Johannesburg, South Africa – 16 June 2026 – The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs) is proud to announce the return of Nalesa Media as its official Out-of-Home (OOH) Media Partner for the 2026 edition of the awards.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that the dynamic, female-led media company will amplify the awards’ visibility across South Africa through strategic and innovative outdoor advertising campaigns.
Founded by sisters Palesa and Naledi Mabuse, Nalesa Media has, over the past decade, evolved into a multifaceted media enterprise with interests spanning events, multimedia, interactive media, and app development. Their commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and making technology accessible aligns seamlessly with the YOBAs’ mission of celebrating and recognising youth excellence across Africa.
“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 visibility and ultimately grow their businesses,” said Pat Mahlangu, Founder and CEO of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.
Commenting on the partnership, Palesa Mabuse, Senior Managing Director of Nalesa Media, said:
“Nalesa Media is proud to continue its support of the Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs), an initiative that celebrates and uplifts the next generation of South African entrepreneurs. As a 100% Black female-owned business that began as a bold idea between two sisters, we understand the challenges and triumphs that come with building a brand from the ground up.
Our continued partnership with the YOBAs reflects our deep commitment to empowering youth, fostering innovation, and promoting authentic African stories. We believe that by supporting platforms like the YOBAs, we are investing in a future where young, homegrown talent is not only seen, but celebrated and sustained.”
The 2026 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards will take place on 27 June 2026, bringing together South Africa’s most inspiring youth-owned brands across a range of industries to celebrate innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial excellence.
Public voting has officially closed. Supporters can purchase tickets to attend the awards ceremony via the website.
For more information and ticket purchases, visit www.top16yoba.co.za.
Join the conversation online using #Top16YOBAs.
