Dreams don’t sleep – they toss and turn in res rooms, taxi rides, midnight side hustles, and starlit prayers. On October 4, 2025, those restless visions will come alive at Constitution Hill when the YouthX Festival (YX25) — powered by Nedbank — takes over Johannesburg.
More than a festival, YX25 is a cultural awakening. It’s where dreamers, dancers, poets, coders, and entrepreneurs collide, bringing their visions to life in a 12-hour shutdown of music, mentorship, and movement.
YouthX Awards: Spotlight on changemakers
At the heart of the festival is the YouthX Awards, a platform designed to honour 10 young South Africans making extraordinary strides across industries and communities. Out of these, one finalist will be crowned the official 2025 YouthX Awards winner, taking their place among the country’s brightest trailblazers.
As John Makgato, Head of Youth Segment Strategy and Client Value Proposition at Nedbank, explains:
“At Nedbank, we understand that dreams demand more than inspiration – they require support, visibility and a platform. YouthX is that platform. Through YX25, we continue to honour the energy and excellence of South Africa’s youth, those who refuse to sleep on their visions.”
Winners can expect more than recognition. The YouthX Awards offer up to R200,000 in funding, national visibility, and access to tailored mentorship — giving young changemakers the push they need to grow their ideas into transformative ventures.
Advice from past winners
Last year’s finalists know exactly how powerful the platform can be. Brandon Mashaba, 2024 YouthX Awards winner and founder of Reagile Gaming Interactions, shared:
“Just be yourself. Show what you’ve built and why it matters. That’s what caught the judges’ attention.”
Fellow top-three finalist Queen Malinda added:
“You don’t need a polished product or big following. You need a clear idea, a real story and your own voice.”
For Akhona Mtongana, the advice is simple:
“If you’re building something real, just enter. The judges want to see you, not a perfect pitch.”
And Ngangelizwe Mathunjwa, founder of Aero Greens, reinforced that passion matters most:
“Start with what you have and be clear about the impact you want to make – that’s what gets noticed.”
Their message to 2025 entrants is consistent: Don’t overthink it. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start.
Read more about the YouthX 2024 showcase here.
A line-up that blurs hustle and play
Of course, it wouldn’t be YouthX without the music. This year’s stage will feature some of South Africa’s biggest names in music, including:
- DJ Maphorisa
- Focalistic
- Mellow & Sleazy
- Shekinah
- Shamiso
- Sun-El Musician
- Nasty C (global rap superstar)
Fan favourites DJ 1D and Omagoqa will add to the energy, while Primo9Teen and Lula Odiba return as hosts to keep the vibe buzzing from start to finish.
Nedbank: Banking on youth Potential
Over the years, Nedbank has consistently invested in platforms that amplify the potential of South Africa’s youth, aligning with bold moves such as its R1.65 billion acquisition of Durban’s iKhokha, a deal that strengthens support for small businesses.
With YouthX, Nedbank cements its role as more than just a bank — it’s a partner in the dreams of South Africa’s next generation.
How to join the movement
Entries for the YouthX Awards 2025 close on August 31, 2025, and are open to South Africans aged 18 to 26 with a qualifying Nedbank account. Submissions will be judged on creativity, innovation, and potential community impact.
To enter, visit youthxbynedbank.co.za.
Tickets for YX25 are available via Webtickets, with Nedbank clients enjoying 50% off when booking with a valid debit or credit card.
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