The widely anticipated Mail & Guardian  200 Young South Africans list has been announced – and this year, 32 University of Pretoria (UP)-affiliated trailblazers have made the cut.

The list is a reflection of young innovators under the age of 35 who are making waves in their respective fields. From sport and health to mining and technology, UP-affiliated individuals stood out in every category.

At a recently held event to celebrate the 200 stars, CEO of the Mail & Guardian Hoosain Karjieker spoke about the importance of recognising young people. “These individuals here tonight are truly the leaders of tomorrow and we applaud all their efforts for taking up their craft with such tenacity and determination, making them worthy of the recognition we bestow upon them.”

UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Tawana Kupe made reference to the role that higher education institutions play in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

“Africa has the youngest populations, so we have a unique opportunity to ensure that this young, fast-growing continent that is beaming with promise provides high-quality human resources to the West,” he said. “South Africa’s higher institutions of learning are important spaces for the preparation of a new generation of trailblazing creators and leaders who will make a positive, transformative impact and allow us to reimagine our continent in the global context.”

This year, the Mail & Guardian received more than 3 000 nominations for the list, the theme of which is ‘South Africa’s inclusive, equal and sustainable future’. Sustainability and transformation are pillars of the University, so it is unsurprising that the UP candidates have placed these ideas at the centre of their work.

UP graduate Tsholofelo Mosala, Commissioner at the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission, is one such example of someone who is working towards transformation. She has been recognised in the Education category. Promoting and protecting the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities form part of her day-to-day activities.

UP alumnus Thato Magasa, recognised in the Business category, is the managing director of Mitsubishi Motors and increased sales by 71,5% by the end of 2021; while digital innovation analyst Abdul Qadir Soondka (Technology and Innovation category) develops roadmaps, strategies and programmes, and hopes that South Africa will become a global leader in innovation, technology and economies.

UP’s 32 candidates join a cohort of previous M&G list-makers such as comedian and Emmy-nominated TV host Trevor Noah, politician Julies Malema and musician and performer Ami Faku.