The SA youth that’s taking over the world
From Grammys to World Cups to Hollywood, these Mzansi youths are doing the most!
June 16 is more than a public holiday in South Africa.
It’s a day drenched in history, bravery, and youthful rebellion that shaped our nation’s future.
While we honour the heroes of the past, we also celebrate the current generation of South African youth (aged 18 to 35) who are dominating the world in every field imaginable.
These young people are reminding the planet that Mzansi talent hits different.
TYLA (23)
If you haven’t seen someone splash water over themselves while awkwardly trying to dance to the song 'Water', you’re probably not on the internet.
Tyla Laura Seethal (aka TYLA) made history by becoming the first South African solo artist to win a Grammy Award since Miriam Makeba in 1966.
She scooped the Best African Music Performance at the 2024 Grammys for her chart-smashing single ‘Water’ (and many, many more).
Soon, TYLA will be the first African (and South African) to host the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards!
TYLA is doing more than just making hits, she’s rewriting the global music playbook.
Akani Simbine (31)
Our sprint king is still on fire! Akani Simbine has won all five 100m races he’s participated in this year.
In his season opener at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix in April, he clocked 9.90 seconds - still the fastest 100m time in the world this year.
Fun fact: Akani is now the first athlete in history to run a sub-10 second 100m for 11 consecutive years. Eleven. Consecutive. Years.
Akani isn’t just carrying the South African flag in global athletics. He’s tattooed it on the track.
Thuso Mbedu (33)
Thuso Mbedu’s bag stays full. Her Hollywood breakout in ‘The Woman King’, with Viola Davis, catapulted her to global success and opened up a whole new world of opportunities for her.
Just when you thought she might take a breather, she landed a major role in HBO’s newest star-studded series ‘Task’, alongside Mark Ruffalo, Emilia Jones, and Tom Pelphrey.
She’s a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 alum, an International Emmy winner, and the first SA actress to lead a US series, 'The Underground Railroad'.
If there’s a South African to bet on in Hollywood, it’s definitely Thuso.
Jaden Hendrikse (25)
Durban’s golden boy and Springbok scrumhalf, Jaden Hendrikse, was part of the squad that lifted the 2023 Rugby World Cup trophy in France, marking SA’s historic fourth World Cup win.
In 2025, he’s been a standout player for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship (wink wink), and he’s continuing to cement his reputation as one of the country’s sharpest young talents on the rugby field.
At 25 years old, he’s already a Bok and a World Cup winner.
Pressure much? Nah - pressure is for tyres. This is greatness.
Lemogang Tsipa (34)
Arguably one of the most underrated acting gems in SA, Lemogang Tsipa has been everywhere this past year.
He delivered a phenomenal performance as adult Shaka Zulu in ‘Shaka iLembe’, and has proven his talent again in season 2 of the hit TV series, which premiered on June 15, 2025.
In case you missed it, he also starred alongside Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey in ‘The Dark Tower’ (2017).
With more international film offers reportedly on the table and a reputation as one of Mzansi’s most versatile actors, Lemogang is proving that consistent, world-class talent shines through.
These five young powerhouses aren’t just chasing clout. They’re changing the game.
Every Grammy, World Cup, record sprint, and box office hit represents African excellence on a global scale.
They also remind us that the spirit of June 16 is alive in every young South African breaking barriers and rewriting narratives.
This Youth Day, we salute our history, and celebrate our future. The Tyla’s, Jaden’s, Thuso’s, Akani’s and Lemogang’s of this country are proving that the youth of Mzansi aren’t just taking up the space.
They own it.
To every young South African doing the most in classrooms, stages, boardrooms, fields, and streets: your time is now.
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