dream of a united SA where compassion, equality, freedom, and opportunity thrives.
See the class of 2024 here
Marking the sixth year since its launch, News24's Young Mandelas project came about to honour Madiba's centenary birthday. Since then, the publication has set out to find a new generation of leaders taking South Africa forward each year.
Here are the six categories forYoung Mandelas 2025:
ADVERTISEMENT
- Climate Literacy and Sustainability
Any young person who is playing a significant role in responding to the impact of climate change, including efforts and activities that focus on mitigation, adaption, and education.
- Social Justice
Any young person who is advocating for social justice causes and systemic change, including initiatives and movements related to equal education, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, gender, racial equality, and more.
- Innovation
Any young person who is taking steps to create and develop impactful offerings such as products, services, processes, technologies, and business opportunities.
- Mental Health
Any young person who is creating awareness about mental health or providing support services that are addressing issues such as stigma and limited access to care.
- Humanitarianism
Any young person who is using the resources at their disposal to serve and uplift local communities, includingcommunity-based projects, social initiatives or movements which are combating poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
- Deepening Democracy
Any young person who is creating platforms and opportunities to strengthen and revitalise democratic values without political affiliation, including electoral education, voting rights, civic engagement, and the rule of law.
HOW TO ENTER
Are you or someone you know making a meaningful contribution to any of the above categories? If so, please submit your nomination by filling out this form.
In addition to filling in the entry form, entrants MUST send a high-res profile photo of the nominated person via email to 100mandelas@24.com.
Applications will only be considered when both the form and image are completed and submitted.
The entries are limited to South African citizens, aged 35 and younger – as only these entries will be eligible for consideration for the Young Mandelas 2025 list.
Please note that entries close on Friday, 16 May at 23:59. A panel of judges will make the final selection of Young Mandelas to be published on Mandela Day (Friday, 18 July).
ADVERTISEMENT
News24 will accept more than one nomination per person and entrants are allowed to nominate themselves. We look forward to receiving your submission. Enter today!
