Article re-cap
- Woolworths has announced the 15 winners of its 2026 Youth Makers competition.
- The competition aims to foster economic growth and inclusivity across South Africa.
- Winners include Baliwe Sibisi with UBaliwe, a handcrafted ceramics brand.
Woolworths has announced the 15 winners of its 2026 Youth Makers competition, an initiative designed to support emerging entrepreneurs across South Africa; the competition aims to foster economic growth and inclusivity.
Woolworths Youth Makers Competition 2026
Woolworths believes investing in businesses run by young people is key to unlocking South Africa’s economic potential. The company launched the 2026 Youth Makers competition to celebrate and empower these emerging entrepreneurs.
Who Won the 2026 Competition?
The 2026 cohort includes 15 diverse youth-led enterprises operating across sectors such as fashion, beauty, wellness, agriculture, publishing, design and homeware. Winners include Baliwe Sibisi with UBaliwe, a handcrafted ceramics brand; Patrick Ferguson with Patrick Ferguson Designs, a couture-led fashion studio; and Buhle Ramalepa with Patns by Buhle, offering African-inspired art.
What Support Do the Winners Receive?
Each winner receives a year of guidance from Woolworths experts alongside commercial support. They will also have the opportunity to market their products in three flagship stores and receive grant funding of more than R130,000.
Where Can You See the 2026 Winners?
The 2026 Youth Makers winners will be showcased at pop-up showcases in key locations; these include Woolworths Gateway Shopping Centre in Durban (June 24 – July 5), Mall of Africa in Gauteng (July 22 – August 2) and Woolworths Cavendish Square in Cape Town (August 26 – September 6).
Frequently asked questions
What is the Woolworths Youth Makers Competition?
The competition is an initiative launched by Woolworths to support emerging entrepreneurs in South Africa; it’s designed to encourage economic growth and inclusivity by investing in businesses run by young people across various sectors like fashion and design.
What kind of support do the winners receive from Woolworths?
Each winner receives a year of guidance from Woolworths experts, alongside commercial support; they also gain access to marketing opportunities in three flagship stores and receive grant funding exceeding R130,000 to help develop their businesses.
Where can the 2026 Youth Makers winners be seen?
The winners will be showcased at pop-up showcases in key locations; these include Woolworths Gateway Shopping Centre in Durban, Mall of Africa in Gauteng and Woolworths Cavendish Square in Cape Town, offering a chance to view their products firsthand.
Source: timeslive.co.za
