Lessons From South Africans Who Inspire Us

Because greatness lives here — and we’ve got the receipts.

There’s something undeniable about South Africans.

We hustle differently. We lead with heart. We make a plan — even when there’s load shedding, no data, and the kettle just tripped the power again.

But beyond the memes and the madness, this country has birthed some of the most iconic, resilient, and real people on the planet.

At Inamandla, we believe in drawing strength from where we come from. So we put together this tribute to South Africans who inspire us — not just because they’re famous, but because they remind us what’s possible when you show up with purpose.

 

1. Trevor Noah — Use Your Story (Even the Awkward Bits)

Trevor didn’t grow up in the suburbs with fast WiFi and a drama club. He grew up in Soweto during apartheid, as a mixed child in a country that made his very existence illegal.

Fast forward: he’s the host of The Daily Show, a global voice, a bestselling author, and an example of how to turn pain into power — and still make people laugh along the way.

Lesson:

Your story isn’t a setback — it’s a strategy. Share it. Shape it. Sell it.

Even the cringey parts. Especially the cringey parts.

Reminder:

People don’t connect to perfect. They connect to real. Be real.

 

2. Bonang Matheba — Brand Like a Boss

Bonang didn’t wait to be given a seat at the table. She built the table, decorated it, hosted the event, and launched a sparkling wine label at the same time.

She’s mastered personal branding like it’s a sport: luxury, precision, silence when needed, and excellence always.

Lesson:

The way you present yourself matters. Whether you’re selling wigs, wellness, or web design — show up like you believe in it.

Because when you take your brand seriously, so does everyone else.

Bonus:

A good caption never hurt anyone. Channel your inner Bonang and write like you’re addressing the nation.

 

3. Laduma Ngxokolo — Stay Rooted, Think Global

Laduma is the creative genius behind MAXHOSA AFRICA, a fashion house known for turning Xhosa beadwork patterns and traditional aesthetics into high-end fashion.

He didn’t “modernize” his culture. He elevated it — and the world caught on.

Now MAXHOSA is worn in New York, Paris, Tokyo… and proudly still right here at home.

Lesson:

Don’t dilute your roots to be palatable. Be bold about who you are — it’s what makes you stand out.

Reality Check:

Sometimes the world won’t get it until after you make it work. That’s fine. Keep building.

 

4. Zozibini Tunzi — Show Up With Substance

When Zozi stepped onto the Miss Universe stage, she didn’t try to blend in.

She wore her natural hair, spoke her truth, and refused to water herself down for anyone.

And she won. Not just the crown — but the respect of millions who saw themselves in her.

Lesson:

You don’t have to shrink to succeed. You don’t have to conform to be accepted.

There is power in showing up as your full self — especially in rooms that were never built for you.

Also:

Beauty fades, but character slaps. Invest in both.

 

5. Siya Kolisi — Lead With Heart (and Swagger)

Siya’s story feels like something out of a movie: from the dusty fields of Zwide to lifting the Rugby World Cup as South Africa’s first Black captain.

But what really makes Siya special isn’t just his athletic ability — it’s how deeply he cares. About his family. About his team. About his community.

He leads with humility, vulnerability, and strength — and shows us that real leadership has nothing to prove, only people to empower.

Lesson:

You don’t have to be loud to be powerful. You don’t have to be perfect to lead.

Serve your people. Share your story. Keep showing up.

Also:

Yes, men who cry on the field and hug their kids after games are the blueprint.

 

6. Thuso Mbedu — Bet on Yourself, Even When It’s Hard

Before she was winning awards in the U.S. or starring alongside Viola Davis in The Woman King, Thuso was a girl in Pietermaritzburg with big dreams and a whole lot of rejection letters.

She didn’t quit. She studied. Auditioned. Failed. Tried again. Now? She’s booked and busy — and still carrying herself with the grace of someone who knows where she came from.

Lesson:

Success isn’t always loud or instant. Sometimes it’s quiet grind, silent prayers, and audacity.

Keep building, even when no one’s clapping. Especially then.

Side note:

You’re allowed to be the first in your family to do something wild. Be the blueprint.

 

7. A Gogo (Yes, Yours) — The Original Innovator

Listen. Before Silicon Valley made “entrepreneurship” trendy, gogos were already running a full-blown ecosystem out of her kitchen.

She made school uniforms, sold mealie meal on the side, managed five grandkids, and hosted prayer meetings — all while never missing 6am soapies.

Lesson:

Innovation isn’t new. Resourcefulness isn’t new. 

We’re just now giving it the fancy names it deserves.

 

Final Word: 

Greatness Isn’t Imported. It’s Already Here.

We spend so much time looking overseas for inspiration, we sometimes forget how powerful our own people are.

But whether you’re an artist, activist, entrepreneur, student, or just trying to survive the week — you’re standing on the shoulders of giants. South African giants.

Be resilient. Be creativity.