Botswana-based Zimbabwean researcher Dr. Sikhulile Moyo was this year named on TIME magazine's 100 most influential people in the world list. He was accorded the honour alongside Tulio de Oliveira, director of South Africa’s Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, for their work in sequencing the Omicron variant. The two were honoured under the Pioneers section of TIME's illustrious 100 list.
Illustration by Brian Lutz for Time (Source Photos: Nyani Quarmyne/Panos Pictures/Redux; Courtesy Sikhulile Moyo/ProPhoto Studios Gaborone)
Dr. Sikhulile Moyo was credited as the leader of the medical team based in Botswana that was the first to successfully sequence the new Covid-19 variant (at the time). The sequencing published by Dr. Moyo and his team was quickly followed by the publishing of sequencing from the team of South African doctors and researchers. This variant was initially labelled as lineage B.1.1.529 before being named "Omicron" by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Time 100 (often stylized as TIME 100) is an annual listicle of the 100 most influential people in the world, assembled by the American news magazine Time. First published in 1999 as the result of a debate among American academics, politicians, and journalists, the list is now a highly publicized annual event. Appearing on the list is often seen as an honour, and Time makes it clear that entrants are recognized for changing the world, regardless of the consequences of their actions.
The final list of influential individuals is exclusively chosen by Time editors, with nominations coming from the Time 100 alumni and the magazine's international writing staff. Only the winner of the Reader's Poll, conducted days before the official list is revealed, is chosen by the general public. The corresponding commemorative gala is held annually in Manhattan, New York.
(Sources: TIME Magazine, Wikipedia)