Former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, The Daily Show host Trevor Noah and track and field sprinter Wayde van Niekerk are among 14 South Africans who’ve made the list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2017.
The list, compiled by the New African Magazine has just been released. It recognises people who are making a difference in various categories including politics, public service, education, science, sports and media.
With 21 names, Nigeria tops the acclaimed list, closely followed by South Africa with 14. Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made the list for serving as a safe pair of hands during President Buhari’s absence for the most part of 2017.
The Hijab wearing Somali top model Halima Aden is also listed. South Africans mentioned include designer Porky Hefer, sporting heroes Caster Semenya and Kagiso Rabada, Mail and Guardian editor Khadija Patel and Elon Musk founder of Paypal.
The publishers say many have those mentioned have shattered glass-ceilings or stigma with great bravery and sacrifice while others yield economic power that impacts world markets.
Click to watch one of Trevoh Noah’s interview with SABC:
