The YX24 Festival, powered by Nedbank, was a spectacular celebration of creativity and entrepreneurship among South Africa’s youth.
With the theme Unlock Your X, the festival brought together inspiring innovators and young talents from across the nation, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and celebration.
The festival featured captivating performances from renowned South African artists, including Zee Nxumalo, Kabza De Small, Thakzin, Mörda, Blxckie, and Maglera Doe Boy, among others. Their captivating performances added to the energy of the event, creating an unforgettable experience that resonated with attendees of all ages.
At the heart of the YX24 Festival was the 2024 YouthX Awards, which recognised the outstanding achievements of young entrepreneurs. The top 10 finalists showcased innovative solutions to real-world challenges, illustrating the potential for youth-led initiatives to drive positive change. The top 10 finalists walked away with their share of R525 000 to elevate their business idea, a mentorship programme, financial literacy training through a financial adviser, as well as a curated lifestyle experience.
Walking away as the 2024 YouthX Award winner was Brandon Mashaba, who stood out with his ground-breaking project, Reagile Gaming Interactions. This modern take on the nostalgic spaza shop arcade machines aims to make cutting-edge gaming experiences accessible to all. ‘Being recognised by Nedbank YouthX and making it to the top 10 felt like a dream. Being crowned as the 2024 YouthX Award Winner is a reality beyond anything I could have imagined,’ Mashaba shared.
Asivile Mondile, founder of Mondil_Air, secured 2nd place with a remarkable initiative – The Mondil Air solution. This solution enables the development of an affordable direct air capture (DAC) system to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions using natural resources. This innovative approach improves air quality, promotes sustainability, and offers a scalable solution accessible to various users, contributing to climate change mitigation.
The 3rd place was shared by Queen Malinda, founder of Ndzilo Fire Solutions, a company focused on AI-based wildfire detection, and Akhona Mtongana, founder of 3D-Vision, which transforms discarded plastics into functional and stylish eyewear frames using 3D printing technology.
The top 10 finalists all exemplify the incredible talent and ingenuity of South Africa’s youth. Their innovative concepts demonstrate the power of young entrepreneurs to create unique solutions that address pressing community needs.
John Makgato, Head of Youth Strategy and Client Value Proposition at Nedbank says:
YouthX is a platform designed to empower and uplift South African youth by providing opportunities for development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It encompasses various initiatives, including YouthX Live events, the YouthX Awards, and YX24 Festival, all aimed at inspiring young people to pursue their goals and make a positive impact in their communities.
For more information about YouthX and its initiatives, visit unlocked.me. This site offers details on upcoming events, the application processes for the YouthX Awards, and resources for young entrepreneurs.
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