Reimagining Sunday World: Unsung Heroes 2026

Celebrating South Africa’s Game Changing Young Leaders

Sunday World (SW) is evolving. 

Under the editorial leadership of Caiphus Kgosana and the vision of new owner John Bailey, we are reimagining how SW Unsung Heroes stories are celebrated.

Introducing a digital-first, video-led nomination process. Every story, feature and campaign is designed to connect, inspire, and shine a spotlight on South Africa’s young changemakers.

SW Unsung Heroes 2026 honours South Africa’s exceptional leaders under 35—trailblazers whose courage, innovation, and dedication are quietly shaping communities, industries, and society. 

This year, digital-first nominations give young leaders the platform to tell their own story in a 3-minute video, capturing achievements, vision and impact, while their stories are celebrated across Sunday World’s trusted print and media platforms.

Who Qualifies as an SW Unsung Hero?

We celebrate young leaders who:

• Inspire through action, creativity, and commitment

• Lead measurable change in communities, sectors, or the economy

• Demonstrate courage, integrity, and excellence

• Shape the future with vision and tangible impact

Digital nominations allow our heroes to speak for themselves, bringing authenticity and energy to their stories while still being featured and celebrated across Sunday World (SW).

How to Submit Your SW Unsung Heroes Nomination

1. Record a 3-minute video presenting the nominee’s journey, achievements, and influence

2. Include the nominee’s full name, contact details, and province

3. Include your name and contact details as the nominator

4. Ensure the nominee is willing to be profiled and provide additional information if required

5. Submit your video by 12:00 noon, Monday, April 19, 2026

While nominations are digital-first, all selected SW Unsung Heroes will be featured in Sunday World, combining modern storytelling with our trusted print and media platforms.

Key Dates for SW Unsung Heroes 2026

• Submission Deadline: Monday, April 19, 2026, at 12:00 noon

• Live & Virtual Celebration: Saturday, June 25, 2026

• Special Youth Edition: Sunday, June 28, 2026 – Stories everywhere: in print, online, podcasts, and across socials

“Share your story, inspire your peers, and be part of the celebration—submit by April 19!”

SW Unsung Heroes Entry Criteria

Nominees must:

• Be 18–35 years old on June 30, 2026

• Demonstrate leadership that drives innovation, progress, and transformation

• Inspire others through vision, integrity, and measurable impact

Sunday World continues its proud tradition of storytelling, now enhanced with digital-first nominations that let South Africa’s young leaders tell their stories in their own voices.

SW Unsung Heroes Terms & Conditions

• Self-nominations and nominations of others are welcome

• Nominees must be South African citizens aged 18–35 on June 30, 2026

• Entries with inaccurate or misleading information will be disqualified

• Sunday World is not responsible for technical issues affecting submissions

• A panel of experts will assess entries and select SW Unsung Heroes in time for Youth Month 2026

• Successful nominees will receive a 3-month subscription to Sunday World

• Participation is at your own risk; names and photographs may be published for promotional purposes

• Panel decisions are final and binding