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Solo Sandton launched the Top 16 Youth Owned-Brands Awards

The highly anticipated Top 16 Youth Owned-Brands Awards aim to recognise the excellence, innovation, and hard work of South African youth-owned brands, Rosebank, local, community news

February 7, 2023

Asanda Matlhare 1 minute read

Award-winning influencer Pamela Mtanga welcomes the crowed at Solo. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

The highly anticipated Top 16 Youth Owned-Brands Awards celebrated its return for the second year at Solo restaurant.

Tshepo Jeans founder and designer Tshepo Mohlala at Solo. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

Speaking on February 2, founder of the awards Pat Mahlangu said it was important to commend thriving youth businesses.

Founder Pat Mahlangu explains how the Youth-Owned Brands Awards came about. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

“This is the second year of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards and we are planning for it to be the best one yet. What started off as an online portal for celebrating brands turned into what the Youth-Owned Brands Awards are right now. We celebrate the youth and commend them for being able to create opportunities in situations that seem impossible.”

Ellen Mpembe, Lebo Sam and Tshego Mosadi are all smiles at the Youth-Owned Brands Awards launch. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

Lebo Lion explains the judging process to the crowd at the Youth-Owned Brands Awards launch. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

Mahlangu added the awards consisted of 16 categories from different perimeters of the economy which ranged from top travel and tourism brands, and top education brands to top personalities and influencers.

Award-winning entrepreneur Mbali Sebapu and Malebo Chuene at the Youth-Owned Brands Awards launch. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

The digital director of Tiger Brands Sadika Fakir said he supported the initiative as it was a way of empowering the youth.

Ithana Conjwa serenades the crowd. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

“With 60% of South Africa’s population being under 25 years old, now more than ever we have to amplify the importance of youth-owned businesses and entrepreneurship. Business and entrepreneurship within the youth is no longer a nice [thing] to have or a side hustle; youth-owned businesses are a necessity to empower, remain relevant and provide new career opportunities to the future generations,” said Fakir.