Johannesburg, South Africa – 22 June 2025 — The 4th annual Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs) lit up Sandton on the evening of 21 June 2025, celebrating innovation, impact, and excellence from South Africa and the continent’s most inspiring youth-owned brands.
Hosted at the prestigious LUXX Venue, the 2025 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards brought together trailblazing entrepreneurs, industry leaders, creatives, and cultural tastemakers for an unforgettable evening honouring the gold standard of youth excellence. With a surprise performance by Robot Boii featuring Toss , and an electrifying closing by Pusha Pepsy, moving acceptance speeches, and a powerful keynote address delivered by Nomsa Chabeli, Group CEO of the SABC, the event reaffirmed the YOBAs’ reputation as one of South Africa’s most credible and inspiring platforms for celebrating emerging youth-led brands.
Ms. Chabedi emphasized the importance of making success visible and inspiring future innovation. “Don’t just solve today’s problems—design tomorrow’s solutions,” she urged, highlighting the need for forward-thinking leadership that creates lasting impact.
“This year’s awards reminded us that young people aren’t just the future — they’re leading right now,” said Pat Mahlangu, Founder and CEO of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. “Each of these winners represents a unique story of resilience, creativity, and leadership. We’re proud to celebrate them and the industries they are changing.”
This year’s winners were honoured across 16 industry-specific categories, showcasing excellence in fields ranging from agriculture to technology. Two additional Pan-African categories celebrated standout youth-owned brands from across the continent. The 2025 YOBA winners, as independently audited by KXX Auditors, are:
2025 YOBA Winners
- Afrocurl – Top Hair & Beauty Brand, Sponsored by FNB/WesBank
- Akani Simbine – Global Excellence Awardee, in partnership with Brand South Africa
- Africa Afya Healthcare – Top East Africa Brand
- iPrint Namibia – Top SADC Brand
- Khula! – Top Agriculture Brand
- Blank Collection – Top Apparel Brand, sponsored by the Wholesale & Retail SETA
- Shala The Unicorn – Top Creative & Arts Brand
- Career Kit – Top Education & Literature Brand, Sponsored by PatOn Brands
- NOH Eyewear – Top Footwear & Accessories Brand, sponsored by Delivery Ka Speed
- The Sweet Slice Luxe Bakery – Top Food & Beverages Brand, Sponsored by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
- Wisdom & Wellness – Top Health & Wellness Brand
- Reliable Renders Home – Top Homeware Brand, in partnership with City Lodge Hotel Group
- The Warehouse Boys – Top Manufacturing Brand, in partnership with Proudly South African
- Motsepe Advertising – Top Media Brand, in partnership with the SABC
- GirlCode – Top NPO & Charities Brand
- Grace Mondlana – Top Personalities & Influencers Brand, Sponsored by MTN Pulse
- Sneaker Cleanic – Top Services Brand, Sponsored by Legends Barber
- Computer Guardian – Top Technology Brand, Sponsored by Lerato Agency
- Asambeni Getaway – Top Travel & Tourism Brand, in partnership with South African Tourism
Afrocurl was awarded as the Overall Top Brand of 2025 — a historic achievement that marks a significant milestone not only for the brand itself but also for the YOBA Awards. This win is particularly groundbreaking as Afrocurl becomes the first recipient of the title from outside of Gauteng, and notably, the first female-owned brand to earn this prestigious honor. It’s a powerful testament to the growing diversity and reach of South Africa’s entrepreneurial excellence.
This year’s special honour, the Global Excellence Award, was proudly presented to Akani Simbine — one of South Africa’s most accomplished athletes and a global ambassador for excellence. The award, a non-voting category, recognises individuals whose remarkable global achievements and consistent international representation have elevated the South African brand on the world stage. In 2025, Simbine made history by becoming the first athlete ever to record sub-10-second 100 m performances for 11 consecutive seasons, surpassing a record previously held by Usain Bolt. He also secured his first global individual medal with a 60 m bronze at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing. His relentless dedication, consistency, and pride in flying the national flag make him a fitting recipient of this prestigious accolade, presented by Brand South Africa in partnership with the Youth-Owned Brands Awards for the second consecutive year.
Backed by an esteemed lineup of sponsors and partners — including FNB/WesBank, South African Tourism, W&R SETA, and Delivery Ka Speed — along with returning giants such as CCBSA, MTN Pulse, Legends Barber, Proudly South African, Brand South Africa, City Lodge Hotel Group, Lerato Agency, Pat On Brands, Nalesa Media, and Reveel Out of Home, the 2025 edition was further elevated by impactful media support from SABC Radio. Now in its fourth year, the Top 16 YOBAs continue to champion the value and viability of youth-owned brands — not only recognising success but also catalysing growth, mentorship, and industry collaboration.
“It’s more than an award show — it’s a movement,” Mahlangu added. “And each year, we grow stronger because of the vision, passion, and determination of the young entrepreneurs we honour.”
As Youth Month continues, the 2025 YOBAs reaffirmed the importance of backing local talent and building brands that reflect the creativity, diversity, and entrepreneurial excellence of South Africa’s youth.
