Maverick Awards seeks to inspire youth-driven entrepreneurial revolution in SA

A second time running, the inaugural Maverick Awards for South African Youth Entrepreneurship Excellence seeks to recognise and acknowledge the success of young, dynamic and innovative entrepreneurs in the country.

The award ceremony — which will take place in early June — is designed to showcase potential young, high impact–high growth entrepreneurial talent, and provide a platform for new role models that will serve to inspire a youth-driven entrepreneurial revolution in the country.

Last year’s 21 young finalists have collectively accumulated revenues of R415-million, while having created 647 permanent jobs in their enterprises.

Among the 2014 winners were distinguished and adept entrepreneurs:

• Bevan Ducasse, Founder/CEO of WiGroup
• Sibusiso Mpono, Founder/CEO of iKhwezi Bio-Diesel
• Alex Fourie, Founder/CEO of iFix
• Lize Fouche, Founder/CEO of Number 1 Foods among many others.

The finalists were equally impressive and highly accomplished entrepreneurs:

• Zibusiso Mkhwanazi & Veli Ngubane, Founders of Avatar Digital
• Ashley Uys, Founder/CEO of Medical Diagnostech
• Karabo Songo, Founder/CEO of Olive Communications
• Jojo Tsheola, Founder/CEO of Tsheola Dinare Tours.

The testimony of the value of these awards on the youth entrepreneurship landscape is its endorsement by The Presidency of The Republic of South Africa, as a legacy project with Deputy Minister in The Presidency Buti Manamela assuming the role of patron of the awards.

Nominations and entries for The 2015 Maverick Awards should be submitted before 1 May. Entrants must be between the ages of 18 and 34. Businesses need to have revenues of R3-million and above per annum, while having been in operation for a minimum of 3 years, with the exception of The Maverick Start-Up of The Year Award and The Maverick Award For Social Enterprise Excellence categories.

Finalists will be announced 1 June 2015 to coincide with the launch of national youth month. Winners will be announced 18 June 2015 at the second annual Maverick Awards Gala Dinner to be held in Gauteng.

Prizes in this year’s competition amount to a remarkable R3-million in business development interventions. For more information, nominations and entries click here.