| Mozee Khan | |
| Fezile Nqiwa | |
| Boitumelo Lekalakala | |
| Moleboheng Mokhele - Ramulumo | |
| Ayanda Junior Ntombela | |
| Vinolia Direro | |
| Ondela Mlandu | |
| David Jenkins | |
| ibtishaam | |
| Thobile Dlamini | |
| Nomathemba Precious Sigudla | |
| Gerald Mariemuthoo | |
| Lauren Dixon-Paver | |
| Zimkhita Sokanyile | |
| ANTONIO LUCIANO | |
| Emily Ntuli | |
| Mashudu Nemutamvuni | |
| Mei Lee | |
| Vinolia Direro | |
| Botlhale Mokone | |
| Millicent Marule | |
| Mathews Motswi | |
| Kelebone Mofokeng | |
| Darren Meltz | |
| Thandokuhle Msibi | |
| Nqobile Mnisi | |
| Nqobile Gumbi | |
| Yolin Naidoo | |
| Noxolo Msiya | |
| Nozipho Ngcobo |
| Nqobile Mnisi | |
| I consistently have a positive attitude towards the company my work and colleagues | Consistently |
| I set and communicate clear goals for myself and for others | Often |
| I can get others to willingly do work without needing a title to enforce authority | Consistently |
| I am willing to take a risk to try something different | Often |
| I am confident and get things done delivering on expectations | Consistently |
| I am able to lead upwards giving feedback and probing decisions respectfully | Often |
| I advise others and assist them to be productive | Consistently |
| I am encouraging and reward good with new assignments and responsibilities | Consistently |
| I give positive feedback to individuals and groups | Consistently |
| I support others when circumstances are difficult | Consistently |
Please provide examples of how you have shown passion and had positive impact in your career | |
| My passion has consistently been anchored in widening access to psychology education and career pathways in South Africa. As someone who understands how competitive and information-driven the field can be, I have intentionally positioned my work to support students who may not have access to professional networks or insider guidance. Through founding Phapano – The Difference, I have created structured platforms that provide practical, accessible support to aspiring psychologists. This includes hosting national online Master’s application workshops across different psychology streams, delivering career guidance sessions at community career expos, and building digital resources that simplify complex professional processes. These initiatives are designed to move beyond inspiration and provide actionable tools. The positive impact of this work is visible in both reach and sustainability. Students who previously lacked clarity about pathways now have structured guidance, peer networks, and informed preparation strategies. Several mentees have progressed into postgraduate programmes, and notably, some have returned to serve as mentors within the same programme as a way of giving back. This cycle of mentorship reflects not only individual growth but the cultivation of a self-sustaining support ecosystem. My passion extends beyond programme delivery to building long-term systems of support. By combining research expertise, community engagement, and scalable delivery models, I am committed to strengthening the future pipeline of mental health professionals in a way that is inclusive, practical, and community-driven. |
| Mozee Khan | |
| Fezile Nqiwa | |
| Boitumelo Lekalakala | |
| Moleboheng Mokhele - Ramulumo | |
| Ayanda Junior Ntombela | |
| Vinolia Direro | |
| Thobile Dlamini | |
| Ondela Mlandu | |
| Ondela Mlandu | |
| David Jenkins | |
| ibtishaam | |
| Nomathemba Precious Sigudla | |
| Gerald Mariemuthoo | |
| Lauren Dixon-Paver | |
| Zimkhita Sokanyile | |
| ANTONIO LUCIANO | |
| Emily Ntuli | |
| Mashudu Nemutamvuni | |
| Mei Lee | |
| Vinolia Direro | |
| Botlhale Mokone | |
| Millicent Marule | |
| Mathews Motswi | |
| Kelebone Mofokeng | |
| Ketsitseng Kebile | |
| Darren Meltz | |
| Thandokuhle Msibi | |
| Nqobile Gumbi | |
| Nqobile Mnisi | |
| Yolin Naidoo |
| Mozee Khan | |
| Fezile Nqiwa | |
| Boitumelo Lekalakala | |
| Boitumelo Lekalakala | |
| Thobile Dlamini | |
| Moleboheng Mokhele - Ramulumo | |
| Ayanda Junior Ntombela | |
| Vinolia Direro | |
| Ondela Mlandu | |
| David Jenkins | |
| ibtishaam | |
| Nomathemba Precious Sigudla | |
| Gerald Mariemuthoo | |
| Lauren Dixon-Paver | |
| Zimkhita Sokanyile | |
| Mei Lee | |
| ANTONIO LUCIANO | |
| Emily Ntuli | |
| Mashudu Nemutamvuni | |
| Amanda Gebra Nkoe | |
| Vinolia Direro | |
| Millicent Marule | |
| Botlhale Mokone | |
| Nothando Mdletshe | |
| Mathews Motswi | |
| Ketsitseng Kebile | |
| Kelebone Mofokeng | |
| Darren Meltz | |
| Thandokuhle Msibi | |
| Reema Singh |
About Rising Star
The Rising Star Programme, operated by BlackBark Productions, has been established for the purposes of recognising, celebrating and connecting young talented people who have a capacity for achievement and success and who contribute in an inspirational manner to the future of our nation. The qualities that elevate Rising Stars to the top go beyond performance and technical excellence. Rising Stars are polished, brilliant individuals with tremendous promise and great talent who excel for reasons that go far beyond their technical abilities alone.
Talented people make things happen, are highly committed to achieving goals, innovate very rapidly, and create a great deal of value (for companies and/or themselves) when their talent is spotted and harnessed.
The Programme aims to be a significant and sustainable vehicle through which organisations, our country and our continent can identify and nurture these “organisational and national assets” who are set to play a key role in shaping the future of our country and our continent.
The Rising Star Programme is establishing a living community of young African talent that will be developed, mentored and provided with platforms for development and communication, therefore enabling them to become role models, opinion leaders and the inspiration for other future African Talent.