Champion the YES Top 35 Under 35 Initiative: Why Your Business Should Get Involved

The YES Top 35 Under 35 competition is back and we’re gearing up to celebrate our outstanding YES Alumni who are making an impact in their careers and businesses. This initiative, in partnership with the Daily Maverick, recognises individuals who have leveraged the skills, confidence, and work ethic developed during their YES 12-month programme to drive real change in their fields. Beyond celebrating our YES Alumni, the event also recognises the essential role that our corporate partners play in kickstarting their careers by providing young South Africans access to invaluable work experience and talent development.

We are calling on our corporate partners to encourage their youth alumni to apply and sponsor our Top 35 winners to make the third YES Top 35 Under 35 competition as incredible as the first.

The value of supporting the YES Top 35 Under 35 initiative

The Top 35 Under 35 initiative is powered by corporate sponsorship, which funds key elements such as prizes, transport, and masterclasses delivered during the event and throughout the year-long programme. These components are essential to creating a meaningful and high-quality experience for the exceptional youth recognised.

By supporting the initiative, business showcases their commitment to youth empowerment, reinforcing their reputation as organisations that that nurture talent and invest in South Africa’s future workforce.

Beyond media exposure and networking opportunities, this initiative inspires employee motivation and trust in the YES programme, highlighting the real impact of investing in youth. Organisations can further contribute by encouraging their YES Alumni to apply and by sponsoring the initiative, helping to shape and celebrate the next generation of changemakers.

YES Top 35 Under 35 Event: A Day of Learning, Networking and Recognition

The initiative gives 35 young leaders access to valuable development opportunities, culminating in the exclusive YES Alumni Top 35 Under 35 event, a full-day programme of masterclasses and an awards ceremony. The event brings together YES sponsors, partners and key stakeholders.

The competition is featured by The Daily Maverick, where the 35 selected changemakers are profiled in the DM168 supplement and online. It also attracts attention from industry leaders, including the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, who was a guest speaker at the 2024 event.

Winners receive a certificate signed by the President, with seven sector awards recognising standout contributions across industries. The initiative offers businesses a strong platform to showcase their impact and position their brand among South Africa’s leading employers driving transformation.

The value of sponsoring the Top 35 and encouraging their applications

The following client references from the past two years of the Top 35 highlight the exceptional qualities and impact of YES Youth:

• AON SA: “Mualusi Nevondo worked well under pressure and communicated well.”
• Saint-Gobain Africa: “Kgothatso Kgafela did well in the interview and is currently running a social responsibility project for the community.”
• Johnson Matthey: “Sibonganjalo Botha is intelligent, always accomplishes tasks, is eager to learn, and has a positive attitude.”
• Toyota/Conservation SA: “Thobani May is proactive, takes initiative, shows strong leadership, and motivates others.”
• Nedbank: “Wendy Mhlongo is a passionate, driven young lady who learns from her mistakes and shows growth and ambition in marketing.”
• Telkom SA/Youth@WORK: “Camilla Ndhlovu was described as strong and hungry for success.”

How the YES Partners can make an impact:

• Encourage your former YES Alumni to apply: Share the Top 35 application link below with your YES Alumni network and encourage them to apply for the competition. Suggest that they list your organisation as a reference to demonstrate your commitment to shaping the next generation of changemakers. If your youth are selected among the Top 35, your organisation will be recognised as one that nurtured their growth and played a key role in their success.
• Sponsor the top 35: Become a sponsor and position your brand as a champion of transformation and youth development. For sponsorship inquiries, reach out to us at corporatesupport@yes4youth.co.za

Multiply Impact by Supporting Emerging Leaders
The YES Top 35 Under 35 competition embodies our vision to multiply impact and unlock futures by providing young leaders with work experience, upskilling, and opportunities to thrive. This vision is brought to life through the support of our corporate partners. Reinforce your commitment to shaping tomorrow’s leaders by sponsoring the Top 35 and encouraging your deserving YES Alumni to apply.

 Read more about the competition here and share this application link with your alumni network