The 2024 South African of the Year
Breakfast with Martin Bester recently asked audiences to vote for their South African of the Year, and we have the results!
Despite the challenges and negativity surrounding the daily lives of South Africans, we somehow remain one of the friendliest and most vibrant countries in the world.
While we take pride in our nation despite its flaws, we're even prouder of the individuals who represent South Africa across numerous platforms such as sports, music, and media.
Although many remarkable people in our country work to bring about change, spread joy, and make us proud on the international stage, a few stand out above the rest.
Breakfast with Martin Bester recently asked audiences to vote for the person they believe deserves the title of The 2024 South African of the Year.
It was a tight race, but after tallying up the votes, there was a clear top five and a winner.
Here are the top five South Africans of 2024:
5. Brent Lindeque
Lindeque, best known as The Good Things Guy, is a proudly South African blogger, influencer, journalist, and change-maker who spreads joy, hope, and inspiration across the country.
He says, "My intention at the time of starting Good Things Guy was to bring a little sunshine into the lives of others, to bring hope to people who felt despair and perhaps offer some balance in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelmingly sad. I wanted to share one good news story every single day to make people proud of South Africa and remind everyone of all the good things happening in our beautiful country and the world. Since then, the platform has grown beyond my wildest dreams.”
4. Mia le Roux
Twenty-eight-year-old Mia le Roux, born in Sasolburg, Free State, and raised in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, became the first-ever deaf contestant to be crowned Miss South Africa.
Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one, she says her community rallied around her to give her the gift of hearing, inspiring her desire to make a positive impact and break barriers.
Since the start of her reign, she has been a voice for the voiceless while remaining humble and kind.
3. Dricus du Plessis
Dricus du Plessis is the epitome of South African pride. The 30-year-old MMA fighter is the current reigning UFC middleweight world champion and became South Africa’s first-ever UFC champion after defeating Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024.
He coined the phrase, “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie,” which spread pride across the nation.
2. Jan Bloukaas
In 2022, Jan Bloukaas shocked the nation when he announced he had been diagnosed with brain cancer.
Despite his tumultuous battle against the illness, Jean du Plessis (his real name) continued to spread love, kindness, and hope while documenting his journey on social media.
On Wednesday, December 3, the South African hitmaker, known for his song 'Kaas Elke Dag', lost his fight against cancer, but not before fulfilling his final dream of creating one last album.
Just days after releasing his final album, 'God Kan,' Jan Bloukaas passed away.
Honourable mentions:
- Tatjana Smith
- Tyla
- Akani Simbine
- Siya Kolisi
- Eben Etzebeth
- Gayton McKenzie
1. Rassie Erasmus
Dr Rassie Erasmus has claimed the title of 2024 South African of the Year. As the head coach of the Springboks, he currently leads the best rugby team in the world.
He has successfully guided the national team to two Rugby Championship titles, secured victory at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and helped them defend their title in 2023.
It's no surprise that Erasmus tops this list; rugby is not just a sport in South Africa – it's a symbol of hope, pride, patriotism, and strength in our country.
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