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Famous Sons and Daughters of Mzansi

Nelson Mandela

South Africa's most famous son, Nelson Mandela, is also a world icon of statesmanship and national reconciliation. Nelson Mandela is best known for his long struggle against the Apartheid government. Released in 1990 after 26 years in prison, Nelson Mandela was central to the negotiations which led to South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994. On May 10 of that year, he was inaugurated as South Africa's first black president. To this day, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate continues to work for the children and the poverty-stricken masses of South Africa.

Charlize Theron

Actress, Charlize Theron won the 2004 Best Actress Oscar for her powerful role in 'Monster', and has been acclaimed as one of the world's most beautiful women. Raised in South Africa, and currently living in Los Angeles, she is still an avid ambassador for this country.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Another Nobel laureate, Desmond Tutu has been known throughout his long career as a vocal, charismatic anti-Apartheid spokesman and former head of the Anglican Church in Southern Africa. He chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that took place in the late nineties in South Africa, and to this day Archbishop Tutu is one of South Africa's most-loved citizens.

President Thabo Mbeki

President Thabo Mbeki has been a champion of the concept of African Renaissance - a far-reaching vision for the continent at large. After the initial process of reconciliation, his government was tasked with the job of implementing much needed reforms like poverty alleviation and nation-building in the new South Africa. His dedication to the African Renaissance continues unabated.

FW De Klerk

South Africa's last white president, Frederick Willem de Klerk took over an Apartheid government in its dying throes and helped Nelson Mandela see South Africa peacefully through the negotiation phases and into the elections. For his efforts, he was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, alongside Nelson Mandela.

Nadine Gordimer

Described by her peers as a ‘colossus of South African literature’, Nadine Gordimer was the first South African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. A prolific writer of novels, short stories, essays and journalistic articles, Gordimer was one of the voices of protest during the Apartheid years - and continues to practice her elegant craft in the modern era.

Ryk Neethling

One of South Africa’s most celebrated sportsmen, Ryk Neethling has participated in not one but three Olympic Games on behalf of his country. As a result, Neethling came back from the 2004 Olympics in Athens with a Gold Medal for South Africa! This uber-athlete holds a number of international and local records – and has become a media darling for his humble attitude and incredible prowess in the water.

JM Coetzee

Winner of the 2003 Nobel Prize for Literature, JM Coetzee is the author of a vital body of South African writing, including such works as 'The Life and Times of Michael K', 'Disgrace', 'Youth', 'Waiting for the Barbarians' and 'Elizabeth Costello'.

Athol Fugard

One of the few local playwrights of international renown, Athol Fugard has produced a substantial body of work that gives an insight into the daily lives of ordinary South Africans -especially those who suffered in the era of Apartheid.

Hugh Masekela

Self-exiled in the 1960s, the wonderful jazz trumpeter Hugh Masekela has returned to South Africa and is still a major player on the local concert circuit. He is also an inspiration to young jazz players and actively promotes their careers.

Ernie Els

Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Big Easy’ due to his calm demeanor, Ernie Els took the international golfing world by storm when, as a 24-year old, he won the 1994 U.S. Open. He has since evolved into one of the world's top-ranking golfers, boasting a total of 35 international crowns, including two US Open titles and the 2002 British Open.

Mark Shuttleworth

The ‘first African in Space’ - Mark Shuttleworth made news around the world when he successfully completed his journey into space as a cosmonaut crew member on the Soyuz mission TM34 in April 2002. Shuttleworth is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who continues to inspire a nation of young South Africans to reach for the stars.

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