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The fifth annual YouthX Awards, held at the YX25 Festival on Constitution Hill in Johannesburg has crowned Nkosinathi Temba, founder of Thuto.io, as the 2025 YouthX Award Winner. Temba’s innovative real-time academic rewards platform has transformed learning into economic opportunity impressing judges and attendees alike.

Thuto.io, A groundbreaking platform that connects students, parents and teachers through a single digital ecosystem rewarding academic effort with Thuto Coins – a ZAR-pegged token designed to encourage better learning outcomes and financial empowerment. “Winning the YouthX Award is proof that education and innovation can go hand in hand,” said Temba. “With (Thuto.io) we want to redefine how young South Africans see learning – not just as a requirement, but as a rewarding journey that can change their lives and communities.”

The YouthX Awards, now in its fifth year continues to empower young South Africans through mentorship, funding as well as access to tools that help them turn ambition into action. This year’s festival theme, “Dreams Don’t Sleep,” honored the young visionaries’ restless dreams that come alive as they reach their potential and unlock every opportunity out there.

Nedbank’s commitment to supporting youth innovation and driving meaningful change across communities is evident in its continued support of the YouthX Awards. “The incredible talent and passion shown by these young entrepreneurs give us immense hope for the future of South Africa,” says John Makgato, Head of Youth Segment Strategy and Client Value Proposition at Nedbank. “We are honored to support them as they transform bold ideas into impactful ventures that uplift local communities.”

The top 10 innovators who made it to the finals included talented young entrepreneurs from diverse industries showcasing the best of South Africa’s youth innovation. Congratulations to Nkosinathi Temba on his win and to the other finalists who received mentorship, exposure and funding as part of their journey.

Finalists and Winners:

– Nkosinathi Temba (1st place) – Thuto.io

– Sine Shabalala (2nd place) – Oneway Connect

– Bonginkosi Mabaso (3rd place) – Ann-Connect (Nexa)

The YouthX Awards has evolved into a cultural movement that empowers young people to #UnlockYourX, celebrates resilience and amplifies the limitless power of dreams. We look forward to seeing the impact of these young innovators in the years to come.

The Market Theatre was a buzz with excitement on Thursday afternoon as Langa Mavuso hosted an intimate and exclusive listening session for his highly anticipated album, “Therapy: The Other Side”. The event which drew an A-list audience of industry leaders, media, culture contributors, family and devoted fans was a masterclass in emotional connection and musical genius.

With his angelic and soothing voice, Langa Mavuso took the stage seated on a striking therapy couch and welcomed guests into what felt like a live therapy session. In conversation with film and media professional Pulane Mafatshe, Mavuso unpacked the album’s themes of loss, spirituality and self-discovery revealing the deeply personal journey behind each track.

The performance was both a tribute and a release, a tender meditation on love, grief, acknowledgment and the courage to let go while still holding on to memory. The room was still as Mavuso’s powerful voice filled the auditorium culminating in a standing ovation that carried a sense of collective catharsis.

“Therapy: The Other Side is the most honest body of work I have ever created,” said Langa Mavuso. “It speaks to my younger self, my healing and the parts of me that needed to be understood. To share it in this way with people I love and respect in the room felt like the truest way to bring it into the world.”

The event was attended by notable figures such as rapper and reality star Nadia Nakai, 94.7 Mantsoe pout and actor Vuyo Ngcukana, all of whom were clearly moved by Mavuso’s performance.

The evening was a testament to the power of music to heal and connect. As the audience filed out of the Market Theatre, they were left with a sense of awe and appreciation for Langa Mavuso’s raw talent and vulnerability. The album “Therapy: The Other Side” promises to be a game-changer and this exclusive listening session was just a taste of what’s to come. 

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has officially partnered with King of the Whip 2025, one of Southern Africa’s leading action sports events, taking place on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the iconic Montecasino precinct.

This partnership is a perfect match as both Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and King of the Whip embody the same values of strength, precision and fearless energy. The event which has grown from humble beginnings to a world-class spectacle showcases the skills and talent of top local and global riders aligning perfectly with Volkswagen’s brand DNA.

King of the Whip has cemented its place as the second-biggest Best Whip contest in the world, delivering an unmatched action sports experience in Southern Africa. With attendance capped at a sold-out 7,000 guests, the event continues to set the benchmark in local motorsport entertainment. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ partnership with King of the Whip is a testament to the brand’s commitment to celebrating South African talent and excellence in action sports.

Princess Ndhlovu, Brand Head of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, “This partnership is more than just branding; it is a bold alignment with a platform that celebrates South African talent, grit and the spirit of pushing boundaries, values that sit at the heart of Volkswagen’s DNA.” This partnership affirms Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ commitment to bold, forward-thinking collaborations that connect with communities and celebrate excellence in action sports.

Mark your calendars for November 29, 2025, and get ready for an unforgettable experience at King of the Whip 2025, powered by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. With its premium positioning, enhanced production standards and dynamic spectator experience, this event promises to be an adrenaline-packed extravaganza that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

The wait is almost over for foodies and fans of MasterChef South Africa. The esteemed judges Zola Nene and Justine Drake are back for Season 6, alongside Chef Katlego Mlambo to grill and guide the next batch of contestants in the pressure-cooker MasterChef kitchen.

Judges Zola and Justine have been part of MasterChef South Africa since Season 4 and their expertise and passion for food have been instrumental in shaping the show’s success. With their extensive experience in the culinary world, they will once again push the contestants to their limits testing their creativity, skills and knowledge of flavors and ingredients.

The search is on for diverse contestants from all over South Africa who can showcase their culinary skills and creativity. If you’re a foodie who loves experimenting with new ingredients and cooking techniques this is your chance to shine. The winner of MasterChef South Africa Season 6 will take home the coveted title and a prize pot of R1 million.

MasterChef South Africa Season 6 will now air on e.tv from February 2026, every Sunday at 18:00. You can also catch reruns on eExtra and eReality reaching a broader audience.

The entry form is available at masterchefsa.tv, and the closing date for entries is Thursday, 16 October.

MasterChef South Africa has been a launching pad for many successful culinary careers and Season 6 promises to be no different. With its emphasis on creativity, innovation and skill, the show is the perfect platform for aspiring chefs to showcase their talents and take their first steps towards a successful career in the culinary world.

Heineken is ramping up the excitement for Formula 1 fans in South Africa with the launch of its Special Edition Track Bottles available from October 1, 2025. These six limited-edition bottles and cans feature iconic F1 circuits from around the world including Canada, Spain, the Netherlands, Brazil, Great Britain as well as Italy.

The Special Edition Track Bottles are designed to bring the premium F1 experience home allowing fans to engage with the sport’s lifestyle while socializing with friends. Alex Drake, Head of Heineken Brand for Heineken South Africa, “With the Special Edition Track Bottles we wanted to bring the premium F1 experience home celebrating the sport we all know and love.”

To further amplify the excitement, Heineken and Formula 1 will embark on a World Tour, with a stop in Cape Town on November 30, 2025. Heineken will also launch the Luxurious Marble Circus, featuring super-exclusive F1-inspired Emerald bottles, at GROUND The Venue in Muldersdrift, Gauteng, on October 4-5, 2025.

Heineken is doubling down on its commitment to South African fans planning to roll out local activations, fan experiences and events throughout the year. As Drake emphasizes, “We’re celebrating the races, tracks, and thrill of Formula 1 – right here at home.”

Fans can collect all six Special Edition Track Bottles and join Heineken’s exclusive Formula 1 events while enjoying responsibly. Remember, when you drink, never drive!

After captivating South African audiences for over two decades, the SAFTA award-winning soap opera Scandal! will bid farewell to e.tv in June 2026. This beloved show has been a staple of local television reflecting everyday life, sparking conversations and providing top-notch entertainment.

Scandal! has been more than just a soap opera that has shaped national conversations about ethics, ambition and resilience. With its powerful storylines, unforgettable characters and outstanding performances, the show has consistently set new benchmarks in local television. Its impact on South African audiences is undeniable with millions of viewers tuning in every week to follow the latest drama and scandals.

The show’s success can be attributed to the talented cast and dedicated crew, writers, directors, producers and technicians who have worked tirelessly to bring authentic South African stories to life.

e.tv extends its gratitude to Ochre Media, the production company behind Scandal! for their creativity and partnership throughout the years.

As Scandal! approaches its finale, viewers can look forward to:

– Emotionally Charged Storylines: Get ready for dramatic plot twists and heartfelt moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

– Long-Awaited Resolutions: Some questions will finally be answered providing closure for beloved characters.

– Nostalgic Surprises: The show’s producers have hinted at surprises that will celebrate the show’s 20-year legacy.

While Scandal!’s conclusion marks the end of an era, it also signals a new chapter for South African television.

e.tv plans to introduce fresh formats and new shows that reflect modern South African realities catering to diverse audiences across the country.

End of an Era!

As Scandal! prepares to take its final bow, e.tv and Ochre Media are proud of the show’s achievements and grateful for the unwavering support of its loyal fans. The show’s legacy will live on influencing the industry for years to come. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch the final episodes of Scandal! on e.tv until June 2026

The Miss South Africa Organisation is embarking on a new chapter driven by a bold commitment to youth empowerment across the continent. The organisation has appointed two distinguished Co-Chairs, Mrs Basetsana Kumalo and Peggy Sue Khumalo, who bring unparalleled expertise, vision and passion to the Miss South Africa platform.

The Co-Chairs will serve as official mentors to the finalists guiding them as they prepare to become ambassadors for change. The organisation has also launched Empower Youth Africa (EYA), a socially conscious initiative that transforms the confidence and poise of its contestants into a force for tackling pressing challenges faced by young people across South Africa and the African continent.

EYA represents the Miss South Africa platform’s most significant addition yet, a long-term movement that will guide the organisation’s influence towards creating meaningful change with a focus on women and youth empowerment. Each finalist has begun identifying industries where they can meaningfully serve Africa’s youth and they have participated in immersive activities with the Miss South Africa Organisation in preparation for the finale.

In a nod to the importance of authenticity, one contestant has voluntarily withdrawn from the competition and the organisation has chosen not to replace her position. The Grand Finale will take place on Saturday, 25 October 2025, at SunBet Arena and public voting is now open via the Miss SA App.

The Miss South Africa Organisation invites South Africans to support their favourite finalists and join the EYA movement, which aims to drive real change for young people across the continent. With a focus on purpose, authenticity and meaningful participation, the organisation is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in Africa.

Audi South Africa has taken the wraps off the latest iteration of its premium compact performance models, the Audi S3 Sportback and S3 Sedan. These vehicles have undergone significant upgrades, boasting increased performance, innovative technology and a more aggressive design.

Key Highlights:

– Enhanced Performance: The 2.0 TFSI engine now delivers 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque resulting in a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 4.7 seconds.

– Torque Splitter: This technology enables fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels increasing agility and stability.

– Dynamic Plus Mode: A new driving mode that channels torque primarily to the outer rear wheel generating a controlled oversteer effect.

– Refined Suspension: Detailed refinements enhance both agility and control including stiffer bearings and new pivot bearings.

– Design Upgrade: A more sporty and focused appearance featuring a flatter and wider Singleframe grille, redesigned bumper and new metallic paint finishes.

Available Derivatives:

– Audi S3 Sportback TFSI 245 kW quattro S tronic: R1,091,100

– Audi S3 Sedan TFSI 245 kW quattro S tronic: R1,106,100

Standard Equipment:

– Matrix LED headlights

– Panoramic sunroof

– 19-inch wheels

– S sport suspension

– Red brake calipers

– Park Assist

– Side Assist

– SONOS premium 3D sound

– Sport seats with leather and synthetic leather upholstery

Optional Features:

– Comfort Package Pro

– Climate Control Package

– Infotainment Package Pro

The new Audi S3 is available now at Audi dealerships across South Africa, complete with a 5-year/100,000 km Audi Freeway Plan and finance options through Audi Financial Services.

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has announced significant updates to its popular Starlet and Starlet Cross ranges, reinforcing the brand’s promise of safety, value and everyday enjoyment.

The updates include:

– Enhanced Safety Features: Side and curtain airbags are now standard on Starlet Xi and Xs grades, as well as the Starlet Cross Xs, complementing the existing driver and passenger airbags.

– Extended Service Plan: The Toyota Starlet range now comes with a 60,000km service plan as standard, up from the previous 45,000km, providing greater peace of mind and improved value for customers.

According to Tasneem Lorgat, General Manager of Marketing Communications at TSAM, “With these specification updates, we’re not only expanding the safety features across more grades, but also enhancing the Toyota ownership experience.”

The Toyota Starlet and Starlet Cross have proven to be highly popular in South Africa, with 15,238 units sold in the first eight months of 2025 alone. The updates are set to further boost their appeal making them compelling choices in the passenger car market.

All Toyota Starlet and Starlet Cross models come with a range of benefits, including:

4-services/60,000km service plan

3-year/100,000km warranty

MyToyota profile: a personal online platform for owners to access vehicle information and services

Connected Service: in-car WiFi capability (with a complimentary 25Gb) and supplementary Connect services

With these updates, Toyota continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing safe, enjoyable and rewarding vehicles for South African customers.

 Smirnoff ICE was the life of the party at H2O, one of Africa’s most iconic electronic dance music events. As the headliner, Smirnoff ICE brought its signature unapologetic vibes and inclusive joy to the festival creating an unforgettable celebration of music, dance and community.

The event, themed “Rave Safari,” was a sonic adventure that took fans on a journey across Africa and beyond. The lineup featured a diverse range of local legends, international guests and global stars with African roots including Lemon & Herb, Ali & Fila, Goldfish, Kilimanjaro, Kyle Watson and DJ Speedsta.

According to Ifeoma Agu, Head of Culture SWC, “H2O is more than a music festival, it’s a cultural space where people come together to celebrate creativity, resilience, and joy.” Smirnoff ICE was proud to headline this iconic event and keep the vibes alive.

The bold new Smirnoff ICE pack design was a highlight of the event, reflecting the vibrancy of the crowd and the culture it champions. As summer unfolds, Smirnoff ICE plans to take over even more cultural events, festivals and community celebrations, bringing inclusive joy, bold refreshment and unforgettable vibes to South Africans everywhere.

The key highlights of the event included the following:

– Smirnoff ICE headlined H2O music festival, bringing unapologetic vibes and inclusive joy to the event.

– The festival featured a diverse lineup of local and international artists.

– Smirnoff ICE’s bold new pack design was a highlight of the event.

– The brand plans to take over more cultural events and festivals in the future.

Make sure to grab Smirnoff ICE packs at leading retailers and join the movement that keeps the vibes going. Stay updated on all the festivities by following Smirnoff on social media!