Legal rising stars, innovators, and difference-makers shine among 200 Young South Africans for 2025

More than a dozen outstanding young leaders who are harnessing the law to help others and advance society were honoured among peers from various fields at the prestigious annual 200 Young South Africans honours in Limpopo on Friday night. 

Established in 2006 “as little more than a dream”, the 200 Young South Africans list now holds great significance for South Africa’s young people, and the entire nation. It is not just about presenting awards, but telling stories and inspiring and highlighting the excellence we all have within us, says founder the Mail & Guardian.

The 2025 list showcases an array of rising stars, innovators, and difference-makers across various fields, ranging from agriculture and AI to climate change, film, health, politics, justice, sport, technology, and more. Azhar Aziz–Ismail, the youngest-ever Chair of the Johannesburg Attorney’s Association (JAA), and Knowledge Manager at Baker McKenzie South Africa - “where he spearheads legal innovation, champions the responsible use of generative AI, and ensures legal knowledge is accessible and effective” - was one of several outstanding and impactful legal talents honoured. 

200 Young South Africans noted Azhar, aged just 29, has already “carved a reputation as one of the legal profession’s most dynamic young leaders who blends law, technology and leadership to drive change”, and that his influence extends through his work at Baker McKenzie, leading the JAA through digital transformation, and several educational and ambassadorship roles relating to AI and technology. 

“This recognition isn’t just mine… it’s a celebration of everyone who has believed in me, challenged me, and walked this journey with me,” shared Azhar. “Here’s to continuing the work… advancing access to justice, strengthening good governance and accountability, and building a more equitable future across South Africa and the continent!”

Joining Azhar as honorees in the Justice category of 200 Young South Africans for 2025 were another ten remarkable legal talents. MNS Attorneys executive committee member Ayanda Makgoka, 28, advises on complex matters shaping public and private sector governance, and works to demystify the profession for aspiring lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds. “Representation matters,” says Ayanda, who has rural roots. “Especially for young, black professionals navigating spaces where our presence is still questioned.”

Malebo Moropa, 35, is an advocate for justice, leadership and transformation who co-founded a new society of advocates in Pretoria. She’s committed to uplifting rural youth, supporting learners through school, and lives her belief that “genuine progress necessitates a combination of legal expertise and social responsibility”. 

Constitutional Court legal researcher Halalisani Xulu, 27, established a mentorship programme for LLB students, connecting them to a network of lawyers and judges, and also mentors high school learners and co-funds an under-18 football club in Kwa-Nongoma, creating safe spaces for teenage boys to avoid drugs and crime. 

Johannesburg advocate Kameel Premhid, 35, has argued precedent-setting cases in South Africa and Namibia. He also convenes the General Council of the Bar’s Human Rights Committee, mentors law students and pupils, is a board member of GALA – Queer Archive, preserving South Africa’s LGBTIQ+ history, and “champions a leadership style grounded in compassion, excellence and authenticity”. 

Mamkhabela Tamara Mthembu, 23, a candidate practitioner in ENSafrica’s project finance department and Unicef South Africa youth advocate, last year led her team to national victory in the White & Case Jessup Moot. Her coaching initiatives, such as the I Have Spoken Developmental Academy, have created platforms for students from underserved communities to master advocacy and public speaking. 

Artist and Ahmed Gani Attorneys partner Kevin Smith, 34, grew up in a township and is now standing at the forefront of justice and indigenous rights, and regularly provides legal analysis for broadcast news media. He says it’s a privilege to have had the opportunity to use his life and career as a means for impact and change. 

University of Johannesburg tutor and LLM candidate Maile Dominic Selemela, 23, grew up in the township of Modimolle and is committed to education and development in the legal fraternity. He is building a career grounded in knowledge, service and leadership, including in his role as President of Students Interests First. 

Shatadi Phoshoko, 28, is the founder of the Justice for Women Collective, has shared platforms with icons like Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, and currently serves at the Unisa Law Clinic, where she provides free legal assistance to indigent people while mentoring students in moot court, debates, and practical legal skills. 

Refuwe Thubela, 26, serves as chief legal officer at Lawyers for the Arts South Africa, providing legal support to creatives, while pursuing an LLM at Unisa. Committed to leadership excellence, he’s earned a professional director SA designation, and also empowers young leaders to create positive change in their communities through his involvement in Junior Chamber International. 

Aiming to use the law to serve those whose voices often go unheard, and address social and economic problems, Thoriso Lubisi, 25, is completing an LLM while a candidate attorney at Van Breda & Herbst Attorneys. He’s represented South Africa at international moots, and undertaken leadership development through Harvard. 

In addition to its 11 stars honoured in the Justice category, the legal fraternity was further represented in other categories by Thabo Gabriel Mathule, 23, a social justice trainer and candidate attorney at the Northern Cape Office of the Premier (Civil Society); final year LLB student Jabu Mtwa, 23, an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Young Leader; and TS Legal Group attorney and South African Sports Law Association research officer Tyrel Singh, 29 (both in Sport category).