Youth Month Spotlight: South African trailblazers on Forbes 30 under 30 list

As South Africa celebrates Youth Month, we take pride in highlighting the extraordinary young individuals shaping the future of the continent. The Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list for 2025 features 12 dynamic South Africans who are breaking barriers, disrupting industries, and uplifting communities through their bold ideas and innovative work.

This year’s honourees represent a wide range of sectors, from entertainment and science to technology and social entrepreneurship. Among them are musicians using their platforms to redefine African pop culture, scientists leading cutting-edge research, and tech entrepreneurs solving real-world problems with homegrown innovation. One standout voice is leading a revolution in menstrual health, challenging stigma and improving access to hygiene products for underserved communities.

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What unites these individuals is not just their success before the age of 30, but their relentless drive to create change, challenge the status quo, and inspire others along the way. They are proof that the South African youth are not waiting for the future, they are building it now.

Their stories are a reminder of the resilience, creativity, and leadership that define our young generation. In honour of Youth Month, we celebrate these 12 South Africans who have earned international recognition, not only for what they’ve achieved, but for the impact they continue to make. Their inclusion on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list is a powerful testament to what’s possible when talent meets purpose.