The YouthX Awards are back for 2025, inviting South Africa’s ambitious, daring, and hopeful youth to take their futures into their own hands. This year marks the 5th anniversary of the YouthX initiative, and it’s clear: this isn’t just another awards program. It’s a call to all young South Africans who’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or unheard to step forward, share their journey, and turn their dreams into impactful ventures.
Launched by Nedbank, the YouthX Awards are set to recognize the creativity, innovation, and resilience of young people between the ages of 18 and 26. With the competition running from 1 July to 31 August 2025, the stakes are high: winners can walk away with up to R200 000 in funding, access to exclusive mentorship, and an opportunity to join a growing community of young visionaries.
John Makgato, Head of Youth Strategy at Nedbank, explained that through the YouthX initiative, Nedbank aims to nurture bold, transformative ideas: “We’re building platforms where young talent, grit, and resilience can flourish. The YouthX Awards are more than a competition; they are a space for young entrepreneurs to grow, connect, and reach their fullest potential.”
What sets the YouthX Awards apart is the emphasis on more than just ideas; it’s about impact. Every entry will be judged on creativity, innovation, and, most importantly, the potential to uplift communities. The top 10 finalists won’t just receive a prize—they’ll gain the tools, mentorship, and belief needed to make a lasting impact with their ventures.
The theme for this year’s awards, “Unlock Your X”, challenges entrants to discover and embrace what makes them unique—whether it’s their talent, passion, resilience, or drive to create positive change. YouthX aims to give young people the space to realize their potential and turn it into a force for good. It’s about harnessing that “X” factor to build a future that matters for both themselves and the wider community.
Brandon Mashaba, the winner of the 2024 YouthX Award and founder of Reagile Gaming Interactions, shared his transformative experience: “The YouthX Awards gave me more than just a platform. It gave my business visibility, real momentum, and a renewed sense of purpose. It reminded me that the youth are not just the future—we’re the now. Our ideas, our hustle, and our impact truly matter.”
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Makgato adds, “As we mark five years of the YouthX Awards, we are proud to celebrate the incredible stories of resilience, innovation, and empowerment that have shaped this initiative. This reflects Nedbank’s continued commitment to supporting the changemakers of tomorrow.”
The YouthX Awards are more than just a competition—they are a call to action for every young South African. It’s a challenge to rise, hustle, and unlock the kind of potential that can shape a better future. Whether it’s an idea that’s been bubbling in your mind for years, or a passion you’ve yet to fully explore, this is the moment to make it happen.
Are you ready to step into your future? If you’re a young South African and a Nedbank qualifying account holder, now’s your chance to register and take part in the YouthX Awards.
Enter today to unlock your X for a chance to win R200 000, receive expert mentorship, and earn the spotlight you deserve.
For more information or to enter visit https://www.youthxbynedbank.co.za
