Meet our Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans
Category: Technology & Innovation
Celine Meyers: Championing Data Analysis and Community Empowerment
Celine Meyers, 29, is an institutional researcher and BI analyst at the University of the Witwatersrand. She plays a vital role in analyzing data to inform strategic decision-making. Her responsibilities include collecting, processing, interpreting, and managing institutional data. Celine designs and implements surveys, generates reports, and presents key insights to university leadership and stakeholders. Her work supports initiatives aimed at improving student success and institutional effectiveness.
Celine is also passionate about digital migration studies. She is conducting ongoing research into the experiences of African migrant women in South Africa, focusing on how technology can empower these women and provide them with greater support. She earned her PhD in sociology from the University of Johannesburg, where she received the Palgrave Macmillan Book Prize for the best research study during her honours year.
Celine holds a Bachelor of Arts from Nelson Mandela University. Her academic journey is marked by numerous scholarship awards, academic distinctions, and the completion of her PhD at a young age (28) despite various challenges. Throughout her higher education career, she consistently appeared on the dean’s list and graduated cum laude at every level of her postgraduate studies.
One of the highlights of her academic career has been mentoring honours students, many of whom have achieved distinctions under her guidance. She takes great pride in giving back to her community by starting a fund to assist students facing financial hardships and personally funding a relative’s first year of study.
Celine is deeply committed to her community. Her initiative to support students in need reflects her belief in the transformative power of education and her dedication to creating opportunities for others to succeed. Through these experiences, she has learned the importance of resilience, determination, and paying it forward. Her academic achievements have taught her that with dedication and hard work, any obstacle can be overcome.
Several mentors and role models have significantly influenced Celine’s journey, guiding her through various stages of her career and personal development. Her parents, who grew up in a low-income community in Port Elizabeth, were her primary source of inspiration and support. They instilled in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of education and giving back to the community.
Throughout her academic journey, lecturers and supervisors at Nelson Mandela University and the University of Johannesburg provided invaluable academic and personal support. Their encouragement and feedback pushed her to excel and believe in the significance of her research. Most importantly, Celine credits her faith in God as a cornerstone of her success. Through resilience, determination, and the principle of paying it forward, she has learned that dedication and hard work can overcome any obstacle. Supporting others in their educational pursuits fosters collective success.
Meet our Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans
Category: Technology & Innovation
Transforming Education and Society: The Innovations of Reino Erasmus - Georgia Van Rooyen
Meet one of Nelson Mandela University’s own Mail and Guardian Top 200 Young South African’s Reino Erasmus. He holds numerous qualifications from Nelson Mandela University as well as a master’s degree in visual arts at Stellenbosch, and currently pursuing a PhD in Information Technology, Nelson Mandela University’s Centre of Community Technologies.
Erasmus,34, is leaving his mark in aid of contributing to the growth of artificial intelligence and natural language processing with his innovations and creation of developing apps at the Nelson Mandela University’s Centre for Community Technologies such as the eReady ICT Readiness Assessment Tool, a mechanism that can help implement technology-integrated learning experiences and foster equitable educational opportunities across African communities.
Erasmus is the co-owner of Ampersand creating customised digital solutions for global companies. Erasmus has made strides in technology, engaging in initiatives like the B-Wise Youth Health Access digital platform and the Innovation Bridge Portal. His work spans local government and departments of basic education and science, using digital solutions to tackle crucial administrative and health issues.
Among others, Erasmus has various achievements such as being honoured with Destiny Man magazine’s Power of 40 award, which celebrates young innovators and trailblazers in South Africa; and the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Top 40 Under 40 award, which recognises young business leaders and achievers in Nelson Mandela. He refers to his current project that is part of extensive research is my extensive research, design and development work on the eReady ICT Readiness Assessment Tool project as an integral component of my ongoing PhD studies.
This initiative, commissioned by the South African departments of basic education and science and innovation, in association with the Technology Innovation Agency, aims to address the significant disparities in ICT levels among South African schools.
The mandate is set to deploy in over 5,000 schools nationwide, aiming to promote fair educational opportunities across diverse socioeconomic communities. It offers policymakers and educators a strong method to introduce effective technology-integrated learning experiences throughout South Africa. This initiative's innovative approach has attracted attention internationally, with other African countries seeing its potential to enhance technology-driven educational programs in their own countries.
Erasmus reflects on and acknowledges those who have helped and are still helping him on his journey. His PhD supervisor, Professor Darelle van Greunen, who has been instrumental in shaping his views on technology design, particularly in understanding how ICT can be harnessed to address fundamental social issues in South Africa.
As the Director of the Centre for Community Technologies (CCT) at Nelson Mandela University, her guidance has deeply influenced his approach to designing technologies that foster genuine and sustainable change. And he has also learned that that effective and sustainable implementation hinges on sensitivity to the social environment in which it operates. Often, a simple and elegant solution that directly addresses grassroots needs proves more effective than the most technologically advanced artefact.
Meet our Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans
Category: Legal Services
Ziyanda Sibeko: A Legal Luminary in Dispute Resolution at Webber Wentzel
Ziyanda Sibeko, a dynamic 30-year-old partner in the dispute resolution department at Webber Wentzel, stands out in the legal profession for his extensive experience in general commercial litigation. He handles cases across a range of highly regulated industries, including mining, petroleum, gas, oil, medical schemes, insurance, financial services, construction, and public procurement. Ziyanda’s expertise also spans commercial arbitrations, environmental law, forensic investigations, public and administrative law, and general contract disputes. His litigation experience includes appearances in the High Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, and the Constitutional Court.
Ziyanda considers his promotion to partner at Webber Wentzel, South Africa’s premier law firm, as his most significant professional achievement. He takes immense pride in working alongside some of the country's most talented legal minds. Passionate about nurturing the next generation of lawyers, Ziyanda has trained approximately 20 candidate attorneys, many of whom have been retained as junior associates and others who have achieved notable success abroad.
His commitment to excellence, integrity, and compassion has been a guiding principle throughout his career. Frequently invited as a guest speaker at university law and career programs, Ziyanda actively promotes the transformation of the legal profession by collaborating with black female junior counsel on many of his cases.
Ziyanda is dedicated to giving back to his community. He offers pro bono services to various organizations, including the South African AIDS Council and its trust, as well as other non-profits. He also participates in outreach programs through his church. A community leader in Daveyton, Ziyanda addresses local issues and strives to make a positive impact on the residents’ lives.
Ziyanda holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Nelson Mandela University. His master's dissertation focused on the development and application of the precautionary principle in South African environmental law, highlighting his deep engagement with environmental issues.
He attributes much of his success to his mentor, Mr. SJ Thema, a senior partner at Lawtons Africa. He met Mr Thema at a Black Lawyers Association conference while serving as a student leader of the BLA student chapter. With his guidance, Ziyanda secured articles of clerkship at Routledge Modise Attorneys, which later became Hogan Lovells (South Africa).
Ziyanda has written and published numerous articles on commercial disputes and environmental law, further contributing to the body of legal knowledge and showcasing his expertise in these fields.
Meet our Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans
Category: Civil Society
Simamkele Siyamvuyela Gcaza: Empowering Communities and Youth
At 24, Simamkele Siyamvuyela Gcaza balances her role as an office administrator at Iincinga Investments with her passion for community development as the founder and director of the Future Foundation. This NGO was inspired by her work at the Rising Sun Foundation in Gqeberha and her involvement with the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, where she discovered her purpose in community service.
Simamkele markets the foundation’s key objectives, collaborates with board members, and oversees budgets, resources, and procedures to ensure sustainability. Despite funding challenges, her determination and networking efforts have kept the foundation thriving. She believes in the potential of young people to drive economic growth, create jobs, and address issues like unemployment and poverty.
Simamkele holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Psychology and Public Administration from Nelson Mandela University. This education has equipped her with the skills to navigate the complexities of running an NGO.
Starting the Future Foundation from scratch is her proudest achievement. She has learned the importance of perseverance and building a dedicated team. Funding has been a significant challenge, but her ability to network and secure financial support has been crucial.
Lumka Cube, her mentor, introduced her to the NGO sector by electing her as chairperson of the Rising Sun Foundation. This experience motivated Simamkele to start her own NGO and make a difference in her community.
Simamkele is excited about the future and the contributions of young people. Through the Future Foundation, she continues to inspire and uplift her community, demonstrating that passion and perseverance can create lasting change.
Meet our Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans
Category: Technology & Innovation
Pioneering HIV Treatment: Sinazo Nqeketo's Groundbreaking Work at Nelson Mandela University
In the world of technological advancements and innovative breakthroughs, Sinazo Nqeketo shines as a beacon of hope and progress. At just 27, this postdoctoral research fellow at Nelson Mandela University is not only making waves in the scientific community but also significantly impacting global health, particularly in the fight against HIV.
Sinazo’s journey began at Nelson Mandela University, where she earned her PhD in Chemistry in 2023. Her academic pursuits have always been fuelled by a deep-seated passion for finding sustainable and effective solutions to some of the world's most pressing health challenges. This dedication has led her to focus on developing ground-breaking drugs aimed at combating HIV, a virus that continues to affect millions worldwide.
One of Sinazo’s most notable achievements is the development of a sustainable method to manufacture Dolutegravir. Recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a first-line treatment for initiating antiretroviral therapy globally, Dolutegravir represents a significant advancement in HIV treatment. Sinazo’s innovative methodology potentially enables this crucial drug to be produced efficiently, in high yield, and cost-effectively, marking a monumental step towards the local manufacturing of AIDS drugs in South Africa.
Adding to her impressive portfolio, Sinazo has also developed a method for manufacturing Cabotegravir, the first HIV prevention injection approved in South Africa in December 2022. This ground-breaking work was presented at the 24th International AIDS Conference in Montreal, Canada, where over 12,000 attendees witnessed the profound impact of her research on the global fight against HIV.
Central to Sinazo’s work is the use of continuous flow technology, a cutting-edge approach to chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing. This technology not only enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of drug production but also aligns with the principles of green chemistry, making the process more environmentally friendly. Sinazo’s role at Nelson Mandela University involves devising methods to leverage this technology, positioning her research at the forefront of innovation in South Africa.
Sinazo’s work extends beyond scientific achievement; it is a pivotal contribution to the African Union’s ambitious goal of manufacturing 60% of its own vaccines by 2040. By pioneering local production methods for essential drugs, she is playing a crucial role in strengthening the continent’s pharmaceutical industry and ensuring sustainable access to life-saving medications.
Throughout her journey, Sinazo has drawn inspiration from various mentors and role models. Among them, the late Professor Bongani Mayosi stands out as a significant influence. Although she never met him personally, his dedication to providing affordable healthcare solutions for Africans deeply resonated with her mission. His legacy continues to inspire Sinazo as she strives to make impactful contributions to both the academic world and public health.
As Sinazo looks to the future, she is excited about the potential job and skills opportunities that flow chemistry and her research can offer in South Africa. Her work exemplifies the intersection of technology, innovation, and social impact, demonstrating that scientific advancements can drive meaningful change in society.
Sinazo Nqeketo is a visionary scientist whose work not only advances the field of chemistry but also embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience. Her contributions are paving the way for a healthier, more self-reliant Africa, and her story is a powerful example of the transformative power of dedication and ingenuity in the face of global challenges.
Meet our Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans
Category: Arts & Entertainment