About the Awards
For nearly two decades, the Mail & Guardian’s annual "200 Young South Africans" initiative has stood as a beacon, spotlighting the brightest talents in the country between the ages of 18 to 35.
This flagship project has become synonymous with excellence, celebrating the youth not as the leaders of tomorrow, but as agents of change today!
As we approach the upcoming year, we are poised to embark on a transformational journey, revitalising the look and feel of this cherished tradition. The Mail & Guardian’s inaugural 200 YSA Youth Summit promises to be an extension of this commitment.
We invite you to join us as we embark on a collective journey to further empower these remarkable individuals and celebrate their lasting impact that ripples through their communities, their country, their continent and the world.
About the Summit
This summit will serve as a nexus, bringing together the youth, corporate entities, government bodies, civil society representatives, and exhibitors. It will culminate in a gala dinner to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our 200YSA Cohorts.
Against a backdrop of a concerning rise in youth unemployment, we at the Mail & Guardian acknowledge that we do not directly provide jobs. Rather, we endeavour to unlock opportunities for the youth, acting as a conduit for their recognition by corporations, government bodies, and various sectors that hold the potential to illuminate their path forward. We recognise that the path to progress is paved with obstacles. We also know that it is in the face of adversity that true leaders emerge.
South Africa’s young people embody the boundless potential of tomorrow. This summit is not just a conference; it is a testament to the power of the youth. It is a call to action and an affirmation that our future is in capable hands. The Mail & Guardian invites you to join us as we create a platform for collaboration where minds converge, ideas flourish, and partnerships ignite.
Together, we challenge the status quo and take charge of the narrative. Together, we envision a society where innovation knows no bounds, where challenges are met with unwavering determination and where every young South African has the opportunity to shine.