The young, the trendy, the academics and the creatives gathered on 8th December, 2016 at The Young Independents (TYI) call for nominations launch in search of South Africa’s Top 100 inspiring and aspiring leaders for 2017.
In it’s second year, the call for nominations garnered much interest at the African Pride, 15 on Orange.
Esteemed leaders from various industries who came together, elevated the much respected initiative which spear-headed the launch to the next level.
One of them being, South Africa’s new Public Protector, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane who took office from Thuli Madonsela.
As a key-note speaker, Adv. Mkhwebane encouraged young people to use their talent to better themselves and create employment.
“You have potential to think out-side the box, nothing is stopping you from achieving your goals.”
Adv. Mkhwebane made reference to Ludwick Marishane, founder and creator of DryBath Gel.
On the gravel roads of Limpopo, with an allowance of R50 a week, he came up with a way for his underprivileged community to bath without having to go through the struggle of not walking distances for water, so people could now use a dry soap to clean with.
“What is stopping you?”, Adv. Mkhwebane asked.
With the regards to ongoing struggle of young people, Adv. Mkhwebane
said, “we can step in to ensure the government creates the environment for you to become the young person that SA needs.”
Independent Media Executive Chairman, Dr Iqbal Survé, applauded the contribution of young women who are change agents that bring about transformation and innovation within the Independent Media stable. He went on to say that he wants young people to aspire not to be like him, but to go on and enjoy life, have fun and have a purpose in order to achieve their dreams.
Editor of TYI, Saajida Francis commended the Top 100 of 2016 for always disrupting the status quo, innovating, healing and trailblazing.
Francis added, “through an online platform like TYI we strive to ensure that young people across the continent, are fully recognised and given a voice to articulate their own narrative, to be powerful agents of political and economic transformation”.
Cape-Town based Top 100 of 2016 shared their journey of success and urged people to apply as this accelerates their potential to grow in their respective spheres.
The calls for nominations are now open to any young person between the age of 18-35 years old, and must reside in South Africa.
Group Executive and founder of TYI, Mike Ntsasa encourages people to nominate, even if they would like to nominate themselves if they fit the criteria.
Who is eligible to become a Young Independent?
Any inspiring young leader aged 18 – 35
All South African residents (they do not have to be born in SA but must reside here)
Five categories, 10 awards:
Category Winners: R35 000
Category Runner-up: R15 000
The 100 Young Independents will each win:
A profile in The Young Independents special edition across the Independent Media newspapers across South Africa in 2017.
A profile on the youth platform www.tyi.co.za
Exposure on our social media platforms.
The chance to win R50 000 in one of five categories.
Exclusive invitation to the launch event in JHB in 2017.
Invitations to relevant youth seminars and networks.
Closing date: 1 January 2017
