Johannesburg - ANC Youth League (ANCYL) president Julius Malema is
one of Africa's 10 most powerful young men, according to a list compiled by
business magazine Forbes.
"The ANCYL wields enormous power in South African
politics, and played a pivotal role in the election of incumbent president,
Jacob Zuma, during the 2009 presidential elections," according to the
magazine's website.
"Malema, its leader, remains one of the country's most
divisive and polarising figures, frequently stirring controversy for his
inflammatory rhetoric and racial slurs. "
Three other South African men made the top 10 list -
billionaire Mark Shuttleworth, advocate Euvin Naidoo and Standard Bank CEO
David Munro.
Shuttleworth founded Ubuntu, a computer operating system
distributed as free open source software. He also set up the Shuttleworth
Foundation, a trust that funds individuals actively engaged in social change
projects.
Naidoo is president of the SA Chamber of Commerce in America
and "one of the most renowned advocates for western investments in
Africa", according to Forbes.
Munro, 38, was selected by the World Economic Forum as the
2009 Young Global Leader.
Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila and
Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina are also on the list.
Five South African women made the magazine's "20 Youngest
Power Women in Africa" list - Mvelaphanda Group CEO Yolanda Cuba, media
mogul Khanyi Ndlomo, Shanduka Group CEO Phuti Malabie, entrepreneur Lisa
Kropman and Ernst & Young senior partner Jonitha Gugu Msibi.
The Mvelaphanda Group is a conglomerate listed on the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
"In 2008, the Wall Street Journal named Phuti as one of
50 women in the world to watch," Forbes said.
Shanduka is listed as one of South Africa's largest African,
black-owned and managed investment holding companies.
Kropman is the founder of Business Place, a group of
business centres that support black entrepreneurs in Southern Africa.
Forbes said Msibi served as a public sector and government
leader in Africa.
"She is a key adviser to several government leaders in
Africa, and was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in
2011."