Since its launch 19 years ago, the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans list has recognised the country’s most promising young leaders – individuals creating positive impact across sectors ranging from business and health to education, technology, innovation and the arts.

The University of Pretoria (UP) is proud to have played a significant role in this national story. Since the inception of the awards in 2006, more than UP staff members, students and alumni have been included among the annual honourees, consistently positioning the institution as one of the country’s leading contributors to this influential cohort.

Each year, UP has celebrated the achievements of its honourees through formal recognition events hosted by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. These occasions have underscored the institution’s commitment to supporting young leaders and acknowledging their contributions to society.

2019: Celebrating entrepreneurship and innovation

In 2019, then Vice-Chancellor Professor Tawana Kupe hosted honourees at UP’s business school, the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). Among them were husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Papa and Hetty Boachie-Yiadom, recognised in the Business & Entrepreneurship category. “Being on the list is a great privilege – it’s a validation of the work we do,” Papa said. Hetty added: “The best thing UP gave to me was my husband. I am eternally grateful for this, and carry my education into all spheres of life.”

2021–2022: Honouring young changemakers

In 2021 and 2022, Prof Kupe continued the tradition of celebrating UP’s awardees, with luncheons held at Future Africa and UP’s Hatfield Campus. He lauded their achievements, describing them as “some of South Africa’s brightest young minds” and encouraging them to continue bridging the gap between higher education and societal impact.

That same spirit was echoed by alumna Tsholofelo Mosala, recognised in 2022 in the Education category for her work as a Commissioner at the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission. “Promoting and protecting the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities is central to my work. Recognition on the M&G 200 list affirms that transformation and inclusivity are values worth fighting for,” she said at the time.

2024: A new era of leadership

In 2024, UP’s newly appointed Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Francis Petersen, celebrated 19 UP-affiliated honourees at a gathering on the Hatfield Campus. He commended their “solution-driven, community-oriented contributions” and described them as “role models and guiding lights for the next generation of leaders.”

Among the honourees was Phathutshedzo Mundalamo, a BSc Geology graduate recognised in the Climate & Environment category. Reflecting on her achievement, she said: “This acknowledgement has reinforced that I am in the right place, at the right time, and doing the right thing. It has inspired me to continue growing and advancing in my field.”

Looking ahead

Samantha Castle, Senior Manager: Alumni Relations, emphasised the importance of celebrating these achievements for the broader UP community: “When our alumni and staff succeed, UP shines. We could not ask for better ambassadors than those whose achievements are acknowledged on this prestigious platform.”

As UP continues to profile its most recent awardees, their predecessors’ journeys serve as inspiration to the next generation of leaders. These stories reflect the University’s enduring legacy of academic excellence, innovation, and service – and its pivotal role in nurturing graduates who translate knowledge into meaningful change.