TOP 16 YOUTH-OWNED BRANDS AWARDS 2026
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TOP 16 YOBA AWARDS

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Don't miss the celebration of young brands, creators, entrepreneurs and changemakers. Join us for an unforgettable evening at the TOP 16 YOBA Awards.

02 SEPTEMBER 2026
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GALXBOY apparel brand logo
2024 Top 16 YOBA Winner

GALXBOY

GALXBOY is a proudly South African streetwear and apparel brand rooted in township youth culture, offering luxury-inspired designs at accessible prices across the country.

Apparel Streetwear South Africa

Brand Story

GALXBOY is a South African streetwear and apparel brand founded in 2012 by Thatiso Dube, growing from printing T-shirts for friends in high school in Mamelodi, Pretoria, to a national retail presence.

Headquartered in Centurion, Gauteng, GALXBOY designs and sells clothing and accessories inspired by hip-hop, township swagger and contemporary youth culture, with a focus on Millennials and Generation Z.

The brand operates multiple stores across all nine provinces and employs over 200 people, the majority under the age of 35, making it one of the country’s most successful homegrown streetwear labels.

GALXBOY was born from the founder’s observation that there was a gap in the market for a brand designed by the youth for the youth, bridging the gap between luxury aesthetics and affordability.

Why It Exists

GALXBOY exists to give South African youth a fashion brand that reflects their identity, ambitions and culture while creating meaningful employment opportunities.

The company was created to offer an authentic, locally rooted alternative to international streetwear labels, combining bold designs with a strong narrative around township life and aspiration.

Through its retail expansion and youth-focused hiring, GALXBOY contributes to job creation, skills development and the growth of South Africa’s creative and fashion economy.

The Purpose

To be a Smart, African, Ambitious brand that represents the modern aspirations of South African youth through design, retail and culture.

Founder & Key People

Thatiso Dube, founder and creative director of GALXBOY

Thatiso Dube

Founder & Creative Director

Thatiso Dube (also known as Vuittots) is the founder, head designer and creative director of GALXBOY, which he officially registered in 2012 after years of printing T-shirts for peers.

He started the brand with R10,000–R20,000 in savings, did not draw a salary until 2021 and has grown GALXBOY into a multi-store national brand with international shipping to the UK, France and Dubai.

Thatiso has been recognised as the 2025 Job Creator and Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year, and is known for building a brand that employs over 200 people, 90% of them youth.

Achievements & Recognition

GALXBOY has earned recognition for its contribution to South African fashion, youth employment and streetwear culture.

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2024 Top 16 YOBA Winner – Apparel

GALXBOY was recognised as a winner in the Apparel category at the 2024 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.

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Job Creator & National Expansion

The brand has grown to over 16 stores across all nine provinces, employs more than 200 people and has won the 2025 Job Creator and Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

What They Do

GALXBOY designs, manufactures and retails streetwear and apparel including T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, trousers and accessories inspired by South African youth culture and hip-hop aesthetics.

Streetwear Apparel Retail Fashion Design Youth Culture