THE Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards held its third edition this past weekend.
From a competitive pool of 76 nominees across Africa, voted by over 30 000 individuals, the winning brands have showcased exceptional impact and innovation in their respective fields.
The Top 16 YOBAs recognize not only entrepreneurial success but also the profound contributions of youth-led initiatives to the African business landscape.
With over hundred guests attending the awards at The Capital on The Park in Sandton, they were graced by key business-figures but Professor Bonang Mohale, who gave a goose-bump address much to standing ovation, punched beyond the belt.
He decried that economy in mzansi still resonates within ‘Jews and Afrikaaners’, yet they’re in minority, before summing up his key address, reciting in SeSotho-his mother tongue.
Founder of the YOBAs, Pat Mahlangu, said the 2024 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards have showcased excellence and innovation of young African brand owners.
“The winners are not just building brands; they are driving positive change across the continent and we are here to witness it”, commented Pat.
The Winners Are…
- Top Agriculture – Optimum Poultry
- Top Apparel – Active Lifestyle
- Top Creative & Arts – Karabo Poppy
- Top East Africa – The Hills Collection
- Top Education & Literature – Sivuyile Mentorship Academy
- Top Food & Beverages – Ghemere
- Top Footwear & Accessories – Khonkhe Kuhamba Kahle
- Top Hair & Beauty – Young Barber
- Top Health & Wellness – Zuri Nutrition
- Top Homeware – Kimmy’s Creation
- Top Manufacturing – Grace Gras Empire
- Top Media – Millennial Mindset Media
- Top NPOs & Charities – Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation
- Top Personalities & Influencers – Robot Boii
- Top SADC – Batoka Africa
- Top Services – Mdu Cleaning Services
- Top Technology – Bothlale AI Solutions
- Top Travel & Tourism – Bee Travel
- Top West Africa – Kemz Mama
Musician Rot Boii, a Son to well-liked poet and struggle icon Mzwakhe Mbuli, was also honoured as the Overall Top Brand, embodying excellence as a personality and influencer within the industry.
Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, in collaboration with Brand SA, proudly presented the first Global Excellence Award to South African fashion icon Thebe Magugu.
Image SLM (Punching below the belt. Prof Bonang Mohale delivering key address at the third edition of the YOBAs in Sandton, on Saturday evening).
