Nominations Open for the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans 2026 The Mail & Guardian has officially opened nominations for the 2026 edition of its flagship 200 Young South Africans (200 YSA) initiative, inviting the public to recognise exceptional young people who are shaping South Africa’s present and future. Open to individuals aged 18 to 35, the nomination process closes on Friday, 13 March 2026. The annual project remains one of the country’s most respected platforms for identifying and celebrating emerging leadership across diverse sectors of society. Launched to spotlight youth-driven excellence, the 200 YSA initiative has grown into a powerful national brand that amplifies the voices of young South Africans whose ideas, actions and innovations are driving meaningful change. Each year, the project profiles individuals who demonstrate courage, creativity and a deep commitment to improving their communities and the country at large. Celebrating Leadership, Innovation and Social Impact The 2026 edition of the 200 YSA will recognise outstanding young leaders across 15 categories, reflecting the breadth and complexity of South African society. These categories span a wide range of fields, including activism, business, science, technology, education, media, arts, health, sport and social justice. Collectively, they showcase how young people are responding to economic, social and environmental challenges with ingenuity and purpose. • Recognition across 15 categories representing diverse sectors• Inclusion of the Editor’s Choice category for exceptional innovation and resilience• Emphasis on leadership, ethical practice and long-term impact A key highlight of the initiative is the Editor’s Choice category, which acknowledges individuals and collectives developing entrepreneurial, resilient and impactful solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow. Nominees are evaluated not only on their achievements to date, but also on their vision, values and potential to effect sustained change. The initiative seeks to elevate voices that might otherwise remain underrepresented, reinforcing the belief that inclusive leadership is essential to national progress. Honouring the Legacy, Shaping Tomorrow The 2026 theme, “Honouring the legacy, shaping tomorrow,” situates the project within a moment of profound historical reflection. Fifty years have passed since the youth of 1976 stood at the forefront of resistance against apartheid, challenging systemic injustice and altering the course of South Africa’s history. Their actions underscored the power of youth agency and the role of young people in shaping societal transformation. As South Africa marks this milestone during Youth Month, the Mail & Guardian positions the 200 YSA project as both a tribute to that legacy and a call to action for a new generation. The theme highlights continuity between past and present, recognising that today’s young leaders inherit both the sacrifices and the unfinished work of those who came before them. It affirms that the responsibility to shape a more just, equitable and sustainable future rests firmly in the hands of youth. A Platform with Enduring National Influence Over the years, the 200 Young South Africans initiative has become a trusted barometer of emerging leadership. Alumni of the project have gone on to influence public policy, transform industries, lead social movements and build innovative organisations across the continent and beyond. Being named among the 200 YSA is widely regarded as a defining career milestone that opens doors to collaboration, mentorship and broader public engagement. • Alumni impact across policy, business, civil society and culture• Increased visibility and access to national networks• Contribution to a values-driven leadership narrative Beyond individual recognition, the initiative plays a broader role in shaping national discourse around leadership and responsibility. It promotes a vision of success rooted in ethical action, social awareness and collective progress, reinforcing the idea that young people are not merely future leaders, but present-day agents of change. Public Participation and Inclusive Recognition The Mail & Guardian encourages members of the public, organisations and institutions to actively participate in the nomination process by putting forward young people whose work deserves national recognition. Self-nominations are also welcomed, reflecting the project’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion. • Open nominations from the public and institutions• Self-nominations encouraged• Commitment to diversity, equity and public trust Through this open and participatory process, the 200 YSA initiative remains grounded in collective insight and public trust. By continuously surfacing new voices and ideas, the Mail & Guardian ensures that each cohort reflects the diversity, creativity and resilience of South Africa’s youth, while helping to shape conversations about leadership, legacy and possibility in the country’s evolving democracy. Click Here to Nominate Someone For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is hiring. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. 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