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The launch of Young Independents took place on Wednesday, the 27th of July 2016

Under the theme A Productive Generation starts Today, Independent Media has launched the Top 100 Inspiring and Aspiring young South Africans, as well as an exciting youth centric News website where we present content for the youth, by the youth.

The Top 100 search followed an extensive process which commenced last year and resulted in thousands of young South Africans being nominated in five categories – innovators, trailblazers, influencers, healers and disruptors.

Over the past 18 months, Independent Media has invested in various initiatives and projects that encourage the stories of ordinary people to be told, while incorporating a new narrative for Africa that portrays a continent full of hopes and dreams, immense talent and great potential.

“We have remarkable talent on our continent. Our youth, in particular, has displayed innovative leadership which is contributing towards narrowing the income inequality gap on the continent. Through a platform like The Young Independents we can ensure youth in South Africa and across the continent are fully recognised and given a voice to articulate their own narrative as the continent’s powerful agents of political, social and economic transformation”, said Executive Chairman of Independent Media, Dr Iqbal Survé.

The event, which was held at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg, was attended by senior public and private sector organisations including keynote speaker, Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, Rochelle Josia, Chairperson of the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment (TPA), Charl Nel and Maggan Wenger of Capitec and Dr Lebogang Maroo, CEO of Love Life.

Independent Media’s Group Executive responsible for the Top 100 South African’s project, Mike Ntsasa, congratulated the young people who made it to the Top 100 list, many of whom attended the event.

“Creating Africa’s largest youth platform is a vision we aim to realise, so that more young voices can speak their truth and encourage others to do the same. We have the makings of something great – a multi-media platform with the power and potential to connect Africa’s youth across language barriers and economic, social and cultural borders.”

Youth digital officer for Independent Media and Editor of the Young Independents, Saajida Francis said: “We’re a youth centric platform engaging with tomorrow’s leaders. This is a website created by the youth, for the youth. Our mission is to offer millennial friendly content with a balance of inspiration and information.”

The Top 100 Inspiring and Aspiring list does not only showcase the amazing talent that exists within South Africa, but provides hope for the future and the wisdom that young Africans can offer when given the opportunity.

Visit The Young Independents Website: https://www.tyi.co.za/

Follow The Young Independents on Twitter: @theyoungindy

Categories: Mzansi's 100 News