The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs) is proud to announce the return of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as its official media partner for the second consecutive year, reinforcing a powerful collaboration dedicated to amplifying youth entrepreneurship and storytelling across the country.
Now in its 5th year, the YOBAs continues to grow as a leading platform that recognises and celebrates exceptional youth-owned brands that are shaping Africa’s economic future.
This milestone edition is especially significant as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, honouring the legacy of youth resilience, courage, and impact.
The 2026 ceremony will take place on 27 June in Sandton, bringing together South Africa’s most influential young entrepreneurs, industry leaders, creatives, and change-makers.
The renewed partnership with SABC will once again ensure that the stories of nominees, finalists, and winners are shared with audiences nationwide through the broadcaster’s expansive platforms.
Speaking on the renewed partnership, Pat Mahlangu, Founder of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, said:
“We are honoured to welcome SABC back as our media partner for the second year in a row. Their continued support is a powerful endorsement of the work we are doing to recognise, celebrate and amplify youth-owned brands. As we mark the 5th annual Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards and reflect on 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, this partnership reminds us of the importance of giving young people a platform, a voice and the visibility they deserve. The youth of today are not waiting for the future — they are building it now.”
Established in 2022, the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards has grown into a leading platform that recognises and celebrates youth excellence across multiple industries. The awards shine a spotlight on young people who are not only building successful brands but also contributing to Africa’s economic growth, social progress and global image.
Themba Gwejela, the SABC’s Group Executive for Corporate Affairs and Marketing said, The SABC is proud to continue its partnership with the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brand Awards, a powerful platform that celebrates the innovation, resilience, and bold entrepreneurial spirit of South Africa’s youth. At a time when young people are redefining industries and shaping the future of our economy, these awards serve as a beacon of possibility and progress.
He further stated, “As the public broadcaster, we remain deeply committed to telling authentic local stories and shining a spotlight on the remarkable young visionaries who are not only building businesses, but also transforming communities and inspiring a new generation of change makers. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our role in amplifying voices that matter and playing a meaningful role in championing the future of South Africa”.
Tickets for the 5th Annual Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards are available via www.top16yoba.co.za.
