University of Johannesburg: UJ leads M&G Top 200 list

Every year, the Mail & Guardian canvasses the country to find the 200 most outstanding young South Africans to celebrate them and their achievements.

This year, under the theme Resilience and Innovation for Excellence, the Mail & Guardian in partnership with the National Lotteries Commission hosted yet another exciting live virtual gathering on Thursday, 24 June to showcase South Africa’s most versatile, innovative young professionals, who will inspire, ignite and prepare the youth for a new world. The occasion carried a special significance as M&G celebrates 15 exciting years since the project’s inception in 2006.

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is proud to have at least seven of our graduates fused on this list.

“It is a great pleasure to congratulate all of you for making it to the trailblazers list. This is a life altering event and we are looking forward to seeing you move from strength to strength changing our lives for the better,” said Prof Tshilidzi Marwala, UJ’s Vice- Chancellor & Principal.

Over the years, the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans has exponentially grown in both scale and prestige. Since the announcement of the inaugural cohort of winners in 2006, many finalists have gone on to represent South Africa in the global arena – from UJ’s very own Prof Philiswa Nomngongo and Dr Bhaso Ndzendze to Palesa Dee Jay Manaleng.

The following UJ graduates featured in the Top 200 list:
Arts, Entertainment, Film & Media

Karabo Legoabe, 34

Operations manager and producer
University of Johannesburg Arts and Culture department



Business & Entrepreneurship

Milisa Mabinza, 29

Private equity fund manager and managing director
Khula Lula



Education

Dzivhu Mavhungu, 32

Founder and managing director

EarlyCareers



Politics & Government

Hope Dhlamini, 24

Chief executive officer and public relations officer

COVID P.U.N.C.H Community Project



Science & Technology

Gauta Matlou, 30

Postdoctoral researcher
University of Johannesburg



Edith Phalane, 30

Postdoctoral research fellow
University of Johannesburg

Edith Phalane, 30




Sport

Lungelo Dubazane, 30

Teacher
Protea Glen Secondary