Pat on Brands in partnership with African Bank brings you another installment of the annual Heritage Dialogue. This dialogue seeks to impart knowledge, bridge the gap between aspiring marketers and expert marketers, connect businesses with people, and share information.
This years theme is ‘The Role of Heritage Brands in Shaping the Future of South Africa’.
If you have not yet purchased a ticket for this upcoming dialogue, what are you waiting for? Move with speed and visit www.patonbrands.co.za to purchase a ticket at only R150. Here are four good reasons why you need to attend the dialogue:
It’s a chance to learn from the best: Discover proven strategies and innovative approaches that have propelled South Africa’s leading brands to the forefront of their industries.
To gain some inspiration: Gain fresh perspectives and inspiration to fuel your marketing endeavors. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends and innovations.
Gain real-world insights: Dive deep into real-world case studies and success stories. Learn how these marketing titans navigate challenges and achieve remarkable results.
To network and connect: Forge valuable connections with fellow professionals and industry leaders. Share experiences, ideas, and aspirations in a collaborative environment.
The dialogue will be hosted by Pat Mahlangu, CEO and Founder of Pat on Brands. We have two exceptional speakers, Sbusiso Kumalo, a Chief Marketing Officer at African Bank, and Guilia lorio-Ndlovu, a Chief Marketing Officer at Pepsico SA Snacks.
We are delighted to announce our partnership with one South Africa’s leading heritage brands – African Bank to deliver this year’s Pat on Brands Dialogues Heritage Month Edition.
Established in 2019, Pat on Brands Dialogues is a platform that brings together communicators and marketers under one roof to share knowledge. This initiative was born from the culture of storytelling to encourage dialogue between dynamic marketers with a track record and the young professionals and entrepreneurs who have just started their marketing careers. Storytelling is one of the oldest and trusted forms of information sharing and passing on knowledge.
Guilia Iorio-Ndlovu (CMO:Pepsico SA snacks)
The benefits of these dialogues include passing on wisdom, re-energizing future marketers and minimizing the generational gap. As these young marketers and entrepreneurs develop relationships with the dynamic marketers, it can help them build their professional network, get insights on career building and potentially lead to business opportunities.
On the line-up of storytellers, are South Africa’s finest and renowned marketers – African Bank’s very own Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) – Sbusiso Kumalo, and CMO:Pepsico SA snacks, Giulia lorio-Ndlovu.
Sbusiso Kumalo(CMO:African Bank)
“The story of African Bank is a powerful illustration of the effect heritage can have on a brand,” says Kumalo.
“Our past imbues our vision of a bank for the people, by the people, serving the people, with authenticity and relevance. It creates a sense of community between those who are drawn to what we stand for, and the stewards of that heritage.
“Heritage is a living thing. Though rooted in the past, it continuously shapes the future. At African Bank, we believe that our heritage story can inspire others to create their ideal future, to be the change they want to see, just as our founders did all those decades ago. That’s why it’s such an honour to be able to share our story and what we have learned at this empowering discussion.”
This year’s theme is The Role of Heritage Brands in Shaping the Future of South Africa.
Pat Mahlangu (CEO and Founder: Pat On Brands)
“As young entrepreneur, I am truly inspired by the story of African Bank. It is the story of sheer of audacity which I have adopted as my motto. I am utterly thrilled to have joined hands to deliver the Dialogues with this inspirational brand. This collaboration also seeks to contribute towards empowering industry leaders and young entrepreneur’s dreams” says Pat Mahlangu CEO and Founder of Pat On Brands.
This partnership will not only bring attention to African Bank advancing lives through financial services but will also emphasise its commitment in making a difference and the ‘Audacity to Believe’.
The Pat On Brands Dialogue Heritage Month Edition is scheduled as follows:
In recent years, technology has revolutionized the way we travel and access services. One innovative platform that has gained attention is ChaufHER, a remarkable app that’s redefining ride-hailing and courier services by prioritizing the safety and empowerment for women. With its unique approach of connecting female drivers with female passengers, ChaufHER is not just a transportation solution, but a platform that champions security and independence for women.
Addressing Safety Concerns
Safety is a critical concern for anyone using transportation services, especially for women in South Africa. Danielle Wright, the founder of ChaufHER found that she didn’t feel safe with the transportation available to transport her children and carer, and soon found out that her friends felt the same way. This is how ChaufHER came about. ChaufHER recognizes this concern and has taken proactive measures to create a safe environment for both passengers and drivers. By exclusively connecting female drivers with female passengers, the app provides a level of comfort that is often missing in traditional ride-hail services. This aspect of the platform directly addresses the concerns and vulnerabilities many women face while traveling alone, particularly during late hours and unfamiliar areas.
“Women and children represent the most vulnerable members of society,” says founder, Danielle Wright, “but they also represent our greatest untapped resource. ChaufHER is a way for us to provide opportunities and freedom of movement to these groups, to help them live their best lives.”
Promoting Empowerment and Inclusivity
Beyond just facilitating rides, ChaufHER is contributing to the empowerment of women. The app creates opportunities for women to become drivers and earn a self-employed income in a flexible and supportive environment. For women who might have reservations about working in male-dominated fields, ChaufHER provides an avenue to break barriers and step into the driving industry with confidence.
ChaufHER also highlights inclusivity by welcoming transgender and non-binary individuals who identify officially as female. This commitment to fostering an inclusive community ensures that the platform remains true to its mission of providing a safe and empowering space for all women, regardless of their background or identity.
Promoting Social Responsibility
ChaufHER also extends its impact beyond the app itself. The company engages in initiatives that promote women’s safety and empowerment. This includes collaborating with organizations focused on women’s rights, offering self-defense workshops, and raising awareness about the importance of safe transportation options for women.
Looking Ahead
As ChaufHER continues to grow, it has the potential to set new standards for the ride-hail and courier service industry. In an era where convenience and safety are of importance, ChaufHER offers a solution that meets these needs while creating a positive impact on society. ChaufHER is available in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria and plans to expand to Durban, Gqeberha, and then nationally. The app expands its reach and influence, it has the potential to shape urban mobility and inspire other industries to prioritize safety and empowerment, ultimately making our communities safer and more inclusive for everyone.
What does the Future Look Like?
Michele Wassung, ChaufHER’s Media Marketing Relations Officer mentions that ChaufHER aims to push to get more Riders riding and believes that there is a continuous ChaufHER Driver and Rider App development. Taking into consideration that ChaufHER is a startup, they also face the same problems startups do, such as attracting capital for growth. To gain more exposure, additional investment would be beneficial for the brand to help drive their advertising campaign forward. ChaufHER would eventually like to grow their Parcel Delivery Service by bringing on board corporate accounts.
It’s getting warmer and warmer, there are more things to do outside. There is something for everyone out there. Here are events you can’t afford to miss
The Festival of Motoring
Back for it’s 6th installment at the Kyalami Grand Prix, on the 25th – 27th of August all motoring fans will gather for 3 days for an amazing experience filled with a lot of things to do.
Bringing together key industry players, motoring enthusiasts, and consumers shopping for a new ride. Over 150 exhibitors will display automotive products and services and lifestyle, outdoor, and customised vehicle offerings to service the need of the attendee.
Tickets to the event are available on Howler from R70 for children aged 4-12 to R3700 for the Hospitality package.
Joburg Day
Returning to its original home at Crocodile Creek Polo Club on Saturday, 2 September 2023, Galaxy 947 Joburg Day is the perfect family day event. For just R1300, you can treat your family to an incredible day out, including two adult tickets and two children’s tickets. Individual tickets are also available at R450 per adult and R250 per child aged 12 to 18 years.
The stellar lineup with local artists includes DJ Zinhle, Mi Casa, Mango Groove, DJ Maphorisa, Goodluck, Mafikizolo, KO, and more.
The event promises to be a day filled with incredible music, unforgettable performances, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Soweto Kota Festival
Love street food? This is definitely the place to be. The 6th annual Blue Ribbon Soweto Kota Festival is happening on the 2 and 3 September 2023 at the Soweto Cricket Oval in Rockville Soweto.
Over 40 Kota outlets from all over Gauteng will be ready to serve kotas that went to the most expensive private schools. This year promises bigger and better kids’ entertainment with activities like jumping castle, face painting, digital games and more. There will be live performances from Sir Trill, Thina Zungu, Playgal, DJ Prince SA, and lots of prizes to be given away on both days.
Tickets only cost R90 for adults and R50 for Kids between 4 years and 13 years old at Computicket. Kids under 4 years don’t pay.
Comic Con
The ultimate pop culture and gaming festival is happening at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 22-25 September. The festival is about unique culture moments involving merch, gaming, art, comics, tech, international talent, film & food!
A ticket to Comic Con Africa will grant you access to all our famous feature areas and content zones such as KidsCon, StreamerCon, StreetCon, Artist Alley. A single day pass tickets costs R200 and a weekend pass costs R700. Tickets are available on Howler
Jameson Distillery
Happening in Pretoria this time around from the 28th of September to the 1st of October, The Jameson Distillery on Tour’s Spring Edition will be revealing the iconic triple distillation process behind Jameson Original. A celebration of Ireland’s finest, with a twist of Pretoria flavor with loads of delicious food, A-list local acts, and great vibes as will allow you to connect with fellow Jameson lovers and #WidenTheCircle.
Tickets are available at CompuTicket from R299 with Shamiso, Venom, 25k, Felo le Tee, Young Stunna, OkMalumKoolKat, Mellow x Sleazy, Focalistic, Myztro, Tracemic Soul, DJ Buhle, Daliwonga, Musa Keys, Kelvin Momo, Mörda and more on the lineup.
There are a lot of fun events happening this Spring/Summer, which one have you bought tickets to?
There seem to be a lot of events coming our way this summer. After the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of events were paused due to the restrictions but we are slowly making our way to the festivals and concerts this spring/summer. Here are the top 5 events to expect:
Rocking The Daisies
Starting out in the world-famous winelands of the Western Cape over a span of almost two decades, the 3-day festival has expanded to include Johannesburg. Steyn Entertainment is the company behind Rocking the Daisies.
Where: Cape Town and Johannesburg
Price: R1295 for 3 days pass in Cape Town. The Joburg ticket retail from R795
Date: 6 – 8 October in Cape Town and 8 October in Joburg
Lineup: The lineup includes international star, Stormzy, Denzel Curry, J.I.D from Dreamville, Mnike star Tyler ICU, Kamo Mphela, Focalistic, Emtee, Ayra Starr and many more.
Add on: The Cape Town 3-day festival includes camping and retails from R1495 – R15 995
Hey Neighbour
The new kids on the party block have raised everyone’s eyebrows with its 3-day festival which is similar to Rocking the Daisies. Hey Neighbour is brought to you by Glen 21 Entertainment. The festival will feature a blend of local and global music powerhouses.
Where: Legends Adventure Park in Pretoria
Price: General Admission for 3 days is R4 199, VIP admission is R5 199. 1-day pass retails for 1 R1 599, and VIP for 1 day is R2 199.
Date: 8 – 10 December
Lineup: The lineup includes 17 Grammy award-winning Kendrick Lamar, Khalid, The Chainsmokers, H.E.R, Swedish House Mafia and more
Add on: Similar to Daises, this event offers camping, pricing for camping and accommodation will be made available on the 27th of July.
AfroFuture previously known as Afrochella
The last edition took place at Accra’s El-Wak stadium in December 2022.
Event details about AfroFuture haven’t been announced but you don’t want to miss it. The event is similar to AfroPunk or AfroNation.
Add on: Art displays, fashion shows, and culinary experiences.
DStv Delicious
DStv Delicious is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. This year they partnered with Ticketmaster.
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix
Price: R950 – R7 300
Date: 23 – 24 September
Lineup: Tems, Maxwell, Zakes Bantwini, Incognito, Oskido, Robert Glasper, Ringo Madlingozi and more
Burna Boy After Tour
Burna Boy’s last visit to South Africa was last year when he performed at DStv Delicious. He has a show on the same day as DStv Delicious on the 23rd of September. The Grammy award-winning artist is set to fill up the biggest stadium in the country.
Where: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Price: Tickets range from R950 – R5744
Date: 23 September
Lineup: This is one man show but on his tours, Burna Boy has had guest appearances from Stormzy, J Hus, Dave, and Popcaan.
The gig guide seems to be packed for this upcoming season, which event are you going to and have you bought tickets?
Launched last week, Threads has smashed the record for the fastest-growing consumer app, beating the ChapGPT record with over 100 million new users in 5 days.
The new social media platform which is set to be Twitter’s rival from Meta has had a lot of people wanting to jump on the platform due to a few changes Twitter has implemented since Elon Musk took over. you can access Threads from its desktop site at Threads.net or by downloading the app for iOS and Android.
Here’s what you need to know about Threads
1. Like, share, and quote
This option is similar to Twitter. You can like the Thread someone has made, quote and reply to it. The quote and reply option will show on your profile. You can’t see what someone else liked on their profile. The sharing option is interesting because it allows you to share someone’s Thread on Twitter, which is a bit ironic. You are also able to share your Thread on your Instagram feed and story.
2. Threading
To create a thread on Twitter, there is a plus sign to add another tweet under your initial tweet and the following tweets will be considered a thread. However, on Thread you have to click the Return button 3 times to create a Thread (multiple threads under the initial thread).
3. Search Button
What’s trending? This option is different on Threads from Twitter, on Threads, it is used to search for accounts to follow. While on Twitter you can find out what a lot of people are tweeting about in your area or country. To find out what people are threading about, you have to scroll the timeline, which makes the platform a little bit more interactive. It is unclear if the Trending option will be available on Threads any time soon.
4. Import Information
When you join the platform you use your Instagram handle, Threads gives you the option to import all your Instagram information. This means that you can follow the people you follow on Instagram and use the same bio. This makes it easier to find your Instagram community and when they join the platform they can request to follow you.
5. Character limit
On Threads, you can create text-based posts with up to 500 characters as well as share photos and videos up to five minutes long. Twitter Blue subscribers can increase their character limit to 25,000. Users who aren’t subscribed to Twitter Blue have a character limit of 280.
Threads is still a work in progress and there are more changes to be expected as the platform grows. Download the app to be in the know.
Lerato Agency, a PR & Digital agency, celebrates its third-year anniversary. Established during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic (when many businesses were contemplating their futures), Lerato Agency has not only survived the pandemic but has also become a trusted partner for crafting brands that people love.
Founded in 2020, Lerato Agency emerged amidst a global pandemic that disrupted industries worldwide. Despite the uncertainty and economic downturn, the agency’s visionary founder, Pat Mahlangu, seized the opportunity to create a dynamic and resilient agency.
The five love languages (services) at Lerato Agency are Public Relations, Digital Marketing, Design and Branding, Content Creation and Experiential Marketing. In celebrating the momentous milestone, Lerato Agency is showing love to three youth-owned businesses. Lerato Agency wants to turn three start-ups into brands that will stand the test of time. The agency will render its services to the tune of R300 000 (R100 000 per startup).
The criterion for this initiative is as follows:
The startup should be running for more than 6 months and less than a year.
The startup must be youth-owned (between the ages of 18-35).
The startup must be South African and registered with the CIPC.
Startups that meet this criterion can apply by sending their business profiles to hello@lerato.agency and the team will be in contact. Since inception, the agency has worked with over 30 reputable brands of the JSE as well as the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards and the Festival of Youth-Owned Brands.
Pat Mahlangu: Founder of Lerato Agency
“We are thrilled to celebrate the third-year anniversary of Lerato Agency, a milestone that marks our continued growth and success in the industry. As we reflect on our journey, we recognize the invaluable support we have received from our clients and partners. This initiative aligns with our core values of fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable growth. We are dedicated to growing and nurturing these startups into brands by investing our resources and mentorship,” says Pat Mahlangu, the founder and CEO of Lerato Agency.
Lerato Agency attributes its success to a client-centric approach, focusing on understanding each client’s unique needs, goals, and target audience. By providing tailored strategies and leveraging the latest marketing techniques, the agency has consistently delivered measurable outcomes and helped businesses thrive in the digital age.
On the night of the 15th of June 2023, we saw the second annual Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, brought to you by Standard Bank . Held at the Sandton Convention Centre, the awards celebrated the outstanding achievements of young entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, resilience, and innovation in building their own brands.
Pamela Mtanga: Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards 2023 host
Voted for from a pool of 64 nominees making a significant impact in their respective industries, the winners of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards have showcased unwavering commitment, while driving positive change through their products and services.
And the winners are…
Accessories – Bona By Wenzy M
Agriculture, sponsored by the IDC – Evergreen Ageing
Apparel – GALXBOY
Beverages, sponsored by CCBSA – Grandeur Premium Gin
Hair & Beauty – Swiitch Beauty
Homeware – Mo’s Crib
Media – Public Health Entertainment
NPO & Charities – ZA Powerhouse
Travel & Tourism – Mogopodi Adventures
Technology, sponsored by Telkom – Reslocate
Services, sponsored by Brand South Africa – Legends Barber
Health & Wellness – Numa Medical Aesthetics
Education, sponsored by Wits Business School – Libertalia Group
Food – The Lazy Makoti
Footwear – Bathu
Personalities & Influencers, sponsored by Lunch Bar – Snikiwe Mhlongo
Additionally, Legends Barber was recognized as the Overall Top Brand, representing the epitome of excellence in the youth-owned brand landscape.
Pat Mahlangu: Founder & CEO (Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards)
“We are thrilled to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of these outstanding youth-owned brands,” said Pat Mahlangu, CEO and founder of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. “Their accomplishments serve as a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and ability to create innovative solutions that make a positive difference. We congratulate each and every winner and wish them continued success in their endeavors.”
“These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work we’ve put into building Legends Barber. It’s an honour to be recognized as the overall top brand, and to be among such exceptional young entrepreneurs. We believe in our mission to provide the best grooming experience while positively impacting our community. This award motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and creating a legacy,” said Sheldon Tatchell, founder of Legends Barber.
Sheldon Tatchell: Founder (Legends Barber)
These extraordinary young entrepreneurs have not only demonstrated exceptional business acumen but have also made a lasting impact on their communities and society at large. Their passion, drive, and dedication serve as an inspiration to aspiring young entrepreneurs.
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards extends heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and ingenuity. “We eagerly anticipate their future accomplishments and the continued positive impact they will make,” concludes Pat.
Get ready for an extraordinary event that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative talents of South African youth. The Festival of Youth-Owned Brands will precede the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards brought to you by Standard Bank. The Festival promises an unforgettable experience as it showcases the top youth-owned brands in South Africa at the richest square mile in Africa.
The Festival will be held on the 14th and 15th of June 2023 at the Sandton Convention Centre, starting from 09:00 to 17:00 on Day 1 and 09:00 to 15:00 on Day 2, followed by the highly anticipated award ceremony at 18:00.
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards recognize and honor excellence among the youth, acknowledging their significant contributions not only to the South African economy but also to the country’s overall image. The festival serves as a platform for these exceptional young entrepreneurs to showcase their brands, products, and services to a diverse audience, offering an immersive entertainment experience.
Discover the best of youth-owned brands
Throughout the two days, attendees will be immersed in an atmosphere buzzing with entrepreneurial energy. They will have the opportunity to engage directly with the brand creators, interact with the showcased products and services, and discover exciting local brands they may not have been aware of before. Supporting local businesses and learning about their unique offerings will be at the forefront of this festival.
Thebe Ikalafeng
Over 30 speakers
The Festival is dedicated to creating opportunities for the youth, and as such, many young people are involved in bringing the festival to life. Renowned marketers and entrepreneurs, including Thebe Ikalafeng, Lebo Lion, Bulelani Balabala, Miles Kubheka, Tshepo Mohala, and Mbali Sebapu, will conduct insightful masterclasses.
Great entertainment
Expect extraordinary entertainment throughout the festival, as young performers take the stage and captivate the audience with their vibrant energy. Among the talented line-up is DJ & Producer, Daliwonga.
In addition to performances and masterclasses, the festival will offer engaging activities that encourage participation, creating an immersive and dynamic experience for all attendees. This event is not only a celebration of the passion, drive, and talent of youth-owned brands, but also a recognition of the expressive visionaries.
The festival will culminate in the highly anticipated award ceremony on the 15th of June at 18:00, where the most expressive and visionary young entrepreneurs will receive the prestigious Top 16 Youth-Owned Brand Award – the Gold Standard of Youth Excellence. This show of excellence will made extra special with performances singer/songwriter, Boohle and Kabza De Small, affectionately known as The King of Mapiano.
Tickets for the Festival of Youth-Owned Brands are available at https://top16yoba.co.za/tickets/. Choose from a range of ticket options, including a 1-Day Pass for R156, 2-Day Pass for R256, Award Show ticket for R716, or the Full Package for R1116.
The much-anticipated 2nd annual Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs) brought to you by Standard Bank are scheduled to take place on the 15th of June 2023 at the Sandton Convention Centre. To maintain the credibility of the awards, the Top 16 YOBAs have again partnered with South Africa’s leading emerging, proudly black-owned and managed professional services consulting firm – Khumalo & Mabuya Chartered Accountants (KnM).
The Top 16 YOBAs are a platform that celebrates and recognises youth excellence in 16 categories of the economy. The awards embrace the fact that the youth are active players in the South African economy and that their contribution must be recognised.
KnM advocates for positioning Africa in the forefront and the world after. This is due to the contributions Africa has made to the world over many years in labour, minerals, humanity and so much more. The mission for KnM is to lead in all regions of Africa and alternative markets in advancing transparent governance in audit, advisory and SMEs.
Pat Mahlangu; Founder & CEO (Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards)
“Both Top 16 YOBA and KnM share common values which drive and catalyse youth entrepreneurship and excellence. It is great to have KnM as our auditors again this year as we continue to maintain the credibility and standard of our Awards,” said Pat Mahlangu, CEO & Founder of the TOP 16 YOBAs.
Peterson Khumalo, The Group MD of Khumalo and Mabuya says, “UNICEF acknowledges that young people not only represent the future of any nation but are the main agents of change and progress in a progressive society. At KnM we have internalised that viewpoint to the extent that we have pledged our little contribution in support of YOBA. Our slogan “Confident about the future”, demonstrates our firm belief that YOBA is an important stimulus that seeks to encourage a culture of youth entrepreneurship by recognising and celebrating young entrepreneurs.”
Peterson Khumalo: Group MD (Khumalo & Mabuya Chattered Accountants)
The Top 16 YOBAs will be preceded by the Festival of Youth-Owned Brands which will also be hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre on 14 and 15 June 2023.
Brand South Africa have announced their partnership with the 2023 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (2023 Top 16 YOBAs). The custodians of South Africa’s Nation Brand will be sponsoring the ‘Services’ category, recognising brands that provide intangible value, such as customer services, management, cleaning, logistics, etc
“As the official marketing agency of South Africa, Brand South Africa has a mandate to build the country’s brand reputation to improve its global competitiveness. Through this partnership, we aim to support, as well as encourage support for local brands that are doing exceptionally well, ultimately aiding them to continue to raise the South African flag high through their entrepreneurial abilities,” says Brand South Africa.
“Our main objective is to market the country to both domestic and international audiences, positioning South Africa as a competitive investment destination, and so partnering with the 2023 Top YOBAs was aligned with our strategy, added Brand South Africa.
The CEO and Founder of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, Pat Mahlangu says, “We welcome Brand South Africa as a valued partner of our prestigious awards. The reputation of South Africa and its brands is important to our organisation, and we are happy to be building these brands with a South African entity of this nature.
The Top 16 YOBA’s will be led by the Festival of Youth-Owned Brands that will take place from 9:00am – 17:00pm on the 14th and 15th of June 2023 at the Sandton Convention Centre, followed by the award ceremony on the evening of the 15th. The festival will be headlined by notable names in the marketing and entrepreneurial industry.
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (Top 16 YOBAs) are back for another year, and have announced the nominees for the 2023 awards ceremony. From a total of 2513 submitted nominations, this year’s shortlisted nominees are said to be a diverse group of young entrepreneurs who have created innovative and successful businesses across a range of industries.
The nominees for the 2023 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards are:
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (the YOBAs) brought to you by Standard Bank have announced the 2023 jury.
Professionals, marketers and academics around South Africa applied to be a part of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards judging panel. This year, the application for the judging panel was open to the public. The public could nominate either themselves or individuals who met a very strict criterion. The jury criteria included that the nominee should at least be an expert or an academic in the particular field they will be judging.
Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards 2022
The YOBAs celebrates and recognises youth-owned brands in South Africa. It has enlisted 29 leaders in the marketing, communications, academia and entrepreneurship industry to assess and shortlist over 2 500 nominations.
Due to the success of the award ceremony last year, the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands have received a large number of nominations this year, which sparked the idea of getting more judges. The judges that have been selected are masters in their field and specialise in the categories that they will be judging.
Pat Mahlangu: Founder and CEO (Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards)
“We are thankful for the industry giants for taking time off their hectic schedules to join our judging panel. It is encouraging to have people of their calibre support youth initiatives,” said Pat Mahlangu, the founder and CEO of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.
For the second year, the chairperson of the jury is the Integrated Media & Digital Director of Tiger Brands Sadika Fakir and the voice of marketing, Lebo Lion as the deputy chairperson.
Sadika Fakir: Integrated Media & Digital Director (Tiger Brands)
The chairperson of the jury, Sadika Fakir says, “we are so honored to have such an exceptionally high calibre of judges for our Top16YOBA 2023 panel. Our judge panel brings excellence, skill and wisdom.”
Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards 2023 Jury
The judges that will be a part of this year’s two-day festival are the following:
1. Sadika Fakir (Integrated Media & Digital Director Tiger Brands)
2. Lebo Lion (Voice of Marketing, Beople SA)
3. Dr Beate Stiehler-Mulder (Marketing Coordinator UJ)
21. Shiko Mamotheti (Digital Strategist and Director Nerdware)
22. Deshnie Govender (Marketing & Culture Leader in Tech)
23. Albert Makoeng (Divisional Sales Director Nfinity Influencer)
24. Khanyi Tshume (Head of Strategy TLC Worldwide Middle East & Africa)
25. Wendy Silinyana (Founder and Director Virtue Business Solutions)
26. Lerato Selialia (Senior Experience Strategist Immersion Group logo)
27. Lebohang Matsoso (Lead: Brand Marketing Communications Mercedes-Benz South Africa)
28. Fatima Ouanssaidi (CEO and a co-founder On-Point PR)
29. Vuyokazi Mhlope (Marketing Manager Showmax)
The awards will be preceded by the Festival of Youth-Owned Brands on the 14th & 15th of June 2023 at Sandton Convention Centre. The awards show will follow on the evening of the 15thwhere the expressive visionaries will be celebrated and recognised also at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Tickets to the gold standard of youth excellence are officially available! The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards brought to you by Standard Bank will be preceded by a two-day festival. Dubbed as the Festival of Youth-Owned Brands, the two-day festival will give youth-owned brands a platform to showcase and sell their products and/or services. The festival aims to acknowledge the contributions these youth-owned brands are making to our economy.
Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards 2022
Imagine, a shopping mall of South African youth-owned brands, only? For the first time in the African continent, the largest number of youth-owned brands will be housed under one roof for over a two-day period, at the richest square mile in Africa. The festival will take place on the 14th and 15th of June 2023, bringing together trailblazers from across South Africa. On these two days, masterclasses from industry experts, entrepreneurs and the biggest names in entertainment will be in attendance. The official award ceremony will take place on the evening of the 15th of June 2023 with surprise appearances from celebrities.
Pat Mahlangu: Founder (Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards)
According to Pat Mahlangu, the founder and CEO of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, “If you are passionate about youth excellence and want to support them, then the Festival of Youth-Owned Youth-Owned Bradnds is the place to be. The festival will be filled with celebrating and recognising the best youth-owned brands in South Africa”.
The ticket sales will be divided into three phases. The pricing for the first phase is as follows:
Grab your tickets now on Webticket! Be there or be told.
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards are ecstatic to announce the partnership with Telkom as the technology category sponsor. This category focuses on brands that produce and sell goods and services in electronics, as well as other industries related to IT including apps.
Telkom serves a broad customer base ranging from individual customers, SMME to large enterprise. The telecommunications giant has diverse offerings, enabling true digital convergence. Telkom’s proposition includes integrated voice, data, fixed, mobile, IT and data centre solutions that strive to connect customers to a better life. They aim to provide deep and credible relationships and a distinctive customer experience for their customers.
Telkom continues to be an ally of celebrating and honouring young people for the work that they do in cyberspace. They believe in the criticality of supporting youth-owned brands across South Africa, hence the partnership with the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. Visibility and accessibility of youth to the necessary tools is requisite to building and driving growth of their business and growth in South Africa.
Pat Mahlangu: Founder & CEO (Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards)
“Connectivity is at the centre of growth for every business. Many young people starting businesses build their brands online. We are delighted to have Telkom on board as they offer connectivity solutions that enable growth for youth-owned brands,” says Pat Mahlangu, the founder and CEO of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.
Masingita Mazibuko, Executive Brand & Marketing, Telkom concurs saying, “Telkom is committed to empowering the youth and supporting the growth of local youth-owned brands and innovations. Our sponsorship of the Technology Category is a testament to our dedication to celebrating innovative spirit of the next generation and inspiring young entrepreneurs to leverage the power of technology to unlock their full potential.”
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards have announced a media partnership with out-of-home media company, Nalesa Media. Nalesa has been able to adapt to the growing industry trends and deliver a new perspective to their clients by putting their brands in the forefront of the consumer. Just like the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, Nalesa Media prides itself in nurturing the spirit of entrepreneurship.
Nalesa Media has developed, and evolved, branching into events, multi-media, interactive media, app development and so much more. The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards nominees will be marketed and advertised through Nalesa’s Out-of-Home Inventory to entice people to get involved and vote for their favourite Youth-Owned Brands. In addition to that, the winners of the awards will also get airtime on selected inventory.
There are many youth-owned brands in South Africa that are doing great but aren’t recognised. Through the partnership between Nalesa Media and the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, these brands will get the recognition they deserve.
Pat Mahlangu: Founder and CEO (Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards)
According to the founder and CEO of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, Pat Mahlangu, the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards welcome and honour the partnership with Nalesa Media. “Brand awareness is one of the building blocks of growing a brand. What Nalesa Media is bringing to the table is an invaluable opportunity for these youth-owned brands to increase their brand awareness and ultimately to grow.” says Pat Mahlangu.
Palesa Mabuse: Executive Managing Director (Nalesa Media)
“It gives us great privilege to be in a position to assist in empowering young entrepreneurs and brands, who pour their hearts and souls into making their passions a reality.” says Palesa Mabuse, Executive Managing Director of Nalesa Media.
As a team of young, black and female professionals, Nalesa Media supports youth-owned brands, encourages creativity and innovation and hopes to create world class, 100% African female business.
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards partner with the Wits Business School. Wits Business School is the Graduate School of Business Administration of the University of the Witwatersrand, one of the top tertiary institutes in Africa. The school offers a variety of postgraduate academic programmes and executive education programmes as well as weekly public seminars.
The Wits Business School believes in celebrating and supporting youth entrepreneurship in South Africa and on the African continent. The Executive Education unit at Wits Business School will be sponsoring the education category through short courses valued at R220,000.00
Yasira Cajee: Marketing Officer of Executive Education (Wits Business School)
“At the heart of our mission is a commitment to support the development of agile and ethical leaders who positively impact our country and continent. This partnership provides the business school with an opportunity to enhance the skills and capabilities of young entrepreneurs and will expose them to the best in knowledge, tools, and practical application as they prepare to lead their ventures into the future,” says Yasira Cajee, the Marketing Officer of Executive Education at Wits Business School.
Here is what is included in the short course:
1. A five (5) day online Managing & Leading People short course for the sixteen (16) category winners.
2. A nine (9 month) face-to-face Management Advancement Programme (MAP) for the overall winner.
The school aims to develop leaders who can shape the future of Africa and raise the values bar on how business is done on the African continent. The young entrepreneurs are provided with a deep understanding of the complexities of doing business in Africa within a global context.
Pat Mahlangu: Founder &CEO (Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards)
“We believe that entrepreneurs need to constantly hone their skills and work on ways to better their brands. Wits Business School has created an opportunity for these young entrepreneurs to do exactly that. They have shown constant support for young entrepreneurs and will be providing them with the tools needed to sustain a brand in the long run,” says Pat Mahlangu, the founder and CEO of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards have announced that the awards will be powered up by Standard Bank. This new headline sponsor partnership is a significant step for the awards, as they shine a light on youth excellence.
Taking pride in supporting youth-owned brands in South Africa, Standard Bank aims to deliver sustainable growth throughout the continent. The youth play a huge role in economic growth and putting Africa on the map. The partnership aims to shine a light on the strides the youth is making in South Africa.
Standard Bank’s commitment to growing Africa is summed up through the brand promise ‘It Can Be’. The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards believe that it certainly can be through empowering and supporting the youth of South Africa and growing their individual brands.
Pat Mahlangu: CEO & Founder (Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards)
“The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards are an essential platform in today’s South Africa as they celebrate entrepreneurship, particularly given limited employment opportunities faced in the marketplace. These awards are for the ones who worked tirelessly at their craft and stopped at nothing to grow their brands to what it is today. We are delighted to have Standard Bank as the headline partner for this year’s awards contributing to the gold standard of youth excellence” says Pat Mahlangu, the founder and CEO of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.
As the largest financial services organisation in Africa, Standard Bank’s purpose is to drive sustainable and inclusive growth on the continent and is committed to the development of young people.
Lindy-Lou Alexander: Global Head for Personal and Private Banking (Standard Bank)
“We are honoured to support the entrepreneurial energy and drive that are inherently present in the next generation of business leaders as the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards’ headline sponsor. We’re thrilled to be taking part in yet another significant relationship as part of the 10% movement since it enables us to invest in their potential and assist them in laying the foundation for a more promising and creative future.”, said Global Head for Personal and Private Banking at Standard Bank, Lindy-Lou Alexander
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards will be taking place on the 14th & 15th of June 2023. The awards show will be preceded by a two-day festival whereby the largest number of youth-owned brands will be showcasing therein the history of the country.
Godiragetse (Godi) Mogajane, a young CEO and entrepreneur from Hammanskraal is alleviating unemployment and creating jobs in townships. At just 25, Godi has been able to launch Delivery Ka Speed in over 10 townships in a space of two years and plans to take it nationwide. Delivery Ka Speed simply means “Speedy Delivery” in Sepitori. Sepitori is the urban lingua franca of Pretoria and the Tshwane metropolitan area in South Africa. It is a combination of Tswana and influences from Tsotsitaal, Afrikaans and other Bantu languages of the region.
Godiragetse (Godi) Mogajane
Delivery Ka Speed is a food delivery service for Ekasi. They believe in bringing accessibility to townships and elevating the Kasi lifestyle. Being from the township himself, Godi identified two problems that communities were faced with. Firstly, he recognised the unpleasant customer journey that people go through to get fast food in the townships. Secondly, he acknowledged the increasing rate of youth unemployment in the townships.
Delivery Ka Speed team members
In order to solve these problems, Delivery Ka Speed was formed to not only alleviate unemployment amongst the youth but also create a pleasant customer experience. This platform has given many young people a chance to provide for their families and contribute to economic growth. Delivery Ka Speed works with locals and only hires South African youth. They have over 40 drivers in all locations they operate in. The locations that Delivery Ka Speed operates in are namely; Hammanskraal, Soshanguve, Mobopane, Katlehong, Sky City, Vosloorus, Tsakane, Mamelodi, Hebron and recently Bela-Bela in Limpopo. Delivery Ka Speed will be launching in Mankweng on the 24th of March 2023. They have also had the honor to win the Top Services Brand Award at the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.
Godiragetse accepting an award at the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards 2022
According to Godi, innovation is a critical vehicle for inspiring change, and as a result of this, he has been driven to adding value and creating transformational change by using his uncanny instincts, hence the development of Delivery Ka Speed.
Delivery Ka Speed is still growing and is expected to dominate townships all across South Africa.
The 2nd Annual Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards were recently launched at the classy Solo Restaurant in Sandton. The launch was attended by members of the media, marketers and key stakeholders. Hosted by the 2022 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brand Awards winner, Pamela Mtanga, the launch served as not only an entertainment session but also an information session with the relevant stakeholders.
Pamela Mtanga and Elma Akob: Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards winners 2022
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards are an award ceremony that celebrates young, gifted and determined brand owners. From the announcement of a new category to a two-day Festival of Youth-Owned Brands – The Gold Standard of Youth Excellence is set to be bigger than ever. The name ‘Top 16’ originates from June 16, which is Youth Day and the day that the 1967 youth took to the streets to fight for freedom.
According to the convener of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards Pat Mahlangu, the awards were established with the purpose of shining light on youth excellence and to challenge the narrative that youth is lazy, apathetic and entitled.
Pat Mahlangu: Convener of the wards
The platform has proven to be powerful through what it has done for the previous winners and nominees. These awards have shined a light on different youth-owned brands across South Africa. This includes brands such as Delivery Ka Speed, Tshepo Jeans, Podcast and Chill, Maison Space and more.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2023 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards:
Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards 2022 trophies
Two-day festival?
Imagine a shopping mall of only South African, youth-owned brands? For the first time in the African continent, the largest number of only youth-owned brands will be housed under one roof for over two days; 14 and 15 June 2023.
What are the categories?
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards include a wide variety of categories, namely Accessories, Beverages, Agriculture, Beauty, Apparel, Homeware, Media, NPO Charities, Education, Personalities and Influencers, Footwear, Food, Travel and Tourism, Technology, Services and newly introduced category, Health and Wellness.
Is it only in Gauteng?
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards team will be embarking on a nationwide roadshow to create more awareness about the awards and to educate the youth about the importance of marketing and branding. Provinces such as KZN, Western Cape, Gauteng and Limpopo can expect to be a part of these masterclasses.
How do you nominate?
When the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards were launched, they were housed under the Pat on Brands website. For 2023 and beyond all the information about the awards will be available on the brand-new website: www.top16yoba.co.za. The public can nominate their favourite youth-owned brands via the website. Nominations close on 20 April 2023.
Who qualifies?
In order for brands to qualify for the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, they need to meet the following criteria:
Must be owned and run by people between the ages of 18 and 35.
The brand must be older than 1 year
The brand must have a website (not mandatory) with the brand name as its domain.
The brand must be active on social media
Must be operating in one (or more) of the listed categories.
Must be South African
How do you become a part of the judges?
The 2022 judges will be retained, however, due to the high expected number of entries, there is an open call for additional judges to be nominated to join the jury. Judges can be nominated on Jury Nominations – Top16YOBA
How do you become a partner?
Various sponsorship opportunities are available for corporates that are looking to support youth-owned brands. Last year’s sponsors included companies such as Sakhumnotho, Reveel, MTN Pulse, Lerato Agency, Khumalo and Mabuya, Global Business School of Entrepreneurship, NikNaks, UJFM and Black Crown. Email info@top16yoba.co.za to become a part of this innovative experience. Last year’s sponsors had the chance to be mentioned through the PR we received, which amounted to the total PR value of R2,424,641.61.
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