Results of the National Youth Entrepreneurship Awards

Nedbank Executive of Group Strategy Priya Naidoo, excited to finally announce the winners of the top 3 winners for the Step-up 2 A Green Start up in Sandton.

October 22, 2022

Motlatsi Mailula 1 minute read

Mkhuselui Faku presents the trailblazer award to Bidvest Services International representative Alan Fainman. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

During the last moments of the National Youth Entrepreneurship Awards also referred to as the Step Up to a Green Start programme, all high school learners who participated in the competition eagerly waited for the results on the main stage.

Managing director of Primestars Martin Sweet takes pictures with second place winners of the competition Annet Ncube, Pule Pabalelo and Adhelina Mahori. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

The awards which were held at the Sandton Nedbank Boardman auditorium saw a room filled with both guests and participants of the competition gearing up to hear the final verdict of their proposals. According to the master of ceremonies, Nkosinathi Moshoana, all the participants took a six-month period to prepare for the big moment on October 7.

Nedbank Executive of Group Strategy Priya Naidoo made the official opening of the event and shared her views on the campaign.

Carol Keshy from the University of Johannesburg (JBS) helps participants on stage with their mortarboard hat before the announcement of the top three winners. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

Martin Sweet awards the managing director of Omnia Holdings Mandla Mpofu with the innovation award. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

“We have proudly partnered with Step up 2 A Green Start-up, as we are passionate about youth development and harnessing the potential of young people to contribute to the future sustainability of our environment. Nedbank believes that more radical innovations are possible from micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. These enterprises play a key role in the transition to green economies and sustainable development,” said Naidoo.

Prior to the day of the awards, learners were taken to a bootcamp for a week where they had time to polish their work before presenting their proposals to a panel of judges.

Nedbank Executive of Group strategy Priya Naidoo welcomes guests to the official 2022 National Youth Entrepreneurship Awards in Sandton. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

Results of the 2022 National Youth Entrepreneurship Awards:

Trailblazer award: Alan Fainman (Bidvest Services International)
Innovation award: Mandla Mpofu (Omnia Holdings)
Third place: Brainiacs from Buhlebezile Secondary School (Thokoza)
Second place: Earth Protectors from Leap Science and Maths (Alexandra)
First place: Eco-Friendly Coal from Sibusiswe Comp-Tech High School (Umbumbulu)

Nkanyiso Khwaza with Venetia van Wyk from EOH Holdings and Precious Khanyi as they display their certificates for third place. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

All the top ten participants including their teachers were gifted with tablets by Sizwe Africa IT Group. The session of prize giving was not over as Richfield College awarded the participants with a full bursary to the institution.

Gariep High School teacher Wilhelmina Kock receives an award with her fellow teachers for leading their learners to the successful 2022 National Youth Entrepreneurship Awards. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

To top it off, Proudly SA announced that they will be giving one of the participants with a bursary to their university of choice, textbook and personal allowance, and the provision of accommodation.

ALSO READ: Primestars welcomes youth to their 8th instalment of the National Youth Entrepreneurship Awards

October 22, 2022

Motlatsi Mailula 1 minute read