Nomzamo Mbatha Named in Prestigious TIME100 Next 2025 List

SOUTH AFRICA — 2025

South African actress and activist Nomzamo Mbatha has been included in TIME magazine’s 2025 TIME100 Next list honouring rising global influencers shaping the future.

Mbatha shared her reaction via Instagram, stating: “Speechless… Your girl made the 2025 #TIME100NextList and all I have in my little hands are a million thank you’s. Still in complete disbelief! What a season. What gratitude to live through all my vision board whispers. @time This one is for KWAMASHU.” (Instagram post)

Fellow celebrities celebrated her achievement. Presenter Pamela Mtanga responded: “Are we shocked? No! Are we proud? Extremely!” while radio host Zanele Potelwa wrote: “Oh Nomzamo!!! You are EVERYTHING and more. CONGRATULATIONS BEAUTIFUL.” (Social media posts)

Veteran actress Dawn Thandeka King added: “Congratulations darling, you my dear are a true inspiration, I love you so much and may God continue to show up for you and continue to show off through you.” (Social media post)

TIME cited Mbatha’s dual impact in entertainment and humanitarian work, stating: “There are few women in the world who have so fiercely carved lanes that both elevate African regalness in film and television and shine a light on the plight of refugees.” (TIME statement)

The publication highlighted her UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador role since 2019 and executive producing work on “Shaka iLembe,” noting: “She has amplified refugee voices with empathy and courage… proved she doesn’t just use her platform. She is the walking manifestation of it.” (TIME statement)

Mbatha joins a global cohort of innovators recognized for driving change across industries and continents.

Photo: @glamour_sa