Entries for the 2019 Top 100 Young Independents Awards close 14 June 2020
Time is running out to enter the 5th Top 100 Young Independents Awards (TYI) – the search is on for 100 most inspiring and aspiring young leaders. The 2019 edition is the first time that the awards will welcome entries from across sub-Saharan Africa. All participants though, will be trailblazers, who against all odds, are involved in projects that contribute towards the development of their communities. Entries close on 14th June 2019.
Founded by the Independent Media Group, the Awards showcase a wealth of innovative talent being used to provide solutions to a variety of socio-economic needs. Important, is that these solutions have been developed by young people between the ages of 18 and 25-years of age. But it is not only the product that counts here, but the attitude and approach too. TYI looks for those individuals who demonstrate a high level of awareness, caring and empathy towards their community.
Mike Ntsasa, Independent Media’s Group Executive Public Sector and founding member of TYI, says: “The Young Independents not only recognize African excellence, but also provide an opportunity to present their credentials to a broader audience.
“We want to celebrate change-makers across our continent, support and encourage expansion of these efforts for Africa’s growth and development. We recognise that with support, young people can expand their projects for greater impact.” They also stand as beacons of hope for future generations to look up to and know there is another alternative to what they may know.
There are five categories of entry:
- Innovators: recognises young people who have invented new products, business ideas or services that are changing the way we live, work and play – for the better.
- Influencers: recognises young people who are influencing the actions and behaviors of brands, policies and people.
- Trailblazers: recognises young people leading different fields at local and even international level, including top sport stars, academics, scientists, and business leaders.
- Healers: recognises young people who are driven to heal our planet and society with their hands and, their heads.
- Disrupters: recognises young people challenging the status quo with unconventional ideas.
Prizes to the value of US$18,000.00, will be shared amongst the twenty winners selected for each category, including the runners-up, to help support their projects.
Nominees for the coveted title of The Young Independent, should be aged between 18 and 35 years old; be leaders in their respective field and must be citizens of any country in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, namely Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Comoros, Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, eSwatini, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Previous nominees are also welcome to submit entries.
Nominations for any of the five categories can be submitted online on www.tyi.co.za. Entries close on 14 June 2019. The winners will be announced at a gala event which will be hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 29 August 2019.
The entries will be adjudicated by a judging panel that is representative of all SADC countries.
