- Back for the sixth year in a row, News24's Young Mandelas initiative is looking for budding entrants.
- Each year News24 highlights 30 young leaders who continue the legacy and dream of Mandela – a prosperous South Africa for all.
- Do you or someone you know have what it takes to be considered a modern-day Mandela? If so, enter now before the deadline on Friday, 16 May.
- The final list of this year's Young Mandelas will be announced on 18 July, which is globally recognised as "Mandela Day".
Back for the sixth year in a row, News24's Young Mandelas of the Future newsroom initiative is back and looking for budding young entrants who are truly making a difference.
Are you or someone you know making an impact that lives up to the legacy and example of Nelson Mandela – even if it's just in your community? Whether you're fighting for climate or social justice, innovating ways to ease the lives of your community members or advocating for mental health education and support, News24 wants to hear from you.
Born from the desire to recognise and celebrate young changemakers across the country, Young Mandelas is all about how the future leaders of our great nation are championing a new era that promotes and advances Madiba's dream of a unified and integrated South Africa. The initiative also coincides with and builds up to the birthday of the global freedom-fighting icon on 18 July, which is globally recognised as "Mandela Day".
See the class of 2024 here
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Ready to enter? Nominate yourself or someone you know in one of the six categories of Young Mandelas 2025 listed below:
- 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.
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- 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, including community-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
If you or someone you know is making a meaningful contribution in any of the above categories, 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).
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!
