YES Top 35 Under 35 Awards in partnership with Daily Maverick
10 October 2023, Johannesburg
YES hosted its inaugural Top 35 Under 35 YES Alumni event in partnership with Daily Maverick on 10 October 2024. The event celebrated and recognised the remarkable achievements of young leaders who have transformed their YES experience into impactful careers and innovative businesses.
As a partner, the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) hosted the prestigious YES Alumni Top 35 Under 35 event, which featured a full day programme of masterclasses for the winning youth and an awards ceremony in the evening, bringing together YES sponsors, partners and other key contributors to the initiative’s success.
This event, which Daily Maverick’s DM 168 Editor, Heather Robertson described as “phenomenally inspiring,” highlighted the significant contributions of YES Alumni, who are making a meaningful impact in their industries and communities. In partnership with Daily Maverick, YES spotlighted 35 young game-changers whose inspiring stories were published in DM168 on 14 September 2024, demonstrating the power of opportunity and the potential of South Africa’s youth. This recognition is a culmination of the YES Top 35 Under 35 Competition. Please click link here to access the Daily Maverick supplement and read the Top 35 YES Alumni stories. To read Heather Robertson’s article, click here.
Key speakers at the awards ceremony included Parks Tau, Minister of the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (dtic); Ravi Naidoo, YES CEO; Professor Morris Mthombeni, Dean of GIBS; Colin Coleman, YES Board Co-Chair; and Rudi Dicks from the Presidency.
The awards ceremony honoured the Top 35 winners with a certificate signed by the President. Further, seven sector winners were announced, showcasing their groundbreaking contributions across various industries, including retail, mining/manufacturing/automative, finance, creative/tourism, entrepreneurship, technology and social impact (the Daily Maverick award).
Award Winners by Sector:
Special thanks were extended to event partners such as Ninety-One, 3G Mobile, TFG, City Lodge, SLOW, Airlink, GIBS, BD Comms, Daily Maverick, SME.Tax, Gas Accounting, Pure Foods, and Nomia, whose contributions enhanced the event and provided tangible support and fantastic prizes for the young leaders.
The inaugural YES Alumni Top 35 Under 35 event not only recognised exceptional talent but also highlighted the importance of collaboration and support in empowering South Africa's future leaders. As these young professionals continue to rise, they will undoubtedly shape the nation's trajectory towards a brighter, more inclusive future.
Amendment to the Gazette