South African actress, entrepreneur, and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha has been named to the prestigious TIME 100 Next list for 2025, recognised as one of the world’s most influential rising stars in the Advocacy category. The honour celebrates her growing global influence and her unwavering commitment to championing humanitarian causes.
Hailing from KwaMashu, a township north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, Mbatha has built an inspiring career that bridges entertainment and activism. Over the years, she has collaborated with numerous organisations and global brands to raise awareness about humanitarian crises, women’s empowerment, and access to education.
In 2019, the now 35-year-old was appointed as a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador, a role that has taken her to refugee camps across Africa, where she has used her platform to advocate for displaced communities. Her work with the UNHCR has positioned her as one of South Africa’s most respected voices in global advocacy.
Beyond her humanitarian efforts, Mbatha has made significant strides in Hollywood, appearing in major productions such as Coming 2 America and Assassin. She is also the founder of the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation, which provides scholarships, mental health support, and mentorship opportunities to young South Africans.
The TIME 100 Next list, launched by TIME magazine in 2019, celebrates emerging leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future across various fields including politics, science, technology, the arts, and activism. Previous honourees have included trailblazers such as musician Dua Lipa, climate activist Vanessa Nakate, and tech entrepreneur Jack Conte.
Being included in the TIME 100 Next list underscores Mbatha’s status as not only an entertainment powerhouse but also a changemaker who uses her global platform to inspire action and hope.
