The 3rd Annual Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards

Established in 2022, the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards is a platform that is aimed at recognizing and celebrating Youth Excellence. The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards acknowledges that young people are not only contributing to the economy of South Africa, but the overall image of the country.

In a time where the unemployment rate is at an all-time low (unemployment rate in South Africa is forecast to 32.79% in 2024, Statista), these awards celebrate brands that create jobs in the process of honing their craft.
The awards celebrate youth-owned brands in 16 categories, namely; Agriculture; Apparel; Creative & Arts; Education & Literature; Footwear & Accessories; Food & Beverage; Hair & Beauty; Health & Wellness; Homeware; Manufacturing; Media; NPO’s & Charities; Personalities & Influencers; Services; Technology; and Travel & Tourism.

The awards are scheduled to take place annually in June – this is in line with the youth activism in 1976 which contributed to shaping our current South Africa. The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards are the GOLD STANDARD OF YOUTH EXCELLENCE.