Cape Town Honourees Named to M&G 200 Young South Africans

This year marks two decades since the Mail & Guardian first set out to find and celebrate the country’s most promising young leaders, innovators, creatives, researchers and changemakers. Its 200 Young South Africans project has grown into one of the most respected honours a young professional can receive, recognising people between 18 and 35 who are pushing their industries and communities forward.

The 2026 list includes young South Africans working across fields as different as science, business, arts, sport, education and social development.

Among the names on this year’s list are Capetonians whose work reflects the depth of talent, ambition, and commitment coming out of the Mother City’s communities.

Nafi Abrahams

Nafi Abrahams, born and raised in Mitchell’s Plain, is Chief of Staff at Loop, a South African mobility company focused on improving access to transport and mobility solutions. She is a Cape Town native who began her career in administration and finance before moving into the startup and technology ecosystem. Her previous experience includes managing operations and a Cape Town coworking space for MEST Africa, as well as roles spanning operations, content, community and growth. Abrahams has also participated in discussions on women, mobility, innovation and inclusion across Africa.

Müminah Cornelius

Müminah Cornelius is a Junior Training Officer at Waves for Change, a South African organisation that uses surf therapy to support children and young people. She joined the organisation as a coach in 2023 and progressed to senior coach, working directly with children through structured surf sessions and safe spaces. Cornelius has spoken about the importance of helping young people express their feelings and develop confidence. She is also involved in sharing Waves for Change’s surf therapy approach through training and public engagements.

Daniél Young

Daniél Young is a journalist and digital content producer at GQ South Africa. Based in Cape Town, his work covers the intersection of music, fashion, sport and contemporary culture. He has written extensively about South African and international artists, including interviews and features on musicians such as Uncle Waffles, DWSON, Odeal and JNR CHOI. His GQ portfolio also includes coverage of major sporting and cultural events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Dr Bryony Fox

Dr Bryony Fox is a South African legal scholar and researcher specialising in international law, human rights and children’s rights. She holds a doctorate in law from Stellenbosch University, where she also worked as a postdoctoral research fellow in Urban Law and Sustainability Governance. Her research has included climate change, children’s rights, migration and refugee law. Fox has published academic work on climate displacement and children’s rights in Africa and has contributed to discussions on international law and human rights. She currently serves as a law clerk at South Africa’s Constitutional Court in the Office of the Chief Justice.

Carlo Daniels

Carlo Daniels is a lecturer in the Department of Educational Foundations at the University of South Africa (Unisa), where he teaches Comparative and International Education, International Comparative and History of Education, and Research in Education. He holds a PhD in Comparative and International Education, with research interests including education for sustainable development, the Sustainable Development Goals and research capacity building. Daniels, who is from Ocean View on the Cape Flats, previously worked as a primary school educator and has spoken publicly about education, curriculum decolonisation and opportunities for young people.

Jamie-Lee Davids

Jamie-Lee Davids is the Surf Therapy Training Manager at Waves for Change, a South African non-profit that uses evidence-based surf therapy to support the mental wellbeing of young people in underserved communities. She joined Waves for Change as a Surf Therapy coach before progressing to training coaches and taking on her current management role. Davids has spoken publicly about how her work has shaped her perspective on mental health and the value of creating safe, supportive spaces for young people.

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