Entries to the 2025 YouthX Awards are officially open, and this year Nedbank is calling on young South Africans to bring their tenacity, vision and business proposals. Whether you’re running a business, leading in your community or creating something powerful from scratch, this is your moment to unlock your potential to stand a chance to win the support you need to go even further.
But before you submit your entry, let’s talk about how to craft an entry that stands out.
‘YouthX was built to empower real ventures from real people,’ says John Makgato, Head of Youth Strategy and Client Value Proposition at Nedbank. ‘We don’t want perfection, but we seek passion, potential and to see a clear sense of purpose. The stronger your entry, the more likely a judge will see your vision and back it.’
John Makgato, who served as a judge in last year’s YouthX Awards, shares what truly stands out when reviewing entries. Here are key tips to help you submit a winning entry:
A powerful ‘why’: Judges are looking for passion with purpose. Clearly articulate why you do what you do − whether it’s solving a local problem, uplifting a community, or disrupting an industry. Your motivation should be authentic and deeply rooted in your lived experience or community insight.
Creativity and originality: Bring a fresh perspective. It’s not just about having a good idea, it’s about presenting it in a way that feels unique and unexpected. Whether it’s the product, execution, branding, or storytelling – innovation is key.
Impact: Your idea should aim to make a meaningful difference – whether that’s solving a pressing problem in your community or improving lives in a way that matters. Judges want to understand the why behind your hustle and how it contributes to something bigger than yourself. It’s not about using big industry buzzwords, but it is about showing purpose and potential.
Showcase resilience: The best entries reflect real challenges and how you’ve overcome them. Share your journey honestly. Detail your setbacks, side hustle pivots and how you’ve kept going. The judges want to see that you’re in it for the long run. Sometimes resilience isn’t a one-man show so if you have a team around you or mentors who helped you along the way, give them credit.
Vision for growth: Show your journey and detail what growth looks like for your initiative. Communicate a clear, confident plan for what the next level of your idea looks like and how the YouthX ecosystem can help unlock it.
Personality & Presentation: Have photos of your work? A product prototype? A quick video explaining your idea? Include it. Visuals bring your story to life and make your entry memorable. From the visuals to the application narrative, make sure your entry feels polished but personal. Judges aren’t just investing in an idea that makes an impact, they’re investing in a person who is passionate about the work they are submitting.
Sweat the small stuff: It might seem small, but well-written entries feel intentional. Take time to proofread before submitting. It shows you care.
‘This year, we want to make sure more young people feel seen and supported, especially those who might not normally put themselves forward,’ says Makgato. ‘Nedbank is here to back your hustle and potential with more than words. With up to R200 000 in funding, mentorship and national exposure, we’re helping you move with purpose.’
Before you hit ‘Submit’, take a step back and see your entry through a judge’s eyes. Is it clear? Is it bold? Does it spark belief? If you had the resources, would you invest in this idea and in you? If the answer is a confident ‘Yes’, then you’re not just entering, you’re already owning your X.
If you’re ready to take your shot, here’s what you need to know: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMxTqjGoznC/?hl=en
All entries for the YouthX Awards powered by Nedbank close on 31 August 2025. They are open to all South Africans aged 18 to 26 with a qualifying Nedbank account.
Visit https://www.youthxbynedbank.co.za/potential/youthx/youthxawards to submit your entry and get all the details you need to bring your vision to life.
