Meet the winners of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards

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. 

What to expect at the Festival of Youth-Owned Brands

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.

Head over to the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards website and buy your ticket today!

The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards announce 2023 auditors

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.

Tickets are available on www.top16yoba.co.za

The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards Announce 2023 Jury

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) 

4. David Tshabalala (Award Winning Graphic Designer, Illustrator & Content Creator Slaying Goliath) 

5. Thembi Sehloho (Marketing Director Tiger Brands SA) 

6. Mosa Ntwampe (Marketing & Corporate Communications Sakhumnotho) 

7. Dr Marcia Lebambo (Senior Lecturer Tshwane University of Technology) 

8. Bulelani Balabala (Creative Director IAF Brands) 

9. Katlego Dithlokwe (Founder & Brand Strategy Consultant the Hyphen) 

10. Lindy-Lou Alexander (Global Marketing Head for Personal and Private Banking Division 
Standard Bank) 

11. Masingita Mazibuko (Executive Brand & Marketing Telkom) 

12. Palesa Mabuse (Senior Managing Partner Nalesa Media) 

13. Yasira Cajee (Marketing Officer Wits Business School) 

14. Cameron Belling (Head of Marketing Bluff Meat Supply) 

15. Boitumelo Mohube (Marketing Executive and Communication specialist Founder of Mohube Media) 

16. Thabani Khumalo (Brand Manager – Premium & Value Brands (Beverages) Tiger Brands) 

17. Tammy Darroch (Marketing Director Kellogg South Africa) 

18. Ponatshego Makhuza (Shopper Marketing Lead Unilever) 

19. Bogosi Motshegwa (Chief Creative & Strategy Officer Brandreserve Co. Thinkeneur) 

20. Kovini Moodley (Founder Boss Babes) 

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 15th where the expressive visionaries will be celebrated and recognised also at the Sandton Convention Centre. 

Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards Early Bird Tickets Now On Sale

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 Connect with a Technology Category Sponsor.

Top 16 YOBA trophy

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)

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 Partner with Interactive Out of Home Media Company

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.

Enlighten Edu born to Enlighten

Founded by Apiwe Hotele, Enlighten Edu is an online tutoring platform designed to assist learners struggling with Mathematics and Science. Apiwe’s struggles with Mathematics and Science in high school inspired the birth of Enlighten Edu. 

Image: Enlighten Edu’s logo

Background of Founder & CEO of Enlighten Edu

Apiwe Hotele was born and bred in a small village in Lady Frere, Vaalbank. She holds a BSc in Computer Science and Biochemistry cum laude from the University of Fort Hare and an MSc in Computer Engineering from the University of Cape Town. She works for various companies, whilst running the nominated youth-owned brand, Enlighten Edu. 

Image: Founder & CEO of Enlighten Edu

How it all started: Enlighten Edu

Apiwe did not pursue Mathematics and Physical Science from grade 10-12 because of temporary teachers that would come and go. “When I was in grade 12, my father asked a retired Mathematics teacher to help me with Mathematics. This assisted me tremendously, I managed to get a level C, but that was not enough for medicine, which was what I wanted to do at the time”, says Apiwe.

With the introduction of Mathematical Literacy in 2006, a number of learners do not enroll for Mathematics (pure Maths). They struggle with Mathematics; hence they enroll for Mathematical Literacy. There has been a continuous decline in mathematics enrolments over the past couple of years, whilst in 2020 alone there was an increase of more than 9000 enrolments for Mathematical Literacy by matric students. – from 349 338 to 358 883 enrolments. This platform was created to motivate and encourage more students to pursue mathematics and science. Learners, tutoring companies, private tutors, teachers and parents can use the the online tutoring platform.

Enlighten Edu as the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards nominee

Enlighten Edu was nominated as the Top Education Brand for the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA), a Pat on Brands initiative. “I was excited, it is truly an honor. It was a true Pat on the back that I am in the right direction. My journey with Enlighten-Edu has been very lonely and rocky from time to time. It is good to get reminded that it is all worth it and that is what the nomination did for me”, says Apiwe. Enlighten Edu did not walk away as the Top Education Brand at the YOBA awards. Although, nomination on its own proved that the brand is making waves and their hard work has been recognised. 

Enlighten Edu’s vision for the next 5 years

Apiwe envisions Enlighten Edu as a pioneer for the next generation of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) leaders that actively take part in the global knowledge economy. In the next five years, Enlighten Edu would like to have assisted over 15 000 students struggling with Mathematics and Science and have allowed over 5000 private tutors to run their tutoring services on the platform. 

MTN Pulse Helps MDU Cleaning Services with R50 000 To Help Rebuild Store

Youth-Owned Brands are driving the economy with ways of combating youth unemployment in South Africa. After recognising these brands owned and run by the youth, Pat on Brands has noted that we shouldn’t only recognise them in celebration but also in hard times. Not new to the Pat on Brads platform, MTN Pulse has came forward with a donation to MDU Cleaning Services.

Image: Instagram

MDU Cleaning Services

MDU CLEANING SERVICE is a convenient cleaning service company founded by Mduduzi Mnisi. The company initially started in 2015 in Soweto, Orlando as ‘Sayenza Lento Tekkie Wash’ meaning “We doing this”, translated to English and later changed the name to MDU CLEANING SERVICES. The company provides cleaning services for shoes, bags, cars and carpets.

According to a statement by MDU CLEANING SERVICES; “Our main facility which we use not only for our cleaning services but also for storage caught fire as a result of a short cause by a resurgence of electricity after the third phase of load shedding Stage 4.” The business not only used its premises for cleaning services, but for storage use as well – which was a great contributor to the premises catching fire. Cleaning products are highly flammable, causing the fire to spread and not only burn the premises, but also burn the possessions of the customers”.

Image: Instagram

MTN Pulse Donation

Following in the steps of helping youth-owned brands MTN has brought forward a donation of R50 000 and a year of connection to MDU Cleaning Services. MTN Pulse is no stranger to the Pat on Brands platform, as they were the sponsors of the Technology category at the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. Almost at the end of Youth month and stepping to Mandela Month it is important to celebrate the youth for the amazing things they do, and help them when needed.

“It is MTN Pulse’s mission to empower young people through all seasons and not just in the good times and with this in mind we could not turn a blind eye to a youth-owned brand in need, most especially not during Youth Month We wish Mdu a speedy recovery of business and we look forward to seeing his business flourish once more”, says Mirriam Mathebula, Youth Manager for MTN Pulse.

Pat on Brands recognised a youth-owned brand that needed help and offered a way to help them get back on their feet. MTN Pulse is also urging big brands and corporate to lend a help and offer their resources to this small business.

Pat On Brands donates R5 000 to a youth-owned cleaning service company in Soweto

Just two weeks after Pat on Brands celebrated the efforts that the youth of South Africa have made, and continue to make, towards the shared economic future of South Africa at the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA). YOBA is an initiative by Pat on Brands, aimed at recognizing brands that are owned and run by the youth in South Africa. We as Pat on Brands, are devastated by the unexpected loss experienced by a youth-owned business in Soweto (MDU CLEANING SERVICES) as their premises caught fire due to loadshedding.

According to a statement by MDU CLEANING SERVICES yesterday: “Our main facility which we use not only for our cleaning services but also for storage caught fire as a result of a short cause by a resurgence of electricity after the third phase of loadshedding stage 4.” The business not only used its premises for cleaning services, but for storage use as well – which was a great contributor to the premises catching fire. Cleaning products are highly flammable, causing the fire to spread and not only burn the premises, but also burn the possessions of the customers”.

MDU Cleaning Service

MDU CLEANING SERVICE is a convenient cleaning service company founded by Mduduzi Mnisi. The company initially started in 2015 in Soweto, Orlando as ‘Sayenza Lento Tekkie Wash’ meaning “We doing this”, translated to English and later changed the name to MDU CLEANING SERVICES. The company provides cleaning services for shoes, bags, cars and carpets.

Image: Supplied

Pat on Brands Offers Help

For a brand that is on the pulse with the youth such as Pat on Brands, we took it upon ourselves to offer a helping hand to MDU CLEANING SERVICES by donating a sum of R 5 000 to help them bring their business back to life again. The Pat on Brands initiative, YOBA does not only exist to celebrate and recognise youth-owned brands, but it exists to also empower and uplift the youth of South Africa.

“Just over a week ago, we were celebrating youth-owned brands at the Top 16 Youth Owned Brands Awards. As a youth owned business ourselves, we see it fit to lend a helping hand to fellow youth-owned business – Mdu Cleaning Services. We believe that what we can offer them can make a huge difference and help their business rise from the ashes”, says Pat Mahlangu – Founder and CEO of Pat on Brands / Lerato Agency

South African youth have a long history of challenging the status quo. On 16 June 1976 – the date we now know as Youth Day. Till this day, the youth are the drivers of economic growth and job creation in South Africa.

Small businesses play a key role in growing our economy and creates jobs for over 60% of the country’s population. This means that the more support this small business receives, the more people they can employ, the more successful and stronger our country becomes.

It will be wonderful to see other businesses, brands, and companies that have the capacity to offer a helping and grow our economy.

Siwela Wines crowned the Top Beverage Brand – Sponsored by Black Crown

On the 15th of June 2022, the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA), an initiative by Pat on Brands took place at The Capital: On the Park in Sandton. The purpose of the initiative is to celebrate and recognise brands owned and run by the youth. Only one brand had the honor of walking away with the bragging rights in each of the 16 categories. ‘Beverage’ was one out of the categories and Siwela Wines got to walk away as the Top Beverage Brand, sponsored by Black Crown.

Siwela Wines

Siwela Wines is an award-winning female-owned wine company, founded by Siwela Sweetness Masoga. The founder, Siwela was born in Soweto, Gauteng and raised in Marulaneng Ga-Mphahlele, Limpopo. She studied Biotechnology in Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Microbiology and fermentation as her majors sparked curiosity and interest in wine making. Siwela’s interest in winemaking paid off as her brand, Siwela Wines is now an award-winning beverage brand. She could not be present to accept the award, but her team accepted the award on her behalf.

Image: Siwela Wines Team Member Accepting Award

Black Crown as Beverages Category Sponsor

Black Crown, a gin & tonic brand by South African Breweries (SAB) sponsored the Beverage category. The drink has clean, crisp flavors of lemon and lime, crafted with eight proudly African botanicals. Black Crown is all about being unapologetically African and “owning your crown”. “We want to remind Africans that their dreams are theirs for the taking. Encourage them to have full confidence in their capabilities and belief in their destiny. We are honored to sponsor the beverage category and shine a spotlight on young African creatives that deserve to be crowned. So let every sip of Black Crown remind you to #OwnYourCrown”, says Claudia Schmid, General Manager of Black Crown.

Image: Black Crown Set Up At Top 16 YOBA

On the night of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, the Black Crown team setup next to the YOBA registration table to offer guests their welcome drinks after completing their registration process. Black Crown got the opportunity to showcase their new addition to the royal Black Crown family – being the new Black Crown gin & dry lemon with marula. The new Black Crown drink is infused with African Marula fruit, available in a 440ml can and has been made available at all retailers.

Siwela Wines owned their crown as the brand was celebrated and recognized as the top ‘Beverage’ brand for the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards – proudly sponsored by Black Crown.

Tshepo Jeans crowned the Overall Top Brand at the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards

Founded in 2015 by Tshepo Mohlala, Tshepo Jeans was crowned as the Top Overall Brand at the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA). Tshepo Jeans not only won an award as the Top Overall Brand, but also won Top Apparel Brand, leading to the brand walking away with two awards by the end of the night.

Image: TSHEPO Jeans Team

Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards

The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, a Pat on Brands initiative held its first prestigious awards on the 15th of June 2022 . The purpose of the initiative is to celebrate and recognise brands owned and run by the youth. Fifteen brands walked away with the YOBA award in their respective categories. Tshepo Jeans crowned the Top Overall Brand – sponsored by Sakhumnotho Group Holdings.

Image: Tshepo Jean Team Members Accepting Top Overall Brand Award

TSHEPO The Jean Maker

Starting of his studies at AFDA in pursuit of film, Tshepo Mohlala, also known as ‘Tshepo The Jean Maker’ realised that fashion was the route he wanted to take. He then went to study Fashion Design at the University of Johannesburg. However, Tshepo had to drop out due to financial issues, but that did not stop him from pursuing his dream. That became evident at the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, scooping two awards for Top Apparel Brand and Top Overall Brand. Unfortunately Tshepo could not make it to the awards, because of personal reasons. His team was there to accept the two awards on behalf of Tshepo Jeans. Tshepo Jeans – we see you, you are REAL, AND WE RECOGNISE YOU.

Image: TSHEPO Jeans Team Member Accepting Award

Pat on Brands and the sponsors of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards believe in the power and potential the youth has to change the world. The youth of South Africa contributes a lot to the country’s economy. It is time to celebrate and recognize youth-owned brands for consistently working hard and going beyond the borders of South Africa. YOBA is the start of something that will change and inspire the upcoming youth to believe in themselves. Tshepo Mohlala believed in himself – leading to the success of his award-winning brand, Tshepo Jeans.

Winners of the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards announced

Top 16 YOBA trophy

Just a day before commemorating the June 16 Soweto Students Uprising. Pat on Brands, a digital media platform that is always on the Pulse with Brands, announced the winners of its inaugural awards initiative – Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA) brought to you by Sakhumnotho Group Holdings.

Image: Created by David ‘Slaying Goliath’ Tshabalala

What Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards Is About

The main aim of YOBA is to recognise the excellence, innovation, and hard work of South African youth-owned brands across 16 categories. The honors were revealed and celebrated on the 15th of June 2022 under the theme ‘Real Recognises Real’ at The Capital: On the Park in Sandton.

More than 500 entrepreneurs, marketers, academics, and celebrities gathered at The Capital: On the Park hotel in Sandton to celebrate and support South African youth-owned brands.

“Any nation that doesn’t invest in its own youth is sabotaging its future. As Sakhumnotho Group Holdings, young people are at the heart of what we do. With a staff complement that averages the age of 34, we’re the true definition of an organisation that believes in young leadership. Having been the naming sponsor for the Top 16 Youth Owned Brands Awards has been a reflection of what we stand for as a world-class Pan-African investment holdings company” says Mosa Ntwampe – Group Head Marketing & Corporate Communication at Sakhumnotho Group Holdings.

Image: Mosa Ntwampe

The esteemed awards were developed by Pat on Brands in partnership with Sakhumnotho Group Holdings (SGH), to recognise and further empower South African brands that are owned and run by the youth between the ages of 18 –35 – to also shine a spotlight on their impact, and extraordinary contribution to the country’s GDP.

Taking From History

The youth of 1976 was fighting a political fight and the youth of today is fighting an economic one. They are the drivers of economic growth and job creation in South Africa. It is for these reasons that youth empowerment and involvement are important to build a stronger economy. According to the IFC report, small businesses employ between 50 and 60% of South Africa’s workforce and contribute 34% of the GPD.

Thebe Ikalafeng – Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa, stated during his keynote address “We need to support local brands because brands build companies and companies hire people and people pay tax and tax builds a country.

Image: Thebe Ikalafeng – Founder of Brand Africa

The top 16 YOBA received 482 highly competitive awards nominations in 16 different categories. Each category had four nominated brands and only one brand with more votes was titled the ‘top brand’ in the respective categories.

“As much as we celebrate young people’s brands, I would like for you to recognize the fact that young people are not sitting folding their hands, they are actually knocking on doors and creating amazing brands that helps our economy grow” says Pat Mahlangu – Founder of Pat on Brands/ Lerato Agency.

A panel of judges consisting of industry award-winners, marketers, thought leaders, and academics, carefully reviewed each entry and evaluated them based on a measurable result to determine the strongest front runner of each category. The nominees were further evaluated by a leading black-owned chartered accountants firm called Khumalo & Mabuya attorneys.

Top 16 List of Winners

Image: Top 16 YOBA trophies

TSHEPO JEANS won the “Overall Top Brand” category sponsored by Sakhumnotho Group Holdings and the top Apparel Brand category award.

The category winners for the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards in 2022 are as follows:

  • Overall Top Brand – (Sponsored by Sakhumnotho) – Tshepo Jeans
  • Top Footwear Brand – Bathu

Congratulation to all our winners for building amazing brands that build our economy. We would also like to thank our sponsors, Sakhumnotho Holdings Group, Lerato Agency, Khumalo & Mabuya, Black Crown, Reveel Group, MTN Pulse, Nik Naks, UJ FM and Global School of Entrepreneurship for pulling through for the youth of South Africa.

MTN Pulse becomes the official category sponsor of the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards

We are delighted to announce that the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA) have agreed on sponsorship with MTN, a South African multinational mobile telecommunications company. MTN will be sponsoring the technology category, through its division called MTN Pulse, a platform developed on the basis of boosting and empowering the youth of Mzansi.

MTN is a popularly known and developed mobile network in South Africa. It was recently announced as one of the Top 10 Most Admired Brands in Africa during the 12th Annual Brand Africa 100 report that was held in Lagos, Nigeria by Brand Africa.

MTN offers a wide range of tariff plans and deals with bundles that suit all tastes and budgets, MTN Pulse is no exception. It is currently one of the most efficient and advantageous mobile tariffs with incredible deals for the youth.

MTN Pulse is focused on empowering young people of South Africa through our offers and initiatives that celebrate young people and their passions. “We believe that all South Africans deserve the benefit of a modern connected life and that’s why it is our greatest honour to be the Technology category sponsor for the Top 16 Youth Owned Brands Awards. We fully support the efforts of young people and wish all the entrants well.” says Mirriam Mathebula, Senior Manager -Youth Segment

MTN Pulse allows young people the freedom to express themselves better and freely in the cyberspace and put in their hands’ a world of unlimited possibilities. Subscribers to the Pulse plan get access to an exclusive experience and great offers. It gives them the opportunity to enjoy the unlimited streaming data bundles, giveaways, and rewards at greater rates.

Image: Supplied

Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards

The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, an initiative by Pat on Brands aims to give recognition to proudly South African Brands that are owned and run by the youth. This is the first initiative of its kind in the country and over 400 nominations were submitted.

“MTN Pulse is no stranger to the Pat on Brands’ platform. Last year they supported our Women’s Month edition of the Pat on Brands Dialogues. This shows that they are a brand that is committed to upliftment of the youth. We are truly grateful for their continued support,” said Pat Mahlangu, Founder and CEO of Pat on Brands.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to happen on the 15th of June 2022 at The Capital: On the Park in Sandton. Tickets to these exciting awards are available on https://patonbrands.com/eventer/top-16-youth-owned-brand/

Kgotso Pati Designs the 1st Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards Trophy

South Africa’s first and only young black glassblower, Kgotso Pati designs the 1st Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards trophy. Pat on Brands will be hosting their inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA) on the 15th of June 2022. The YOBA awards are the first of its kind in the marketing and communications industry that are run by the youth for the youth. The awards are meant to celebrate and recognize brands that are owned and run by the youth.

About Top 16 YOBA

With over 480 nominations in 16 categories obtained for YOBA, the category winners and the overall youth-owned brand winner will have the honor of walking away with this trophy. The trophy that is a true epitome of youth empowerment and development. The trophy is designed and produced by the only known and established black South African glassblowing artist, Kgotso Pati.

About Kgotso Pati

Kgotso Pati is an award-winning glassblower, born and bred in Ganyesa, a small town in the North West province. He attended school in Genyesa, and later found his love for drawing. After completing his matric, Kgotso decided to study civil engineering, which was influenced by the impression he wanted to make to his parents. “While I was still studying civil engineering, I met a guy in the library, who informed me about the possibility of studying art, and at the time I did not know that one can study fine arts”, Pati says.

Pati realized that he could make a living out of art after doing some research on graphic design, interior design and fine arts. He decided to no longer pursue civil engineering, and rather study fine arts at the Tshwane University of Technology.

Studying fine arts introduced Pati to other dynamics of art, other than drawing – such as painting, sculpturing, ceramics and ultimately, glass. Pati found his true love in art, particularly in the art of glass. Glass [glassblowing] was what really interested him in fine arts, which led up to him opening his own glass business, called ‘PATI glass’.

Image: Kgotso Pati

Meaning Behind The Trophy

The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards’ trophy symbolizes the heightening of the youth of South Africa. The design comprises of a Y-shaped stem, the ‘Y’ being for ‘Youth’. The globe is situated at the top of the ‘Y’, meaning that the youth is carrying/running the world economically. The globe highlights the country of South Africa to signify that the youth of South Africa succeeds beyond its borders, so it is ‘Africa to the world’, and the youth of South Africa to greater heights.

Pat on Brands initiative, Top 16 YOBA aims at recognizing and celebrating local youth-owned brands, and most importantly empowering the youth, which aligns with what Kgotso Pati stands for – a young man who believed in himself, and started his own business to educate and share his skills with the youth. “I am very honored to be part of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, because I think it is an exciting initiative that will inspire the youth to believe in themselves”, Pati says.

Top 16 trophy

Youth Unemployment

In a world with a high rate of unemployment and lack of opportunities , it is imperative for the youth to continuously upskill and possibly open their own businesses to create jobs and generate wealth for generations to come. The youth of South Africa accumulates over 35 percent of the total population of South Africa, with the unemployment rate at almost 60 percent. Statistics prove that more than half of the youth of South Africa is currently unemployed, and if nothing is done about it, the unemployment rate will continue to rise, hence the existence of initiatives such as the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. The awards will encourage the youth believe in their potential to eradicate unemployment.

Details of the event

Pat on Brands believes in the power, impact and potential the youth has to change the world. It took Pat on Brands to have trust in the youth and their potential to start the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards initiative. The youth should also trust in themselves, to stand up and create opportunities for themselves, in a world with little to no opportunities. Pat on Brands cannot wait to celebrate youth-owned brands on the 15th of June 2022, happening at The Capital: On the Park, in Sandton. Tickets are now available to purchase here: https://patonbrands.com/eventer/top-16-youth-owned-brand/

Sakhumnotho becomes the headline sponsor of the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.

With just 2 weeks away from South Africa’s first-ever youth-owned brands awards, it is with great excitement to announce that one of South Africa’s leading black-owned investment companies, Sakhumnotho Group Holdings (Pty) Ltd, is now the headline sponsor of the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA)

What The Sponsorship Comes With

The sponsorship is in monetary terms and value-added benefits which will see the winners of the awards walking away with a 3-months business mentorship from one of Sakhumnotho’s subsidiaries – Global Business School of Entrepreneurship (GBSE). They also acquire the naming rights of the awards, therefore, going forward the Top 16 YOBA awards are brought to you by Sakhumnotho Group.

Image: Supplied

“Pat On Brands sees Sakhumnotho as an ideal partner in helping to reach our ambitious targets of shining the light on the incredible work being accomplished by South Africa’s youth. This collaboration also seeks to contribute towards empowering the nation’s youth and the world’s sustainable development goals.” Says Pat Mahlangu CEO and Founder of Pat On Brands

As an active and concerned media company, Pat On Brands continues to seek out meaningful opportunities to contribute, synergistic partnerships and economic empowerment solutions to enact a lasting change for future generations.

About Sakhumnotho

“Sakhumnotho Group Holdings is a company that believes in investing in the future of our country. Our name bares testimony to this; directly translating to “Building the Economy” or “Creating Wealth”. We strongly believe in the potential young people of this country have, and this is clearly demonstrated in our annual internship programme.”

This made it a no-brainer for us, as an organisation, to partner with an initiative that recognises the amazing entrepreneurship efforts of South Africa’s youth. We were very meticulous in what we put our name on, and this initiative by Pat on Brands makes us proud to be a naming sponsor!”, said Mosa Ntwampe, Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications

Image: Mosa Ntwampe, Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Sakhumnotho

The Top 16 YOBA is all about recognising the economic contribution made by the South African youth. The awards will be held on the 15th of June 2022 at 18:00 in Sandton. Tickets are available here https://patonbrands.com/eventer/top-16-youth-owned-brand/

Pat On Brands Announce Executive Judges For The Inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.

The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA), an initiative by Pat on Brands has recruited 10 award-winning leaders in the marketing and communications industry, academia, and entrepreneurship to evaluate and shortlist 482 nominations.

Judging of Nominated Brands

The judges are seasoned professionals and have distinguished careers in marketing and entrepreneurship. When it comes to building and growing brands, the judges are very knowledgeable and have a wealth of experience. To evaluate the entries, they will be using a set scoring criterion across 16 categories. The scoring criteria are guided by Young & Rubicam and David Aaker’s principles, brand equity principles that focus on the general appearance of the brand, originality, creativity, geographic reach, and the consistency in the application of the brand CI.

“As a platform, Pat on Brands has always been known for bringing out captains of industry to engage with young people and YOBA is no different. We are very pleased and enthusiastic about having judges of such high caliber to help us recognize the Top 16 youth-owned brands in South Africa.”, says Pat Mahlangu – Founder & CEO of Pat on Brands.

The jury will be chaired by renowned marketer Sadika Fakir and co-chaired by Lebo Lion.

“It is a massive concern that youth unemployment in South Africa year on year is more than 45% with COVID-19 aggravating the situation, in turn negatively impacting our socio-economic levels substantially. Now more than ever, we need to encourage youth entrepreneurship to inspire a new era of hope for the nation. YOBA is such a platform recognising Youth Owned Brands and entrepreneurship. I am truly honoured to be a part of a movement of this nature as it fuels the industry and the country with inspiration, creativity, and a fresh perspective on leadership. When I look at youth-owned brands, I feel compelled to challenge my own inhibitions and conventions. YOBA will certainly be a catalyst for positive growth in the continent.” says – Sadika Fakir – Integrated Media & Digital Director at Tiger Brands, Chairperson: ARB

Meet The Judges

In no particular order, the list of esteemed judges for the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards is as follows:

  • Sadika Fakir (Chairperson of the jury) – Sadika Fakir, Integrated Media & Digital Director at Tiger Brands is a firm believer in integrated and seamless marketing communications that focus on the customer. With an ever-evolving customer base and shifting media landscape, she states that we must consistently reinvent our approach to the market – taking customer shifts and nuances into consideration to drive seamless & integrated communication solutions. She is captivated by the power of the media & digital and believes it suits her disruptive approach to work. After a seven-year stint in similar roles within financial services, Nedbank and FNB respectively, she joined the consumer goods category in her role at Tiger Brands in 2020. Prior to the corporate roles, she notched up ten years at numerous agencies building her integrated strategic media experience totaling more than 17 years within integrated channel strategy and advertising. She has her BCOM Honours in Marketing (Cum Laude) and is a designated Chartered Marketer through the Marketing Association of South Africa. In 2022, Sadika was appointed Chairman of the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB).
  • Lebo Lion (Deputy Head) – Lebo is an award-winning digital marketer, iTunes podcasting pioneer, speaker, author, strategist, & influencer whose viral Twitter threads, digital marketing expertise, and courageous conversations, have led to her being one of the most sought-after speakers and business consultants in South Africa. She has transformed over 1000 South African Start-Ups and SMEs, through her global top 100 iTunes podcast charting platform; The Lebo Lion Show. Known as “THE VOICE OF MARKETING”, Lion delivers mindset shifting & empowering content, that disrupts the African learning landscape.
  • Bulelani Balabala – Dubbed as “the go-to guy for township entrepreneurs” by City Press. Bulelani is the founder and CEO of IAF brands, a township-based Branding & Social Media marketing company. He is the founder of Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA) an initiative aimed at developing entrepreneurs in the township & rural areas, through this platform TEA has directly impacted over 48000+ small businesses in the formal and informal sectors. He serves on public and private sector boards. He is a professional speaker who covers the township economy, branding, entrepreneurship & inspiration. He is featured on multiple media platforms where is gives thought leadership and insights. He has shared platforms with business, industry, and government leaders. He lives by the simple motto #GetThingsDone
  • David ‘Slaying Goliath’ Tshabalala – David Tshabalala has worked with, & independently collaborated with the biggest global brands, not limited to, namely: KFC, Coca Cola, Adobe, Netflix, Converse, Audi, Smirnoff, Reebok, and many more. Despite his notable industry accolades and achievements – he says he’ll never proclaim to know it all. Perhaps these are the tenets of his relative success, the willingness to not only learn from those above him but to absorb lessons from his juniors too. David says he’s a teachable spirit because he’s been trained to stay grounded by his mentors and industry peers. His natural disposition to stay humble has been largely influenced by his environment and the people in it. “My work is a kaleidoscope of color and crafted content, driven by my penchant for consuming pop culture. I embody the ethos of being an independent self-starter; being able to work with major brands directly, while staying true to myself – telling the South African story in a meaningful and engaging way.” – David
  • Dr. Beate Stiehler Mulder – Dr. Beate Stiehler-Mulder is a Senior Lecturer, the Marketing Coordinator at the Department of Marketing Management at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), and the W&R Seta Leadership Chair: Gauteng. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Economics and Management from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. She has 16 years of experience in Marketing Commerce, 9+ years’ experience in Marketing and Retail Lecturing, and Academic management, she is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional (DMI International), the winner of an “Outstanding Paper” 2017 from the Emerald Literati Network Awards, and she was a main Jury Member for the 2020 & 2021 Financial Mail AdFocus Awards. She has built a strong background of work, research, and publications in South African and international journals and conference proceedings, where she has presented broad research on marketing, branding, retail, digital, and consumer subjects. As the current W&R Seta Chair: Gauteng, she aims to provide a platform that develops critical thinkers and problem-solvers in the Retail industry, conduct relevant retail and consumer research, and launch innovative education and work-based learning experiences – all in the spirit of advancing and professionalizing the wholesale and retail industry.
  • Mpho Maseko – Mpho Maseko is a self-motived integrated marketing and communications professional with more than ten years of strategic marketing and campaign development experience working on local and global brands. She’s been working in the financial services sector for five years. Her marketing and communications experience is also in the broadcasting, technology, and digital marketing services sectors. As a self-confessed “Marketing Maverick”, she ensures that marketing and communications align to both long- and short-term business objectives. Mpho honed in her management expertise after graduating with a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Wits Business School. In 2005 she joined the SABC where she held several management positions in marketing & communications. Her responsibilities in these roles extended to the strategic communications management for various SABC brands. Mpho’s commitment to South Africa’s Marketing and Communications industry is also demonstrated in her involvement in various industry bodies. In 2014, she was appointed committee member for the Advertising and Media Association of South Africa (AMASA), on which she still currently serves. From 2017 to 2018 she served as Head of the Brand Council of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). In 2020 she ended her tenure as a Marketing Tourism committee member of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.
  • Thembi Sehloho – Thembi Sehloho is currently serving as the Marketing Director for Rice and Pasta at Tiger Brands SA, Thembi is a seasoned marketing specialist with a passion for meaningful and impactful brand work. After graduating with a BCom-Accounting degree; she went on to build a formidable career in marketing spanning over 15-years. With the ability to run strategic and capital expansion projects, Thembi has landed accolades which include the following:

· Building the Mama KOO franchise which propelled the brand to be SA’s most loved brand

· Maintaining Tastic’s position as the top brand within staple food

· Winning a Silver PRISM Award for PR Campaign of The Year, and Tastic TVC voted 2020 the best-liked TVC as voted by consumers – Kantar #MyHeritagecampaign.

Thembi is passionate about leadership and mentorship and was recently awarded the 3rd Positive Role Model Award – 9th Annual Gender Mainstreaming Awards. She has solidified herself as a formidable and seasoned marketer in South Africa with vast experience in SA’s leading iconic FMCG brands which include; All Gold, KOO, Bakers, Tastic, and Fatti’s & Moni’s.

  • Neo Ramokutwana – A seasoned performance marketer with over 16 years’ experience in financial services marketing. Ramakutwane is experienced in developing optimised and result focused marketing campaigns with various budgets with a proven ability and specialised knowledge in distribution and intermediary marketing. She has in-depth knowledge of the South African marketing landscape and trends. Neo says she is driven and willing to go above and beyond to deliver results.
  • Dr. Marcia Lebombo – Dr Marcia Lebambo holds a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from the Tshwane University of Technology, Business School. She is currently working as a Senior Lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology, in the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship. With more than 10 years of experience in Higher Education, Dr. Lebambo published book chapters and articles in accredited journals and presented her work at local and international conferences including Tanzania, Botswana, and Austria. Her research interests are in the areas of entrepreneurship and small business development, entrepreneurship policies, rural tourism, and technological entrepreneurship. Apart from her work as an academic, Dr. Lebambo is a trailblazer in youth community development. In 2012, she founded a non-profit organisation: Marcia Lebambo Foundation which focuses on improving literacy in South African township and rural schools. Her motto is; Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have!
  • Katlego Ditlokwe – Katlego Ditlhokwe is a Researcher, Thought Leader, Marketing Guest Lecture, Strategic Planner and Simply a Storyteller.He describes himself as a true lover of advertising and a learner of the industry. Katlego has a degree in Marketing Communications. He is a certified Digital Marketer and Art Director.Ditlhokwe started his career as a Media Strategist at Joe Public United; changed his career path to practicing Brand Strategy, and he is now a Lead Strategist at Brave Group. Basically, he is a creative that just chose to specialise in Strategic Communication.

Word From Pat Mahlangu

“As a platform, Pat on Brands has always been known for bringing out captains of industry to engage with young people and YOBA is no different. We are very pleased and enthusiastic about having judges of such high caliber to help us recognize the Top 16 youth-owned brands in South Africa.”, says Pat Mahlangu – Founder & CEO of Pat on Brands

The YOBA awards encompass 16 categories which are Accessories, Beverage, Agriculture, Beauty, Apparel, Media, NGO, Homeware, Education, Personality and Influencer, Footwear, Food, Travel and Tourism, and Technology. The inaugural award ceremony is scheduled to take place on the 15th of June in Johannesburg where we will see young creatives who’ve propelled the marketing industry for real change.