INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE TO FOLLOW IN 2019

What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? We bet you reach for your phone! The Internet plays an integral role in our daily lives, so it’s important to follow the right people to keep you inspired.

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In 2018 we saw the rise of the influencers who inspire us in their respective fields.

From fashionistas to foodies – read on to find out who you should be following in 2019!

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In the news: http://bit.ly/2Pp5wv2 I spent most of my life seeing my background as a source of weakness rather a riverbank from which I could draw strength. The contrast of my life is mirrored in the lives of so many others. We are always seeing to be worthy of the places we want to live in. We change our mannerisms , our tone, our relationships so that we can finally have a relationship with the world that makes us feel worthy. It was only when I succeeded that I realized, my past was the reason for success. It gave the ability to see the world as I do. And that ability was the reason I innovated the way I have. Find out more about me at my book launch 👉🏾 ‘Vusi’. Come join me on Wednesday in Cape Town, V&A Waterfront at 6:30 for free... RSVP at events@exclusivebooks.co.za.

A post shared by Vusi Thembekwayo (@vusithembekwayo) on Aug 20, 2018 at 4:29am PDT

VUSI TEMBEKWAYO
Vusi is a world-renowned entrepreneur, business mogul and public speaker. You might recognise him from Mzanzi Magic’s hit TV show, Dragon’s Den, but these days he’s also one of the prominent businessmen you really should follow on social media. 

If you want to start your own business in 2019, you couldn’t do better than to follow Vusi! He shares his business expertise, strategies, leadership tools and sales ideas on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Follow him on Instagram here and stay motivated to grow your business in 2019.

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So happy finally be able to announce that I am officially a part of the @clarkandsons_ family. @clarkandsons_ is a legendary mixer brand that has a variety of selections to pair with your premium choice of drink. This Summer will be one for the books, I’m really excited to create fresh and exciting memories with the a brand that reflects everything that I am about! #ClarkandSons

A post shared by Mrs Sarah Langa Mackay (@sarahlanga) on Nov 1, 2018 at 3:00am PDT

SARAH LANGA
If you love fashion and staying up to date on the latest trends, Sarah Langa should definitely be on your social media feeds in 2019! This prominent fashion and lifestyle blogger has more than 182 000 followers on Instagram, and it’s not hard to see why. A quick scroll through her feeds will show you that this “It-girl” has a refined eye for all things fashion and beauty. Sarah is definitely one to follow if you need a daily dose of style and sophistication. Follow her here!

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As you know, a couple of weeks ago, along with a school of people I highly respect, I was in Malawi at the Dzaleka Refugee Camp. One of the most life changing experiences of my life. . 🙏🏽Last night we launched the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Agency #DoItLuQuLuQu campaign. Honoured to have been selected as one of the ambassadors and High Level Influencers on the continent. Raising awareness about the plight of refugees and how we can all be a part of the change and revolution in transforming AFRICA to become #OneTribe @unhcrpartnershipsafrica @unhcrkenya @luquluqutribe

A post shared by Nomzamo Mbatha 🇿🇦 (@nomzamo_m) on Nov 30, 2017 at 7:47am PST

NOMZAMO MBATHA 
She’s known for playing the role of Thandeka Zungu on Mzansi Magic’s telenovela, IsiBaya. Nomzamo is a brilliant actress, TV personality and fashionista, and recently had a rose named after her at Ludwig’s Rose Farm.

But she is more than just a pretty face; she is also an advocate for the UN Refugee Agency. As a high-profile supporter she works to bring change in Africa by raising funds and awareness for refugees. Her responsibility is to educate people and promote tolerance, acceptance and unity. She’s a high-level influencer with 1.23 million followers on Twitter and 1.9 million on Instagram, where she shares photos of her work as a human rights activist.

You can follow Nomzamo on Instagram or Twitter to stay inspired.

Be around people who bring out the best in you.#FridayFeeling #KaraboMotivates pic.twitter.com/knFEoqzPeL

— Karabo Mokgoko 🦄 (@Karabo_Mokgoko) November 30, 2018

KARABO MOKGOKO
Karabo is a breath of fresh air in the social media space. She tweets messages of encouragement and hope, always bringing light into the feeds of her followers. An influencer of a different kind, Karabo boasts over 1.6 million followers on Twitter, which is a clear indication of the kind of effect her positivity has. One of our favourite quotes from her is “The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best”. Want a piece of the positive pie? Follow Karabo here!

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- Festive Desserts - If you haven’t yet decided what you’re making for your #christmas showstopper dessert, don’t dispair...I’ve got a whole host of ideas for you! Check out my insta stories for some of my favourite dessert #recipe options for the festive season ☝🏾 #zolanene 🍓🍒🍰 . 📷 @guntherschubert

A post shared by Zola Nene (@zola_nene) on Dec 21, 2017 at 3:01am PST

ZOLA NENE

With such a diverse variety of foodies on social media, one needs to be able to take the heat or get out of the kitchen. Talented kitchen queen Zola Nene is a professional chef and food stylist, a former judge on reality shows, The Great South African Bake Off and Wedding Bashers, and also recently launched her second cookbook, Simply Zola.

She shares simple cooking tips and recipes on Instagram and Twitter. Her authentic approach to food is what singles her out as an influential foodie to keep an eye on in 2019. Follow her here and get cooking!

I'm going to ask my GP and favourite doctor Dr @MarlinMcKay to do a short #thread on #flu

• virus causing 'flu
• symptoms of 'flu
• transmission of the 'flu virus
• avoiding the 'flu virus
• managing 'flu
• cold versus 'flu
• myths about rain/the cold & 'flu
• 'flu jab

— Sindisiwe van Zyl (@sindivanzyl) July 3, 2018

Dr SINDI VAN ZYL
She’s that doctor friend you need, updating you daily on stats, prevention measures for diseases and useful tips to help keep us happy and healthy. Dr Sindi van Zyl has previous radio experience and decided to use her social media influence to share her medical knowledge. Her social media profiles are aimed at helping people make better health decisions such as safe male circumcisions and providing useful info on treatments and clinics available. With a particular interest in prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV, she is determined to help create an HIV-free generation by spreading knowledge that empowers her followers. Follow her here.