People of South Africa

South Africa boasts a plethora of internationally celebrated authors, musicians, academics, politicians, activists, journalists and more. Be motivated to ask more of yourself and strive to live a life worth commemorating, whether it's on an international or local scale. South Africans all contribute to create our amazing nation, however there are some who have made a lasting impact.

South Africa Online ® showcases what these notable inspiring South Africans have achieved in their lifetime, in all 11 official languages.

Albertina Sisulu

Albertina Sisulu, affectionately called the Mother of the Nation or Ma Sisulu, is best known for being a South African anti-apartheid activi...more

Desmond Tutu

Desmond Tutu is one of South Africa’s most loved icons and is most known for being a human rights activist and a 1984 Nobel Prize winner. ...more

Dr Peter Magubane

Dr Peter Magubane, an international icon of the struggle of journalists and photographers that have worked under repressive regimes, was bor...more

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is a former president of South Africa, the first to be democratically elected after the apartheid system was aboli...more

Winnie Mandela

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is most remembered for the struggles she encountered as the wife of Nelson Mandela during his incarceration....more