‘You Are Not Crazy for the Life You See’: Nomzamo Mbatha’s TIME100 Next reflection

It’s been a year of triumphs for Nomzamo Mbatha — actor, humanitarian, producer, and one of South Africa’s brightest global exports.

And now, her name graces one of the world’s most influential lists: TIME100 Next, a recognition that celebrates emerging leaders shaping the future across fields of innovation, activism, culture, and impact.

For Mbatha, who has spent years using her platform to amplify African stories and advocate for displaced communities through her work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), this honor represents more than another accolade — it’s a reflection of her journey from KwaMashu to the global stage. Her inclusion alongside some of the world’s most dynamic changemakers marks a milestone in a career defined by resilience, authenticity, and purpose.

Yet, amid the celebrations and the global spotlight, Nomzamo took a moment to pause. Turning to her Instagram page, she shared a deeply personal reflection on what this recognition meant to her — not just as a professional achievement, but as a moment to slow down and truly feel the weight of her journey.

This is what she had to say:

“Being named among the #TIME100Next (@time ) honorees in a year that has been full of so many blessings felt different for me. I reminded myself to be still and truly inhabit the moment. Because of the busy nature of my life, the constant pull to what’s next and how fleeting things can be, I hardly have the time to savor and truly feel the beauty of what a moment like this really means,” wrote Nomzamo.

Moment of affirmation

She went on to write further:

“My table was the most joyful in the room, we shared so many laughs and meaningful conversations. And oh boy! Being on stage was daunting but I felt empowered and so affirmed and then to toast with my peers and fellow class of ‘25 felt euphoric – these are people who dare to imagine a future beyond the constraints of their beginnings … and I now look at my well of gratitude and I am just REALLY happy for younger me whose circumstances looked very very different once upon a time. Remember this – youare not crazy for the life you see for yourself beyond your current horizon…,” wrote Nomzamo.

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