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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.

About the awards

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.

Categories

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. 

Politics & Government

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. 

Civil Society

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.

Business

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.

Sport, Culture & Environment

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.

Media

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.

Rules and how to enter

  1. Individuals can self-nominate or be nominated by others. Nominations will require complete nominee details, contact information, an evidence bundle detailing their work, a CV, and a justification for the nomination.
  2. Nominations will be opened to the public on the Free SA website from 1 December 2024 to 31 January 2025.
  3. Accepted nominations will be opened to public voting on the Free SA website from 1 March 2024 to 30 April 2025.
  4. Winners will be announced on Youth Day, 16 June 2025.
  5. The winner in each category will be determined via a 50% public vote and 50% by a panel appointed by Free SA.
  6. Each winner will receive R7,500.00 and the prestigious annual award.

Who we are

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.

Our partners

Voting is now closed!

Winners will be announced on Youth Day, 16 June 2024.

Who would you like to vote for in the Business category?

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Who would you like to vote for in the Civil Society category?

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Who would you like to vote for in the Media category?

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Who would you like to vote for in the Politics & Government category?

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Who would you like to vote for in the Sport, Culture & Environment category?

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Nominee Details

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