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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ZA Powerhouse NPO brand logo
Top 16 YOBA Winner

ZA Powerhouse

ZA Powerhouse is a South African non-profit organisation founded by Zanele Phakathi, focused on empowering youth through leadership, education and community programmes, recognised in the NPO & Charities category at the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.

NPO & Charities Youth Empowerment South Africa

Brand Story

ZA Powerhouse is a South African non-profit organisation founded by Zanele Phakathi, dedicated to empowering youth through leadership, education and community-focused initiatives.

Zanele started ZA Powerhouse as a teenager, building a movement that helps young people contribute to their communities and develop leadership skills.

The organisation creates programmes, events and content that help young people build confidence, skills and networks to pursue their goals and make a positive impact.

ZA Powerhouse has built a presence through digital platforms and on-the-ground initiatives, positioning itself as a youth-centric NPO committed to practical impact and empowerment.

Why It Exists

ZA Powerhouse exists to support and empower young South Africans with the tools, opportunities and support they need to thrive.

The organisation was created to address challenges such as unemployment, limited access to mentorship and a lack of youth-focused leadership development.

Through leadership programmes, educational support and community projects, ZA Powerhouse aims to help young people realise their potential and become active contributors to society.

The Purpose

To build powerful youth communities by offering leadership programmes, educational support and empowerment initiatives that help young people realise their potential.

Founder & Key People

Zanele Phakathi, founder of ZA Powerhouse

Zanele Phakathi

Founder

Zanele Phakathi is an award-winning philanthropist from Soweto who started ZA Powerhouse as a teenager.

She built the organisation to focus on how young people can contribute to their communities and develop leadership skills from an early age.

Zanele is recognised as a young leader and changemaker, using ZA Powerhouse to create opportunities and platforms for other youth.

Achievements & Recognition

ZA Powerhouse has earned recognition for its contribution to youth empowerment, community development and social impact in South Africa.

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NPO & Charities Recognition

ZA Powerhouse was recognised in the NPO & Charities category at the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.

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Youth Leadership & Community Impact

The organisation is acknowledged for its work in empowering young people to contribute to their communities and develop leadership skills from a young age.

What They Do

ZA Powerhouse runs youth-focused programmes, events and community initiatives that build leadership skills, confidence and a sense of purpose among young South Africans.

Youth Leadership Education Community Projects Empowerment NPO