By Staff Reporter
news@alexreporter.co.za
What are South Africa’s most loved brands that are owned and run by the youth?
You will soon find out with the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards – an initiative by Pat on Brands.
This is the first of its kind in the country aimed at recognizing and empowering Top 16 proudly South African brands that are owned by the youth.
According to the World Economic Forum, Africa is expected to be home to 1 billion youth by 2050.
Currently, South Africa alone has a population of 20.6 million youths which is roughly 35.7% of the country.
The youth in South Africa are the key drivers of job creation and sustainable economic growth necessary to building a better South Africa.
Unlike before, today’s youth is no longer fighting a political fight, they are fighting an economic change for generations to come.
With so many challenges that they are faced with, they continue to thrive and grow. They are bold, courageous, create opportunities and challenge the status quo.
According to a report by Brand SA, more than half of the South Africans running their own businesses are young people.
“We cannot talk about the transformation of the marketing and communications industry and exclude youth-owned brands.
“Additionally, we can’t talk about addressing high unemployment amongst the youth without mentioning youth-owned brands.
“They are key in driving the economic transformation agenda. We are thrilled to not only shine a light on the brands, but to contribute to the support of local brands,” says Pat Mahlangu – Founder of Pat on Brands
Youth play an active role in the South African economy. However, they are not given enough recognition or spotlight to feel appreciated for their impact on the economy.
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brand Awards is bridging that gap by empowering, educating and fostering a brand-led South Africa.
The theme of the awards is ‘Real Recognises Real’, which is aimed at shifting away from the perception of many South Africans of only supporting small businesses to recognising the work of young talent.
Many awards focus on well-established brands and neglect the power of upcoming youth-owned brands that play are major role in shaping our economy.
Nominations for the Youth-Owned Brands are now open to the public from the 2nd of April to the 22nd of April 2022. Nominate your favorite Youth-owned Brand and make a difference.
