Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans was launched in 2006 as little more than a dream. As we approach the project’s 20th anniversary, we are still surprised by what the award means to South Africa’s young people. 

Every year we get upwards of 4 000 nominations, many with incredible stories. Whittling that list down to 200 is arduous, requiring us to recruit the whole newsroom to judge the entries and select the most deserving. Our hard work is vindicated at our flagship event near Youth Day, where we see the winners overcome with emotion when their names are announced. CVs and LinkedIn profiles are updated on the spot.

We are equally proud to watch their greatness blossom. Trevor Noah went on to host The Daily Show and be recognized as one of the world’s most insightful comedians. Swimmer Tatjana Smith became the country’s most Olympian. We have watched as our alumni have become chief executives, influential scientists, entrepreneurs and actors. 

Their success is our success. The spirit of 200 Young South Africans is not just to present an award, but to tell a story; to inspire and highlight the excellence we all have within us. 

Our 20th edition will commemorate what has been achieved over the past two decades. We want to make this the boldest occasion in our publication’s history. We will celebrate our heroes, praise our stars, and set the scene for the legends of tomorrow.