The YES Top 35 Under 35 Celebration: Masterclasses and Awards Ceremony on 28 October 2026

The third YES Top 35 Under 35 celebration brought together South Africa's brightest young professionals, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and partners to recognise the achievements of a remarkable cohort of youth who have transformed opportunity into lasting impact.

Held under the theme "Impact Multiplied. Futures Unlocked.", the event celebrated 35 young leaders whose journeys demonstrate the power of meaningful work experience, entrepreneurship, and youth development in shaping South Africa's future.

A Day of Learning, Growth and Recognition

The day began at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), where the Top 35 cohort participated in masterclasses focused on leadership, personal branding, emotional intelligence (EQ), and entrepreneurship. Designed to equip youth for the next stage of their careers and business journeys, the sessions provided practical insights from industry leaders, experts, and successful entrepreneurs.

The programme was hosted by Top 35 Under 35 alumnus Alluta Goniwe and YES Top 35 Programme Manager, Gavaza Mashele, whose energy and engagement guided participants through a day of learning, reflection, and inspiration. Their facilitation helped create an environment that encouraged meaningful conversations, knowledge sharing, and networking among the Class of 2026.

The morning programme began with a welcome address by YES COO Samantha Steyn, followed by opening remarks from Heather Robertson, Editor of Daily Maverick, setting the tone for a day focused on learning, ambition, and the opportunities that emerge when young talent is supported.

The programme also featured an interactive Leadership Challenge led by Andrew Tsuro, centred on the theme “Leadership in Action: Think. Decide. Deliver.” The session challenged participants to think strategically and lead with confidence. Complementing these lessons was the entrepreneurial pitch showcase, where members of the entrepreneur cohort presented their businesses and growth ambitions, demonstrating the impact of youth-led innovation and enterprise development.

The celebrations continued at Sanlam with the Top 35 Under 35 Awards Ceremony and Networking Event. Joined by business leaders, government representatives, YES programme partners and event sponsors.

Rudi Dicks, Head of the Project Management Office in the Presidency, delivered the keynote address, recognising the achievements of the Top 35 Under 35 Class of 2026 and reinforcing the importance of creating pathways to economic participation for young South Africans. Drawing on the impact of the YES programme, he highlighted the transformative power of a first opportunity, praised the role of business in opening doors for youth, and encouraged the Top 35 to continue creating opportunities for others as they advance in their careers and entrepreneurial journeys.

A highlight of the evening was "Ba Kae?" ("Where Are They Now?"), featuring Thato Mokwebo from the Top 35 Alumni from Class of 2024, and Thulisile Ntetha from the Top 35 Alumni from Class of 2025, who shared how the Top 35 platform opened doors, expanded their networks, and created new opportunities.

Partners Driving Youth Success

The success of the 2026 Top 35 Under 35 event was made possible through the support of partners committed to creating opportunities for young people.

As the cohort joins a growing network of Top 35 Under 35 alumni, their stories demonstrate what is possible when talent is matched with opportunity, support, and meaningful connections. The Class of 2026 leaves with a powerful reminder: when ambition is supported, impact is multiplied and futures are unlocked.