--- title: "People of the Year 2024 — The good, the bad and the ugly" description: "Each year, we spotlight individuals and organisations who have significantly influenced the events of the past year, for better or worse. Chosen by you, our readers, here are the 2024 People of the Year." type: "NewsArticle" publisher: "Daily Maverick" site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" section: "People of the Year" author: "Daily Maverick" author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/dailymaverick/" canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-24-people-of-the-year-2024-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/" published: "2024-12-24T08:39:22" updated: "2024-12-26T14:42:18" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 1259 --- # People of the Year 2024 — The good, the bad and the ugly > Each year, we spotlight individuals and organisations who have significantly influenced the events of the past year, for better or worse. Chosen by you, our readers, here are the 2024 People of the Year. By Daily Maverick · Published 24 December 2024, 10:39 SAST · Updated 26 December 2024, 16:42 SAST ## Key points - In a year that felt like a reality show with a twist of tragedy, 2024's People of the Year include a Shoprite CEO turning hunger into a business model, a former president clinging to power like a bad penny, and a pair of sporting icons who reminded us that winning isn't everything—just ask the Proteas. - Shoprite CEO Pieter Engelbrecht named Person of the Year for innovative strategies addressing hunger and economic inequality. - Former President Jacob Zuma earns Villain of the Year title for his enduring influence and pursuit of power amid ongoing controversies. - Eskom chair Mteto Nyati recognized as Businessperson of the Year for revitalizing the struggling utility with private-sector insights. - Proteas women's cricket team and Mamelodi Sundowns highlighted for their spirited performances, showcasing excellence in South African sports. ## Content ## People of the Year ## 2024 Each year, we spotlight individuals and organisations who have significantly influenced the events of the past year, for better or worse. Chosen by you, our readers, here are the 2024 People of the Year. ## Person of the year A person who has had the broadest or most significant positive impact in 2024. ![icj lawyers ramaphosa](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ED_537701-480x272.jpg) ### [Lawyers in ICJ case make SA feel immensely proud – and so does our President](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-22-lawyers-in-icj-case-make-sa-feel-immensely-proud-and-so-does-our-president/) The judges in the case were impressed by what the team seeking justice for Palestine argued, and they were joined by everyone who followed the proceedings. Meanwhile, our prez gets kudos for being a skilled navigator of turbulent waters. Shérie Vollenhoven 22 December 2024 ![ramokgopa person of the year](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15-ED_528553-1-480x240.jpg) ### [Person of the Year: Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa impresses by being able to keep lights on](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-22-person-of-the-year-electricity-minister-kgosientsho-ramokgopa-impresses-by-being-able-to-keep-lights-on/) For his emphasis on transparency and accountability, and for taming load shedding, Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is our readers’ first choice. Ethan van Diemen 22 December 2024## Villain of the year The Cambridge Dictionary defines it best: “a person who is involved in or devoted to wickedness or crime.” ![Image](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ED_507944-480x301.jpg) ### [Villain of the Year: It feels like déjà vu, but that’s because Zuma can’t let go of the perch](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-23-villain-of-the-year-it-feels-like-deja-vu-but-thats-because-zuma-cant-let-go-of-the-perch/) The former SA and ANC president, renowned for welcoming the Guptas and serving them a State Capture feast, remains steadfast in his pursuit of money, power and a place in the public limelight. Richard Poplak 23 December 2024## Businessperson of the Year Not necessarily the person who made the biggest profit, but those whose influence went beyond the balance sheets. ![shoprite pieter engelbrecht](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/BM-Sasha-Shoprite-update.jpg?resize=480,240) ### [Shoprite gets it right: CEO’s vision helps to alleviate hunger and narrow economic inequality](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-23-shoprite-gets-it-right-ceos-vision-helps-to-alleviate-hunger-and-narrow-economic-inequality/) CEO Pieter Engelbrecht is leading Shoprite to new heights through innovation and affordability. Lisakanya Venna 23 December 2024 ![mteto nyati](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mteto-Nyati-e1657891574668-480x360.jpg) ### [Businessperson of the Year: Eskom chair Nyati brings light and hope back](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-23-businessperson-of-the-year-eskom-chair-nyati-brings-light-and-hope-back/) With engineering expertise and private-sector experience, the Eskom chair is leading the utility out of the bog in which it’s been stuck for years. Ray Mahlaka 23 December 2024## OBP Dirtbag of the year Those individuals and entities who are hell bent on putting profits and pollution before people. ![emperor penguins](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Le-Voyage-de-lEmpereur.jpg) ### [Dirtbag of the Year: Russia plunges ahead with war on environment](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-25-dirtbag-of-the-year-russia-plunges-ahead-with-war-on-environment/) South Africa and the UK’s Foreign Office also earned dishonourable mentions. Tiara Walters 25 December 2024 ![animal rights death ship Ikwezi coal mine](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ED_491502.jpg) ### [An animal rights abuse ‘death ship’ and a polluting coal mine](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-25-an-animal-rights-abuse-death-ship-and-a-polluting-coal-mine/) The Al Mawashi cattle company’s ‘death ship’ Al Kuwait clinched the first runner-up position this year for its air pollution and animal rights abuse. Ikwezi coal mine in KwaZulu-Natal, with its blatant disrespect for the local community and disregard for the natural environment, followed in third place. Nkululeko Ndlovu 25 December 2024## OBP Champions of the year The green warriors fighting for our planet’s survival. ![Kumi Naidoo](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kumi-Naidoo-04.jpg) ### [Environmental Champ of the Year runners-up: Kumi Naidoo and Clean Creatives](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-12-28-environmental-champ-of-the-year-runners-up-kumi-naidoo-and-clean-creatives/) Activist Kumi Naidoo, the former secretary-general of Amnesty International and executive director of Greenpeace, understands that climate justice and social justice are interlinked. Daily Maverick Team 28 December 2023 ![Ferrial Adam](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/OBP-Polluter-winner.jpg?resize=480,269) ### [Environmental Champ of the Year: Civil justice activist Ferrial Adam](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-12-28-environmental-champ-of-the-year-civil-justice-activist-ferrial-adam/) The executive manager of WaterCAN is turning the tide on water security in South Africa. Julia Evans 28 December 2023## Grinch of the Year Those who have done their best to suck the cheer from our lives in 2024. ![nersa curse grinch](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/light-bulbs-1875384-scaled-1-480x288.jpg) ### [Nersa’s curse is how tight to hold the purse](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-24-nersas-curse-is-how-tight-to-hold-the-purse/) Grinch of the Year runner-up the National Energy Regulator of South Africa must weigh up Eskom’s bottomless need against South Africans already struggling to stay afloat. Shame. Ethan van Diemen 24 December 2024 ![johannesburg city council](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ED_495362.jpg) ### [Johannesburg: Grinch council can’t pinch our spirit](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-24-johannesburg-grinch-council-cant-pinch-our-spirit/) The determined and resilient people of the City of Gold step up to solve the problems their wicked and gormless rulers create. Ferial Haffajee 24 December 2024## Moegoe of the year Those whose behaviour perhaps falls short of “villain of the year”, but have in some way acted idiotically. ![Cabanac moegoe](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Grootes_Cabanac-480x240.jpg) ### [Roman Cabanac’s racist remarks and Thabi Leoka’s fake PhD](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-26-roman-cabanacs-racist-remarks-and-thabi-leokas-fake-phd/) Our more-than-worthy runners-up in this hotly contested category are a podcaster known for his racist remarks on social media, who John Steenhuisen appointed as chief of staff, and a former adviser to Cyril Ramaphosa who lied about her qualification. Marianne Thamm 26 December 2024 ![louis liebenberg ponzi scheme](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22-ED_537645-480x240.jpg) ### [Moegoe of the Year: Toilet preaching Ponzi schemer talks real kak](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-26-moegoe-of-the-year-toilet-preaching-ponzi-schemer-talks-real-kak/) Charlatan Louis Liebenberg conned followers out of billions. Marianne Thamm 26 December 2024## Sportsteam of the Year A team that has stood out from the rest in 2024 either on or off the field of play. ![Proteas women](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/TL_2269504-480x301.jpg) ### [Sporting brilliance in cricket and soccer](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-23-sporting-brilliance-in-cricket-and-soccer/) The Sportsperson of the Year runners-up are the Proteas women – who might not have won the T20 World Cup but showed real spirit at the last hurdle – and Mamelodi Sundowns, the unbeaten champs. Keanan Hemmonsbey 23 December 2024 ![boks rugby erasmus](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2186599506-480x348.jpg) ### [Sports Team of the Year: The Boks dominate. So what’s new?](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-23-sports-team-of-the-year-the-boks-dominate-so-whats-new/) Without a World Cup to win, the SA rugby team did the next best thing, scooping up every possible title, all while building depth. Craig Ray and Yanga Sibembe 23 December 2024## Sportsperson of the Year A sportsperson whose positive impact has been felt either on or off the field of play. ![pieter-steph du toit dricus du plessis](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GettyImages-1326743682.jpg) ### [Pieter-Steph du Toit and Dricus du Plessis push themselves to the top of their games](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-23-pieter-steph-du-toit-and-dricus-du-plessis-push-themselves-to-the-top-of-their-games/) Pieter-Steph du Toit and Dricus du Plessis, the Sportsperson of the Year runners-up, have the silverware to back their claim to the top tier of sporting brilliance. Keanan Hemmonsbey 23 December 2024 ![tatjana smith paris](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2164269576-480x320.jpg) ### [Sportsperson of the Year: Tatjana Smith flies the South African flag in Paris](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-23-sportsperson-of-the-year-tatjana-smith-flies-the-south-african-flag-in-paris/) World swimming sensation Tatjana Smith lives up to the daunting expectations she set in Tokyo four years earlier. Craig Ray and Yanga Sibembe 23 December 2024## Artist of the Year Hitmakers whose musical or social influence has towered above others this year.## Community Champion of the Year The people uplifting, defending and representing ordinary South Africans, often against all odds. ![health housing activists swartbooi](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mother-City-Nkosikhona-Swartbooi.jpeg) ### [Health and housing activists fight passionately for their respective constituencies](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-24-health-and-housing-activists-fight-passionately-for-their-respective-constituencies/) A women’s reproductive health warrior and an advocate for affordable housing for impoverished people in Cape Town do groundbreaking work in their fields. Tamsin Meterlerkamp 24 December 2024 ![life esidimeni christine nxumalo](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/life-esidimeni-christine-nxumalo_537x529-480x473.jpg) ### [Community Champion of the Year: Life Esidimeni activist Christine Nxumalo’s victory for mental health](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-24-activist-life-esidimeni-christine-nxumalo/) Christine Nxumalo, whose sister died in the Life Esidimeni tragedy, helped open the door for justice for the families of those who lost loved ones. Lerato Mutsila 24 December 2024 A person who has had the broadest or most significant positive impact in 2024. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it best: “a person who is involved in or devoted to wickedness or crime.” Not necessarily the person who made the biggest profit, but those whose influence went beyond the balance sheets. Those individuals and entities who are hell bent on putting profits and pollution before people. The green warriors fighting for our planet’s survival. Those who have done their best to suck the cheer from our lives in 2024. Those whose behaviour perhaps falls short of “villain of the year”, but have in some way acted idiotically. A team that has stood out from the rest in 2024 either on or off the field of play. A sportsperson whose positive impact has been felt either on or off the field of play. Hitmakers whose musical or social influence has towered above others this year. The people uplifting, defending and representing ordinary South Africans, often against all odds. [See the 2023 People of the Year](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/people-of-the-year-2023/) *These stories first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R29.* ![Image](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/POY-Bumber-edition.png) [*DM168* e-edition](https://168.dailymaverick.co.za/) is available for free to Maverick Insiders. 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