Temba Bavuma says TIME Magazine award will drive him to further achievement

Temba Bavuma says that when he first heard he had been named in TIME’s Most Influential People in Sports 2026 list, he thought little of it, but that soon changed.

The iconic magazine has hailed the Proteas captain for his courageous leadership of the South African cricket team to the World Test Championship title, and his nation-building influence as the country’s first black captain.

“At first I did not really understand what it meant, but with all the messages I have got from all over the world, that changed,” said Bavuma at a function in Alexandra celebrating the tenth birthday of his Foundation, which is dedicated to uplifting the disadvantaged.

“To be recognised on a global stage by an American institution in TIME speaks more than just the number of runs I am scoring on the field,” Bavuma explained. “It continues the narrative of breaking barriers and achieving things that ordinarily would not get done.

“For as long as I have the opportunity, I will put my best foot forward to inspire not just South Africans, but others in the world.”

A Prestigious Honour. 🏅#TheProteas captain, Temba Bavuma, has been named in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports. 👏

Recognised for his inspirational leadership and for guiding South Africa to the ICC World Test Championship title in June 2025. A fitting tribute to a… pic.twitter.com/QSEKFzUoDP

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 17, 2026

Bavuma said that receiving the TIME nomination has put his life into perspective.

“Sometimes when you go about doing things, you never know where it is going to end up. The moments of recognition and adulation give you credence and comfort. For me, growing up was all about wanting to play cricket for South Africa. But as time goes by and you grow older, you see the world for what it is — you inherit deeper purposes, it becomes not just about yourself but about people around you.

“This award will push me to go further in this positive direction.”

The 36-year-old said that his Foundation began as a vision and ten years later is a happy reality.

“There have been some very nice success stories,” he said. “The foundation has been anchored around three pillars: sport, education, and social impact.

“We have produced lawyers, accountants, and sporting professionals, while the social impact is reflected in the thousands of lives impacted via clothing drives and feeding schemes.”