This marks the third consecutive year of a collaborative effort between the Daily Maverick newsroom and our readers in picking the winners of our annual People of the Year special feature. The curated list, crafted by DM journalists and editors across 15 categories, received responses from almost 28,000 of you within a week to cast your votes, determining the worthy recipients of the 15 titles.
This marks the third consecutive year of a collaborative effort between the Daily Maverick newsroom and our readers in picking the winners of our annual People of the Year special feature. The curated list, crafted by DM journalists and editors across 15 categories, received responses from almost 28,000 of you within a week to cast your votes, determining the worthy recipients of the 15 titles.
Coconut Kelz has made us laugh – and then think – with her stinging political and social satire, while Tumi Mmope, AKA Tums the Narrator, narrated the complexities that come with living in a communal building.
Schalk Bezuidenhout’s comedy takes centre stage at a time when we crave humour to make us laugh despite the harsh realities we face.
Those who have done their best to suck the cheer from our lives in 2023.
Known for his red beret and red rage, the EFF leader loves a stage. Give him a podium, give him a mic, and who knows where next disaster will strike.
Those whose behaviour perhaps falls short of “villain of the year”, but have in some way acted idiotically.
Be careful what you say because words can trip you up.
The EFF MP shines in her choice of the company she keeps.
A team that has stood out from the rest in 2021 either on or off the field of play.
Both the women’s senior soccer and cricket teams have achieved a lot to be proud of this year.
A combination of innovation, tenacity and mental strength proved to be a winning formula for South Africa’s Springboks.
A sportsperson whose positive impact has been felt either on or off the field of play.
The decorated Springbok flyhalf’s impact was monumental and leads the runners-up pack.
The two-man politburo of ideas did things differently, nurturing the Boks’ never-say-die spirit.
Not necessarily the person who made the biggest profit, but those whose influence went beyond the balance sheets.
Consumers benefit from business leaders’ innovation and forward thinking.
The 1 Family 1 Stockpile founder has about a million followers building a healthy relationship with money.
The people uplifting, defending and representing ordinary South Africans, often against all odds
The heroes who lead the way and go beyond the call of duty to uplift their communities.
The Gift of the Givers project manager says he was taught humanitarianism by his parents and sees the work he does as a calling.
Hitmakers whose musical or social influence has towered above others this year.
Influential entertainment stars to keep an eye on in the music industry.
Pretty Yende is an artist at the height of her powers, crooning for no less than a king.
Those individuals and entities who are hell bent on putting profits and pollution before people.
Global oil and gas surveyor makes a grab for natural resources along South Africa’s diverse and sensitive coastline, and Standard Bank continues investment in fossil fuel exploration.
The air quality around the energy utility’s coal-fired power stations is dismal, falling way below national and international standards.
The green warriors fighting for our planet’s survival.
Activist Kumi Naidoo, the former secretary-general of Amnesty International and executive director of Greenpeace, understands that climate justice and social justice are interlinked.
The executive manager of WaterCAN is turning the tide on water security in South Africa.
Institutional strength is vital to build democracy and hold the forces of capture at bay.
The ConCourt has made significant human rights rulings and the quality of service from the taxman has improved significantly.
In 2022/23 alone, the Special Investigating Unit recovered more than R388-million in cash and/or assets, and prevented the state from losing more than R2.1-billion.
This category is self-explanatory but if you insist, the Cambridge dictionary defines a villain as “a cruelly malicious person who is involved in or devoted to wickedness or crime.
Uganda’s bigot-in-chief, Yoweri Museveni, and his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba are a blight on their country.
Israel’s Prime Minister and the commander of the military arm of Hamas stand out in the rogues’ gallery for their blood-soaked acts of inhumanity.
A person who has had broad international impact or made an outstanding contribution this year.
We salute journalists from around the globe for standing up for truth, and Iranian human rights activist and Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi.
The Gaza Strip has become one of the most dangerous places in the world to simply exist. We pay homage to the spirit of doctors, journalists, aid workers and Palestinian civilians.
As above, but drawn from foreign fields.
From academics who threaten people and businessmen who intimidate journalists to violent goons acting on behalf of politicians, SA has a wondrous variety of rogues.
The couple wins this title because of their heinous crimes – and because of what their sorry tale says about the state and our broader society.
A person who has had the broadest or most significant positive impact on the country as a whole.
South African patriots and public champions want accountability from those in power.
In some ways, the Bok skipper is the moral compass of South Africa.
These stories first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R29.
DM168 e-edition is available for free to Maverick Insiders.
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