At just 16 years old, Malapile Thabo is already stepping into the kind of leadership many spend years growing into. Based in Polokwane, Thabo is a changemaker, brand ambassador, and youth leader who’s not only passionate about empowering young people — he’s out there doing it.
From connecting youth to real opportunities, to supporting orphanage homes and helping upcoming models and dancers find their voice, Thabo is creating space for others to rise. He’s also building bridges between young people and brands, using his platform to make sure the voices of the youth are heard and represented where it matters.
What makes him different? He doesn’t wait for recognition.
“I don’t just speak — I move,” he says. And it shows. Thabo turns ideas into action, often with limited resources, and always with purpose. His mission is bigger than himself — it’s about pulling others into the light too.
The belief that grounds him?
“The Lord will make you the head and not the tail. You will always be at the top, never at the bottom.”
That’s not just scripture to him — it’s fuel. It’s what reminds him of the purpose planted within, even in moments of doubt.
Nominated in the Future Leader category, Thabo represents every young person with a dream but no platform. Every vote cast in his name isn’t just for his efforts — it’s for youth empowerment, real-time impact, and the kind of leadership that starts early, grows strong, and lifts others along the way.
If you’re voting for someone who’s not waiting to make change, but already living it — Thabo Malapile is your leader.