Michelle Lissoos, 54

Michelle Lissoos, 54

When faced with the unfolding education crisis in South Africa — with the 2016 Progress in International Reading Literacy report stating that a troubling 78% of grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning — it is easy to become dispirited. Making impressive strides to...
Lusanda Ngesi, 41

Lusanda Ngesi, 41

The Paris Agreement has given South Africa a target to limit global warming to 1.5°C by reducing greenhouse emissions — but the slow pace of transition to renewable energy means the country is far behind this target. Research into the rapidly expanding field of...
Lwethu Zwane, 33

Lwethu Zwane, 33

Lwethu Zwane is the first head of investment of one of the G7 government departments operating in South Africa — a position involving working with government agencies and private sector stakeholders to increase investment in South Africa. Prior to this, she held the...
Dr Margaret Mojapelo, 62

Dr Margaret Mojapelo, 62

Outspoken Dr Margaret Mojapelo has survived the “fight of her life” against Covid, and is now planning a fresh battle to trigger major changes in healthcare provision across the country. She has two ambitious goals: bolstering public-private partnerships so...
Mandisa Dukashe, 44

Mandisa Dukashe, 44

Mandisa Dukashe is HIV-positive and is leading the fight for a 0% HIV transmission future. Through her NGO, HIV Survivors and Partners Network, she has partnered with the U = U campaign. “What U = U means is undetectable = untransmittable. It’s a global movement...