YouthX Awards 2025: Tips For A Standout Entry

Entries for the 2025 YouthX Awards are officially open, calling on young South Africans to share their tenacity, vision and business proposals. If you are running a business, leading in your community, or creating something from scratch, this is your moment. Before you submit your YouthX Awards entry, let’s explore how to craft an application that truly stands out and gives you the chance to win the support you need to go even further.

To help you prepare, John Makgato, Head of Youth Strategy and Client Value Proposition at Nedbank and a judge from last year’s awards, shares what truly makes an application shine.

‘YouthX was built to empower real ventures from real people. We don’t want perfection, but we seek passion, potential and to see a clear sense of purpose. The stronger your entry, the more likely a judge will see your vision and back it.’

~ John Makgato, Head of Youth Strategy and Client Value Proposition at Nedbank

Here are key tips to help you submit a winning entry.

Start Your YouthX Awards Entry With A Powerful ‘Why’

Judges are looking for passion with purpose. Clearly articulate why you do what you do − whether it’s solving a local problem, uplifting a community, or disrupting an industry. Your motivation should be authentic and deeply rooted in your lived experience or community insight.

Showcase Originality In Your Application

Bring a fresh perspective. It is not just about having a good idea, but about presenting it in a way that feels unique and unexpected. Whether it’s the product, execution, branding, or storytelling, innovation is key.

Detail Your Impact In Your Submission

Your idea should aim to make a meaningful difference, whether that’s solving a pressing problem in your community or improving lives in a way that matters. Judges want to understand the ‘why’ behind your hustle and how it contributes to something bigger than yourself. This isn’t about using big industry buzzwords, but about showing purpose and potential.

Let Your Resilience Shine In Your Entry

The best entries reflect real challenges and how you’ve overcome them. Share your journey honestly, detailing your setbacks and how you’ve kept going. The judges want to see that you’re in it for the long run. If you have a team or mentors who helped you along the way, be sure to give them credit.

Outline A Vision For Growth In Your Application

Show your journey and detail what growth looks like for your initiative. Communicate a clear, confident plan for what the next level of your idea looks like and how the YouthX ecosystem can help unlock it.

Polish The Presentation Of Your Submission

Have photos of your work, a product prototype, or a quick video explaining your idea? Include it. Visuals bring your story to life and make your entry memorable. From the visuals to the application narrative, make sure your entry feels polished but personal. Judges aren’t just investing in an idea; they’re investing in a passionate person.

Perfect The Details Of Your YouthX Awards Entry

It might seem minor, but well-written entries feel intentional. Take the time to proofread your application before submitting it, as this shows you care.

‘This year, we want to make sure more young people feel seen and supported, especially those who might not normally put themselves forward. Nedbank is here to back your hustle and potential with more than words. With up to R200 000 in funding, mentorship and national exposure, we’re helping you move with purpose.’

~ John Makgato

Ready To Submit Your YouthX Awards Entry?

Before you hit ‘Submit’, review your entry through a judge’s eyes. Is it clear, bold, and does it spark belief? If you would invest in your own idea, then you’re ready.

All submissions for the YouthX Awards, powered by Nedbank, close on 31 August 2025. The competition is open to South Africans aged 18 to 26 with a qualifying Nedbank account. Visit the official YouthX by Nedbank website to submit your entry and find all the details you need. This is your time to show the country what you’re building, why it matters, and what’s possible when you #UnlockYourX.

With the 31 August 2025 deadline just around the corner, now is the time to act. You can submit your entry and find all the competition details on the official YouthX by Nedbank website.

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