Become one of South Africa’s bright young minds by submitting your innovative idea to help transform industry and society. Find out more here about how the competition works and how to enter. R20,000 in prizes is up for grabs, including a R10,000 cash prize for the winning entry.

Entering brings opportunity

The YIP is more than a competition: it’s a development opportunity. Entrants with the most promising essays will receive coaching and mentorship from our communication and social innovation experts. This support will help take your essay – along with your thinking and communication skills – to the next level.

Shortlisted entrants will also gain exposure to the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UCT, the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Douglas Knowledge Partners and other organisations in our network, all of whom are interested in engaging with talented young people. This exposure could open the door to job opportunities, freelance roles or further study – as it has for many of our finalists and winners in the past. The winning entry this year will receive a R10,000 cash prize, and second- and third-place entries will each receive a R5,000 cash prize.

“Innovations for gender equality”

We invite young people between the ages of 18 and 30 to submit a written essay of 1,500 to 2,000 words, or a 5 to 8 minute video or audio essay, setting out their proposed solution for enhancing gender equality.

Why are we focusing on “gender equality” this year?

According to the United Nations, achieving full gender equality could take close to 300 years if the current rate of progress continues. Initiatives are urgently needed to safeguard the rights of women, improve their representation in leadership, and build more inclusive economies and societies.

How to enter

Entries can be submitted from 26 July until 18 October 2024.

You will be required to enter your details when signing up, after which you will receive an email from us to which, on reply, you can attach your proof of ID and your entry, in one of the following formats:

A written essay of between 1,500 to 2,000 words in Word format (template provided)
A video or an audio essay of between 5 to 8 minutes in length (WeTransfer to [email protected])