Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Forty Under 40 South Africa Awards, inviting the public to celebrate a new generation of leaders whose work is shaping industries, communities and the country’s future.
Now in its fourth year, the awards recognise outstanding South Africans under the age of 40 who have demonstrated excellence, innovation and leadership across a wide range of sectors. From business and technology to healthcare, education, media and the creative industries, the programme shines a spotlight on individuals whose work is driving meaningful change.
While awards often focus on established figures, Forty Under 40 is built around a different idea: recognising the people already redefining what leadership looks like before they reach the traditional milestones of their careers.
Why Recognition Matters
Recognition can do more than celebrate an individual’s achievements. It can create new opportunities, strengthen professional credibility and introduce recipients to networks that help accelerate their work.
For those working in the creative industries, that visibility can be particularly valuable. Many creatives are building businesses alongside their artistic practice, balancing entrepreneurship with design, filmmaking, music, fashion, architecture, photography and digital media. Awards programmes like Forty Under 40 acknowledge that creative work is not only culturally significant but also economically impactful.
Recognition also has a ripple effect. Celebrating one person’s success often inspires others to pursue ambitious ideas, launch new ventures or continue building careers that contribute to South Africa’s creative and business landscape.
Celebrating Leadership Across Industries
One of the strengths of the Forty Under 40 Awards is its cross-industry approach.
Rather than limiting recognition to a single profession, the programme acknowledges excellence across multiple sectors, reflecting how innovation increasingly happens through collaboration between disciplines.
Creative entrepreneurs today often work alongside technology companies, educators, corporate partners and community organisations. Likewise, business leaders are increasingly drawing on creative thinking to solve complex problems and build meaningful brands.
By recognising leaders from different industries, the awards paint a broader picture of the talent helping shape South Africa’s future.
A Platform for Emerging Leaders
Programmes like Forty Under 40 are also important because they challenge traditional ideas about leadership.
Age is often associated with experience, but many young South Africans are already leading organisations, creating employment, launching successful businesses and influencing national conversations through their work.
For emerging creatives and entrepreneurs, seeing peers recognised on a national platform reinforces the idea that leadership is not defined by age alone. It is measured by impact, innovation and the ability to create meaningful change.
As South Africa’s creative economy continues to expand, recognising young professionals working across culture, business and technology becomes increasingly important in documenting the people shaping the country’s future.
How to Nominate
Nominations for the 2026 Forty Under 40 South Africa Awards are now open.
The nomination period closes on 26 July 2026, with the awards ceremony scheduled to take place on 3 October 2026 at the Hilton Hotel in Johannesburg.
Individuals may nominate themselves or submit nominations for young professionals whose work has made a measurable impact within their field.
For creatives, entrepreneurs and innovators who are building the future of South Africa through bold ideas and meaningful action, the awards offer an opportunity to celebrate achievement while highlighting the growing influence of a new generation of leaders.
As industries continue to evolve, platforms like Forty Under 40 serve as a reminder that some of the country’s most significant contributions are already coming from those who are only just getting started.
