Inspiring the Leaders of Tomorrow.
At FREE SA, we believe in the power of young voices to shape the future. Our Young Leaders Awards celebrate and empower South Africans who are making extraordinary contributions in business, civil society, media, politics and government, and sport, culture and environment.
By recognising these changemakers, we foster a new generation of leaders committed to driving positive change.
Young people have a great potential to make a positive impact on all spheres of our society. They can use their energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to create meaningful change in the world around them.
The youth play an important role in shaping our society. They are the ones who provide much-needed insights about what works and what might not work for a particular community. As such, their ideas and words can influence peers, adults, and even policy decisions.
The FREE SA Young Leaders Awards are designed to encourage, acknowledge, and reward the valuable contributions young people are making throughout South Africa.
The FREE SA Young Leaders Awards wants to recognise the significant contributions of young South Africans to their communities and the country as a whole. We wish to highlight the achievements of these dynamic young individuals, lending credence to their work and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps.
Let us… celebrate the work of young South Africans, inspiring others to contribute positively to their communities.Â
This category recognises young leaders who are actively engaged in politics and government affairs, demonstrating a commitment to improving their communities and the nation as a whole. Nominees in this category may have initiated positive policy changes, advocated for democratic rights, or shown exceptional leadership within political or governmental institutions.Â
The Civil Society category honours young individuals who have dedicated their efforts to addressing critical social issues, often through non-profit organisations, community initiatives, or grassroots movements. Nominees in this category have made significant contributions to humanitarian causes or community development, showcasing a strong sense of civic responsibility and a passion for positive change.
This category recognises young entrepreneurs and business leaders who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership, and success in the business world. Nominees in this category may have launched successful startups, driven economic growth, or introduced innovative solutions that have a positive impact on their industry and society at large.
The Young Leaders Award for Sport, Culture, and Environment recognises inspirational youth who have made significant contributions in promoting sportsmanship, cultural enrichment, and environmental sustainability.
The Media category acknowledges young individuals who have made significant contributions to journalism, broadcasting, or digital media, using their platforms to inform, educate, and inspire others. Nominees in this category may have reported on critical issues, created impactful content, or used media as a tool for advocacy and social change, making a lasting impression in the media landscape.
At FREE SA, we champion democracy, equality, and the right of every South African to have their voice heard. Through advocacy, public participation campaigns, and legal interventions, we empower citizens to engage with their government and fight for transparent governance.
FREE SA was founded to ensure that democracy remains a system for the people, by the people. Our mission is to advocate for a transparent, accountable government that respects the voices of all citizens.
Winners will be announced on Youth Day, 16 June 2024.
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