LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE: The KZN Influential Awards Hall of Fame Class of 2026

DURBAN, KZN – In a province defined by its resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, certain individuals stand out as the architects of our future. Trending Online, in partnership with Big M Productions, is proud to officially unveil the KZN Influential Awards Hall of Fame.
This prestigious digital induction recognizes visionaries who have demonstrated unparalleled excellence. From legal titans to the creative heartbeat of our media landscape, these inductees represent the “Top 100 Influential Men & Women of South Africa” initiative.
THE OFFICIAL 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES – www.top100leaders.com
- Sholain Perumal: A groundbreaking leader in the luxury jewelry sector, recognized for her significant philanthropic contributions to KZN community upliftment.
- Sanele Ndlovu: Honoured for his extensive work in grassroots community development and his role in establishing sustainable youth empowerment initiatives.
- Jasbhir Maharaj: A legacy leader in public service, honored for his role as a founding director of the Durban ICC and his leadership in ethical urban governance.
- Richard Ndlazi: Awarded for his strategic influence in local government and his dedication to improving service delivery across KwaZulu-Natal.
- Mrs. Zulaka Khan: Distinguished for her decades of compassionate service and leadership in social welfare, specifically supporting vulnerable women and children.
- Thavashni Holland: Commended for her professional excellence and integrity in the corporate sector, serving as a high-impact mentor for emerging business leaders.
- Alister Chetty: Recognized for his innovative contributions to the healthcare and logistics sectors, driving efficiency and ethical standards in regional operations.
- Pinky Ndlozi: Honoured for her fearless advocacy in social justice and her commitment to advancing human rights through community-led political activism.
- Mandisa Mtolo: Celebrated for her mastery in cultural storytelling and her success in promoting KZN’s creative heritage on national platforms.
- Tarryn Ram: Recognized for her exceptional achievements in digital marketing and brand strategy, helping local businesses scale in the global market.
- Rishan Singh: Awarded for his technical innovation in the digital space, bridging the divide between technological advancement and community access.
- Reashalia Nowrotham: Honoured for her legal expertise and her unwavering commitment to defending the constitutional rights of South African citizens.
- Sumaya Khan: Distinguished for her entrepreneurial resilience and her success in building a prominent female-led retail brand in the KZN region.
- Kevin Pillay: Recognized for his 12 years of excellence in media management and his strategic leadership in the South African interactive entertainment industry.
- Prishinee Devi Rambharose: Celebrated for her transformative impact on the education sector, producing top-performing students and advancing academic excellence.
- Tasleem Shaik: Awarded for his unique ability to integrate professional corporate expertise with high-impact social responsibility projects.
- Dr. Angiyukweswela Madonda: A healthcare pioneer honored for her work in men’s mental health and her award-winning literature, The King In You.
- Priya Nunkumar: Recognized for her strategic professional growth and her consistent record of excellence in corporate administration and management.
- Graham Sabela: Celebrated for his long-standing dedication to community safety and his leadership in fostering unity across diverse neighborhoods.
- Lucky Khowa: Awarded for his significant contributions to the KZN entertainment industry as a premier event promoter and talent manager.
- Kamani Naidoo: Recognized for her clinical excellence and her influential research contributions toward healthcare improvements in the province.
- Trestin Jhagaru: Honoured for his innovative business ventures and his role in driving digital transformation within the local economic landscape.
- Sithembile Magwaza: Distinguished for her passionate advocacy in public health and her success in leading community-based wellness campaigns.
- Freya Luna: Celebrated for her boundary-pushing artistic vision and her influence as a leading voice in KZN’s contemporary digital art scene.
- Reshika Ragunathal: Recognized for her professional leadership and her commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics in her specialized industry.
- Busani Biyela: Recipient of the Global Principal Award for his stupendous performance in transforming education and extracurricular success at the primary school level.
- Kalayveni Moodley: Honoured for her lifelong professional integrity and her strategic influence as a top businesswoman in the regional trade sector.
- Sanelisiwe F Radebe: Recognized for her dynamic leadership in youth forums and her commitment to creating career pathways for the next generation.
- Qiniso Mlita: Celebrated for his rising influence in the South African media landscape, blending entertainment with impactful social commentary.
- Suraksha Ramchunder: Awarded for her financial acumen and her dedication to improving economic literacy and professional standards in the business sector.
- Nabila Hoshe: Recognized for her visionary leadership as an ambassador for healthcare excellence and her commitment to advancing quality standards across the continent.
- Ighsaan Osman (DJ Menace): Honoured for his legendary 30-year career in broadcasting and music, serving as a cornerstone of KZN entertainment culture.
- Nondumiso Toyi Mthe: Awarded the Top Women in Property Award for her success in founding and leading a multi-branch real estate group.
- Zamandosi: Celebrated for her versatile achievements in the arts and her dedication to using performance as a tool for community healing.
- Nozipho Hlophe: Recognized for her global impact as a UN regional analyst, empowering over 80 youth-led businesses through the AfCFTA initiative.
- Sindy Mthethwa: Honoured for her tireless dedication to social welfare and her success in managing high-impact community support programs.
- Pash Reddy: Celebrated for his influence as a celebrity chef and tech innovator, launching AI-driven platforms like Scholr to expand educational access.
- Pst Mervin Reddy: Distinguished for his spiritual leadership and his extensive work in providing moral and social support to disadvantaged communities.
- Nozibusiso Gumede: Awarded for her excellence in business accounting and her role as a CEO empowering women-led SMEs across South Africa.
- Philile Plasma Goge: Recognized for her academic and professional achievements in nursing and her dedication to community-based healthcare excellence.
- Sunshine Gabela: Honoured for her influential career in media, consistently highlighting local talent and driving positive social narratives.
- Nirvana Ramlall: Celebrated for her success as a first-time entrant in the KZN Waste Management Awards, showcasing leadership in sustainability.
- Sthembile Mpanza: Recognized for her grassroots advocacy and her commitment to improving safety and infrastructure in urban communities.
- Shashika Maharaj: Distinguished for her lifelong contribution to Indian classical dance and her efforts in preserving KZN’s rich cultural heritage.
- Eric Buthelezi: Honoured for his visionary coaching and his success in developing elite sports talent within the KwaZulu-Natal province.
- Akshar Birbal: Celebrated as a legal powerhouse and former Mr. Supranational SA, blending high-level law practice with influential public advocacy.
THE GALA EVENT: SAVE THE DATE
Witness the official induction ceremony and celebrate these icons in person.
- EVENT: KZN Influential Awards 2026
- DATE: Saturday, 18 April 2026
- VENUE: Sibaya Izulu Theatre
- TICKETS & NOMINATIONS: WhatsApp Pinky Mothie on 081 268 4067 – Also available on TicketPro
