Free SA is proud to announce that public voting has officially opened for the inaugural Young Leaders Awards, a landmark initiative aimed at recognising and uplifting South Africa’s most inspiring young trailblazers.
These awards honour exceptional young South Africans under the age of 35 who are making transformative contributions across five key areas: business, civil society, media, politics and government, and sport, culture and the environment.
“At Free SA, we believe that the future belongs to those brave enough to lead it,” said Reuben Coetzer, spokesperson for Free SA. “These awards are more than just accolades—they are about amplifying the voices of young leaders who are changing our country from the ground up.”
Free SA launched the Young Leaders Awards to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked role of youth in shaping South Africa’s democratic future. Young people bring innovation, energy, and unique insight to solving society’s most urgent challenges. By publicly recognising their contributions, Free SA aims to encourage even more young South Africans to step forward and lead in their communities. Over 90 nominees can be voted for.
Voting opened on 1 March 2025 and will remain open until 31 May 2025 via the Free SA website here.
The winners—determined by a 50/50 combination of public votes and a panel of independent judges—will be announced on Youth Day, 16 June 2025. Each category winner will receive R7 500 and the honour of being recognised as a Free SA Young Leader of the Year.
“Youth voices have always been at the heart of South Africa’s most powerful movements,” said Coetzer. “From 1976 to today, it’s the youth who remind us that real change is driven from the ground up. These awards are our way of honouring that spirit, and fuelling it for the future.”
The public is encouraged to learn more about the nominees, review their work, and cast their votes. Whether it’s a social entrepreneur transforming education, a journalist amplifying the truth, or an environmentalist preserving our natural heritage—these are the leaders shaping South Africa’s tomorrow.
