On 21 June, YOBA 2025 (Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards) returned for its 4th annual celebration, paying tribute to the innovation, excellence, and influence of young entrepreneurs shaping South Africa and the continent’s future.
YOBA 2025: Inspiring leaders pioneering what’s next
What truly made the evening memorable were the profound acceptance speeches, followed by an inspiring keynote from Nomsa Chabeli, Group CEO of the SABC. Together, they beautifully reminded everyone why YOBA remains such a vital platform for celebrating and uplifting South Africa’s youth-owned brands.
In her keynote, Ms Chabeli highlighted the importance of visibility and long-term innovation, encouraging young leaders by saying, “Don’t just solve today’s problems—design tomorrow’s solutions,” she urged, highlighting the need for forward-thinking leadership that creates lasting impact. She emphasised the need for forward-thinking leadership that creates lasting impact.
“This year’s awards reminded us that young people aren’t just the future — they’re leading right now,” said Pat Mahlangu, Founder and CEO of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. “Each of these winners represents a unique story of resilience, creativity, and leadership. We’re proud to celebrate them and the industries they are changing.”
YOBA 2025 official winners across diverse industries and regions
The awards celebrated winners across 16 industries. Additionally, two special Pan-African categories were recognised. To ensure fairness, KXX Auditors independently verified the results.
The 2025 YOBA winners
- Afrocurl – Top Hair & Beauty Brand (Sponsored by FNB/WesBank)
- Akani Simbine – Global Excellence Awardee (in partnership with Brand South Africa)
- Africa Afya Healthcare – Top East Africa Brand
- iPrint Namibia – Top SADC Brand
- Khula! – Top Agriculture Brand
- Blank Collection – Top Apparel Brand (Sponsored by Wholesale & Retail SETA)
- Shala The Unicorn – Top Creative & Arts Brand
- Career Kit – Top Education & Literature Brand (Sponsored by Pat On Brands)
- NOH Eyewear – Top Footwear & Accessories Brand (Sponsored by Delivery Ka Speed)
- The Sweet Slice Luxe Bakery – Top Food & Beverages Brand (Sponsored by CCBSA)
- Wisdom & Wellness – Top Health & Wellness Brand
- Reliable Renders Home – Top Homeware Brand (in partnership with City Lodge Hotel Group)
- The Warehouse Boys – Top Manufacturing Brand (in partnership with Proudly South African)
- Motsepe Advertising – Top Media Brand (in partnership with SABC)
- GirlCode – Top NPO & Charities Brand
- Grace Mondlana – Top Personalities & Influencers Brand (Sponsored by MTN Pulse)
- Sneaker Cleanic – Top Services Brand (Sponsored by Legends Barber)
- Computer Guardian – Top Technology Brand (Sponsored by Lerato Agency)
- Asambeni Getaway – Top Travel & Tourism Brand (in partnership with South African Tourism)
YOBA 2025 spotlights historic wins and global excellence
Afrocurl named the YOBA’s most loved top brand of 2025
This year, Afrocurl proudly took home the Overall Top Brand award for 2025, making history at the awards. As the first female-owned brand and the first winner from outside Gauteng to take the top spot, Afrocurl’s win is a powerful reminder of how South Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape is becoming more diverse, inclusive and far-reaching.
Akani Simbine takes home the Global Excellence Award for his amazing sprinting achievements
Akani Simbine received the Global Excellence Award, a special category that does not require public voting. He is one of South Africa’s most celebrated athletes. His journey continues to inspire with determination and world-class achievements. In 2025, he made history by becoming the first sprinter to run sub-10-second 100-metre times for 11 seasons in a row. This broke a long-standing record set by Usain Bolt. He also earned his first global individual medal — a bronze in the 60 m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing. His consistency and pride in representing South Africa made him a well-deserved winner. The award was presented in partnership with Brand South Africa for the second consecutive year.
Partners and Sponsors behind YOBA 2025’s success
The success of the 2025 YOBA’s wouldn’t have been possible without the support of its partners and sponsors, all of whom played a key role in spotlighting youth excellence.
Main sponsors and partners included:
- FNB/WesBank
- South African Tourism
- Wholesale & Retail SETA
- Delivery Ka Speed
Returning supporters included:
- Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA)
- MTN Pulse
- Proudly South African
- Brand South Africa
- City Lodge Hotel Group
- Lerato Agency
- Pat On Brands
- Legends Barber
- Nalesa Media
- Reveel Out of Home
Now in its fourth year, the YOBA’s help young entrepreneurs get recognised, mentored, and connected.
“It’s more than an award show — it’s a movement,” Mahlangu added. “And each year, we grow stronger because of the vision, passion, and determination of the young entrepreneurs we honour.”
As Youth Month continues, YOBA 2025 reminds us why it’s so important to support local talent and back the next generation of bold, creative leaders building Africa’s future.
