Citylife Business

But government’s Small Business Development Department and its funding agencies were conspicuous by their absence in a sector that is their mandate. None of the exhibitors CITYLIFE BUSINESS spoke to ever mentioned that they were funded by government to start their businesses.

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE BUSINESS Editor-In-Chief

The event has just demonstrated that the young people of this country are ambitious, innovative and have what it takes to create successful small businesses, building them up from the ground.

I could not help but make this conclusion moving through the exhibition hall at the Sandton Convention Centre on Friday, the last day of the two day small business exhibition billed as a festival.

And indeed the mood was festival among the exhibitors, the finalists who were vying for honours in the second edition of the now increasingly popular Youth Owned Brands Awards (Yoba) started by young entrepreneur and marketing graduate  Mahlangu. The awards who genesis was triggered by the constant criticism that the youth of today, unlike those of 1976, who successfully protested against the introduction of Afrikaans in black school as a language of instruction, have no purpose in a free country.

Not so, the young people argue. And as If to demonstrate this fact, the quality of the exhibition was stunning, in ist orderliness, running on time and the speakers selected are role models for young people as they run successful brands.

The variety of businesses that showcased their brands during the festival, that commenced on June 14 and ended with the announcement of the winners on the evening of June 15, was as interesting as the personalities behind these brands. They ranged from short term insurance companies, travel, wine, fashion, creative economy to property, among others. All run by young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years.

And was revealing was that each of the exhibitors CITYLIFE BUSINESS spoke to know their brand story very well, and were good at articulating the brand narrative.

But also revealing was that none of the brands that I spoke to mentioned that they were assisted by a government department to start their businesses. All of the entrepreneurs I spoke started their businesses with nothing but the drive and the ability to execute their ideas and witness the idea become into fruition.

I could not help but wonder where was government in this? Especially because in this country we have a funding agency called Youth Development Agency, which without fail, each year, receives a budget to fund young entrepreneurs, such as those I saw at the Sandton Convention Centre. Even a better and more pertinent question, where is the Department of Small Business Development that every year receives a budget to fund small businesses, such as the ones that exhibited at the awards ceremony and business festival?

Speaking to these young entrepreneurs, it was as If the Department of Smalls Business Development and its associated funding agencies do not exist at all. The Awards themselves have a private company as the main sponsor, Standard Bank. However IDC, which is a government agency funded a category of the awards.

However with or without government support the young entrepreneurs who reached the finals of this competition and got to exhibit, demonstrated that they have what it takes to create successful brands and businesses that can create wealth for themselves as well as employment opportunities for other young people.

For that they were handsomely rewarded during that they were handsomely rewarded during the award ceremony in the evening of June 15, 2023, on the eve of Youth Day.

 Voted for from a pool of 64 nominees making a significant impact in their respective industries, the winners of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards have showcased unwavering commitment, while driving positive change through their products and services. 

And the winners are… 

• Accessories – Bona By Wenzy M 
• Agriculture, sponsored by the IDC – Evergreen Ageing 
• Apparel – GALXBOY 
• Beverages, sponsored by CCBSA – Grandeur Premium Gin 
• Hair & Beauty – Swiitch Beauty 
• Homeware – Mo’s Crib 
• Media – Public Health Entertainment 
• NPO & Charities – ZA Powerhouse 
• Travel & Tourism – Mogopodi Adventures 
• Technology, sponsored by Telkom – Reslocate 
• Services, sponsored by Brand South Africa – Legends Barber 
• Health & Wellness – Numa Medical Aesthetics 
• Education, sponsored by Wits Business School – Libertalia Group 
• Food – The Lazy Makoti 
• Footwear – Bathu 
• Personalities & Influencers, sponsored by Lunch Bar – Snikiwe Mhlongp 

Additionally, Legends Barber was recognized as the Overall Top Brand, representing the epitome of excellence in the youth-owned brand landscape. 

“We are thrilled to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of these outstanding youth-owned brands,” said Pat Mahlangu, CEO and founder of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. “Their accomplishments serve as a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and ability to create innovative solutions that make a positive difference. We congratulate each and every winner and wish them continued success in their endeavors.” 

“These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work we’ve put into building Legends Barber. It’s an honour to be recognized as the overall top brand, and to be among such exceptional young entrepreneurs. We believe in our mission to provide the best grooming experience while positively impacting our community. This award motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and creating a legacy,” said Sheldon Tatchell, founder of Legends Barber. 

These extraordinary young entrepreneurs have not only demonstrated exceptional business acumen but have also made a lasting impact on their communities and society at large. Their passion, drive, and dedication serve as an inspiration to aspiring young entrepreneurs. 

The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards extends heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and ingenuity. “We eagerly anticipate their future accomplishments and the continued positive impact they will make,” concludes Pat.