The anticipation mounts as the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs) proudly unveils the distinguished jury for its third annual event. With an impressive array of professionals, marketers, and academics, the 2024 YOBAs promises to be an extraordinary celebration of Africa’s vibrant youth entrepreneurship.

This year marked a significant milestone as the selection process for the judging panel was carefully structured. Drawing from a pool of exceptionally talented individuals who met rigorous criteria. This year, the Top 16 YOBAs received over 3 300 nominations, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and support for youth-owned brands across the nation.

“We are very grateful to the industry professionals who have graciously lent their expertise to our judging panel. Their commitment highlights the importance of nurturing and empowering our youth through initiatives like the YOBAs,” expressed Pat Mahlangu, Founder and CEO of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.

Leading the panel with grace and insight is the esteemed Chairperson, Mosa Ntwampe who is a Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at Sakhumnotho. Mosa will be accompanied by the dynamic Deputy Chairperson, Yasira Cajee, Digital Director at Wits Plus. Their guidance will steer the deliberations of 31 exceptional leaders in marketing, communications, academia, and entrepreneurship, each bringing a wealth of experience and specialization to the table.

Among the renowned members of this year’s jury are:

Leading the panel with grace and insight is the esteemed Chairperson, Mosa Ntwampe who is a Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at Sakhumnotho. Mosa will be accompanied by the dynamic Deputy Chairperson, Yasira Cajee, Digital Director at Wits Plus. Their guidance will steer the deliberations of 31 exceptional leaders in marketing, communications, academia, and entrepreneurship, each bringing a wealth of experience and specialization to the table.

Among the renowned members of this year’s jury are:

1. Boitumelo Mohube –   Founder of Mohube Media – South Africa 
2. Bulelani Balabala –    Creative Director at IAF Brands – South Africa 
3. Cameron Belling –   Head of Marketing at Bluff Meat Supply – South Africa 
4. David Tshabalala –   Co-Founder at Suketchi – South Africa
5. Devashni Ganess –   Brand Manager at Unilever, Knorr Soups – South Africa
6. Dr. Beate Stiehler-Mulder –   Associate Member at the Henley Africa Centre for Emerging Market Consumer Studies – South Africa
7. Dr. Marcia Lebambo –   Senior Lecturer and Section Head at Tshwane University of Technology – South Africa 
8. Isabel Masikachinjika –    President at the Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) – Malawi 
9. Jonathan James –   Broadcaster – Nigeria 
10. Katlego Ditlhokwe –   Founder & Brand Strategy Consultant
                                      at The Hyphen – South Africa
11. Keagile Makgoba –   Head of Communications at Tech Industry – South Africa
12. Khanyi Tshume –   Head of Strategy at TLC Worldwide, Middle East & Africa – South Africa
13. Kovini Moodley –    Founder of Boss Babes of South Africa – South Africa
14. Lerato Selialia –    Strategy and Property Professional – South Africa
15. Masego Mosiane –    Managing Director at Veuw Packaging – South Africa
16. Michelle Govender –   Social Media Manager at Spotify  – South Africa
17. Motshidisi Mokoena –    Head of Reputation & Regulatory Affairs at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa – South Africa
18. Naledi Toona –    South African ambassador for the global NPO Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) – South Africa
19. Nokuthula Magwaza – Founder & Managing Director at Bloom Marketing Agency – South Africa 
20. Phelane Phomane – Lesotho
21. Ponatshego Makhuza –   Shopper Marketing Lead at Unilever – South Africa
22. Salamina Mosese –   Producer and Managing Director at Sorele  Media – South Africa
23. Sheldon Tatchell –    Founder of Legends Barber – South Africa
24. Thabang Modiba –   Marketing Specialist at Mondelez – South Africa
25. Thabani Khumalo –   Brand Manager at Tiger Brands, Premium & Value Brands (Beverages) – South Africa
26. Thabelo Raphala –   Seasoned Business Leader, Accountant, Auditor, at Strategist – South Africa
27. Thembi Sehloho –   Chief Marketing Officer at South African Tourism – South Africa
28. Tosin Adefeko –     Chief Executive Officer at AT3 Resources – Nigeria 
29. Tshepang Makofane –    Senior Strategist at TBWA\ South Africa – South Africa 
30. Vuyokazi Mhlophe –   Marketing Manager at Showmax – South Africa
31. Wendy Silinyana –   Director and Franchisee of Africa’s MiniBoss Business School – South Africa

“The calibre of our esteemed judges for the Top 16 YOBAs 2024 panel is truly exceptional. Their collective wisdom and expertise will ensure a fair and rigorous evaluation process, honouring the remarkable achievements of our youth entrepreneurs,” remarked Chairperson Mosa Ntwampe.

The YOBAs ceremony will take place on the evening of 22 June 2024, at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre. Where the visionary young leaders driving Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape will be celebrated and recognized.

For more information on the YOBAs, please visit www.top16yoba.africa.