A young corporate lawyer from Daveyton, Sphesihle Nxumalo, has been nominated as one of the 100 Most Influential Young South Africans 2019 and the public can help him to reach a high official final ranking in this prestigious programme.
The list is curated by Avance Media, a leading African media and public relations firm, and Nxumalo was nominated in the law and governance category.
The Most Influential Young South Africans initiative is an annual awards and ranking scheme for young South African achievers between 15 and 40 years, spearheaded by Avance Media and other partners and is intended to disclose the true and genuine potential of young people who are serious about a better future for South Africa.
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Nxumalo is ecstatic and encouraged by the nomination.
“I was honestly not expecting this, and having made it onto the Top 100 Most Influential Young South Africans list still feels surreal,” said Nxumalo.
“Having said that, I must confess, it makes me so proud of myself; I’m often not. I am slowly beginning to appreciate myself and the role I play in the greater society because of such recognition.”
The 26-year-old graduated in the top 10 of his LLB class at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2016 and he was awarded the Dean’s List Merit Award.
Nxumalo has received several recognitions. In 2018 he was named as one of the top 100 Young Mandelas in South Africa and a Future Leader by The Future Leader Forum.
When asked what does being an influential young person means to him, Nxumalo said it is a bit scary knowing that other young people are looking up to him.
“However, the effort that goes into the work I do in the community can be challenging, but despite that, I work hard without expecting any glory or reward.
“Now that I am recognised for the little that I do, it makes all of it worthwhile and makes me want to do more to effect positive change in all spaces I occupy,” he said.
Nxumalo is also involved with South African Black Women in Law (SABWiL), which seeks to empower young black legal practitioners.
“I am also a member of the Black Management Forum (BMF), which focuses on the development and empowerment of black people,” he said.
To vote for Nxumalo’s standing in the official final ranking of the 100 Most Influential Young South Africans 2019, visit sa.avancemedia.org
