SANELE DLAMINI
We live in a world of dynamic trends that influence the progress of our social, economic and financial wellbeing in the world. Bearing this in mind, we predict that some of the world’s biggest trends and news stories in 2018 will come from the following people.
1. Dr Joanne Liu
The current president of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the international medical organisation that does more than providing quality healthcare to places faced with conflicts, natural disasters and those excluded from the healthcare system, but has fully taken on the role that comes with fighting for and preserving humanity. By influencing world leaders on policies and presenting memorandums to the UN, Dr Lui and MSF are guaranteed to make headlines in 2018, especially due to the ongoing humanitarian crises in places like Syria, Yemen and South Sudan.
2. Ava DuVernay
One of the most creative female producers whose work has shifted much of society’s norms. This includes directorial work on works such as Selma and the documentary 13th. This year she will direct A Wrinkle in Time, a sci-fi movie starring an ensemble cast consisting of Oprah Winfrey, Chris Pine, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling and Gugu Mbata-Raw. Through this movie she will become the first women of colour to direct a live-action film with a $100 million dollar budget. 2018 looks to be a very successful year for Ava DuVernay, so make sure to look out for her.
3. Pavlov Durov
Do you like cryptocurrencies? Well, this Russian millionaire residing in Dubai is rumoured to issue coins this year through his social networking site Telegram Messenger. He’s the type of person who just looks around him and makes money from nothing. So if you thought Bitcoin was the end of it and perhaps has crashed beyond recovery, Durov will come up with something that will be worth investing your money in.
4. Emmerson Mnangagwa
The current president of Zimbabwe. He talks a good game and seems ready to change all policies and regulations that prevent Zimbabwe from thriving economically and socially. The former guerrilla leader during the Rhodesian Bush War, has been mostly met with positive sentiments and so far seems to be on the right track. However, only time will tell if he will make Zimbabwe Africa’s breadbasket once again. Also, with upcoming Zimbabwean elections in mid-2018, it is wise to keep a look out for this world leader.
5. Elon Reeve Musk
He does not really need an introduction, but just in case you’ve been living under a rock, he is a business magnate, investor, engineer, and inventor of companies such as Pay-Pal, Tesla and now SpaceX. Earlier this week, the Falcon Heavy, which was built by SpaceX, launched into to space. He marks an important milestone in spaceflight, as it is the first time a rocket this powerful has been sent into space by a private company rather than a government space agency. 2018 looks to be a great year for Musk as he takes humankind one step closer to commercial space travel.
Image: Sally Hartzenberg
