Gavin Fortuin (40) from Highbury, Kuils River has been announced as a finalist in the Forty under 40 South Africa 2025 Awards, in the Community Development category.
The prestigious Forty under 40 Awards, part of a global network, recognises 40 exceptional young leaders across various industries for their professional achievements, leadership, and community impact.
In his nomination profile, Fortuin is described as “a nationally acclaimed motivational speaker, youth practitioner, author, and leadership consultant, widely respected for translating personal adversity into purposeful influence.”
Drug addiction
Fortuin’s story has previously captured attention. In 2022, TygerBurger reported on his journey (“Onwards and upwards”, 6 April 2022), when he marked a decade of sobriety after overcoming drug addiction and brushes with the law. At his lowest—homeless, cold, and without hope—he experienced what he describes as a spiritual awakening.
Determined to change, he sought help and entered rehab at Tehillah Community Collaborative in Elsies River. There, under the mentorship of motivational speaker Cole Davids, Fortuin began the process of rebuilding his life.
Since that turning point, Fortuin has become a motivational speaker, youth mentor, and facilitator, engaging with schools, organisations, and companies across the country.
He is an alumnus of the Young African Leadership Initiative (a Barack Obama initiative) and was named one of News24’s 100 “Young Mandelas of the Future” in 2018.
Fortuin was also honoured to be the only African co-author featured in the American book The Power of Mental Wealth, alongside internationally renowned figures such as Les Brown and Heather Monahan. His chapter, titled “Turn your pain into power”, explores themes of identity, purpose, and vision.
Youth empowerment
Passionate about youth empowerment, Fortuin believes in helping young people discover their inner greatness.
In 2022, he explained: “I don’t feel like I can change anybody. All I can do is pick up a mirror so they can discover their greatness within.
That’s my philosophy – because once something comes from within nobody can kill it.
Gavin Fortuin
“It is like an egg – if you break an egg from the outside its ruined, but if the egg is broken from the inside then there’s life.”
Today, he continues to use his life story to inspire and empower young people nationwide—unlocking human potential through empathy, authenticity, and lived experience.
In his current role as a life skills and extracurricular coach at a non-profit organisation, supporting children and families in farming communities, Fortuin leads personal development initiatives, facilitates youth coaching programmes, and promotes extracurricular engagement.
In his personal capacity his work spans collaboration with key stakeholders including government departments, the private sector, educational institutions, and civil society organisations, with a focus on leadership development, mental health advocacy, and substance abuse prevention.
Mentor
Recently at the end of Women’s Month, he was invited by Zainab Suliman from Stellenbosch University’s Telematic Schools Project to facilitate a workshop at the Johannesburg Female Correctional Centre. “I had the distinct privilege of facilitating a ‘Discovering Self’ workshop—a journey to self-awareness and personal growth,” says Fortuin.
“Objectives included exploring the importance of self-awareness in both personal and professional contexts; identifying core values, strengths, and areas for growth; embracing self-acceptance and compassion; and developing strategies to align daily actions with one’s authentic self.”
“Engaging with the women reminded me of the transformative power of reflection and growth, even in the most challenging circumstances,” he adds.
Recognised as a trusted mentor, thought leader, and advocate for youth empowerment, Fortuin stands out not only for what he has overcome, but for the many lives he has helped to transform.
- Click here to vote for Fortuin. Voting closes on Sunday 14 September. The winners will be announced in October.
- Contact Fortuin at gavinsfortuin@gmail.com or on 072 705 0413 if interested to book him for a talk.
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