PHOTOS Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards launch

The highly anticipated Top 16 Youth Owned-Brands Awards are back for their second year and are anticipated to be bigger and better than last year.

The Top 16 Youth Owned-Brands Awards launched on the 2nd of February 2023 at Solo Restaurant in Sandton with the multi-faceted Pamela Manga as the host.

These spectacular awards aim to recognise the excellence, innovation, and hard work of South African youth-owned brands.

The event will be a two-day exhibition taking place on the 14th and 15th of June 2023. The main event is set to take place on the evening of the 15th of June 2023.

The youth unemployment rate in South Africa continues to be a constant issue. These brands try to bridge the gap through the opportunities they have created for themselves.

The future of South Africa is in the good hands of the youth that works tirelessly on their crafts, while creating jobs.

The Head chairperson of the jury and Digital Director of Tiger Brands Sadika Fakir supports the youth initiative and mentions the importance of empowering the youth,

“With 60% of South Africa’s population being under 25 years old, now more than ever do we have to amplify the importance of Youth Owned Businesses and entrepreneurship. Business and entrepreneurship within the youth is no longer just a nice to have or “just a side hustle”. Youth Owned businesses are a necessity to empower, remain relevant and provide new career opportunities to the future generations. The youth start up today is destined to be the listed blue chip of tomorrow as long as we support them!”

The Awards were founded by Pat Mahlangu and consist of 16 categories from different perimeters of the economy. The categories range from Top Travel and Tourism Brand, Top Education Brand to Top Personality and influencer.

Some of last year’s winners include Tshepo Jeans for overall Top Brand, Bathu for Top Footwear Brand, and Pamela Mtanga for Top Personality and Influencer. Last year’s awards consisted of only 15 categories.

The 16th category was announced at the launch as the Top Health and Wellness Brand.

Pat Mahlangu mentions the significance of these awards,

“This is the second year of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards and we are planning for it to be the best one yet. What started off as an online portal for celebrating brands turned into what the youth-owned brands awards are right now. We celebrate the youth and commend them for being able to create opportunities in situations that seem impossible”.

The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards is set to take place on the 15th of June 2023, the day before one of the most memorable moments in the history of South Africa.

Young people are the future, and this event not only recognises that, but also commemorates the youth that fought for our freedom before.