YouthX by Nedbank is excited to bring back YouthX Live – a powerful event series designed to inspire, educate, and empower young South Africans through thought-provoking masterclasses that connect young South Africans with changemakers and industry leaders who are shaping the future across a wide range of fields.
The YouthX Live masterclasses are centred around 2 key themes, namely ‘Championing the individual’ and ‘Championing the squad.’ These themes celebrate the power of self-belief and emphasize that success doesn’t happen in isolation, but is often the result of collaboration, support and a shared purpose.
The goal of these sessions is to equip our youth with positive mindset tools and the inspiration to keep pushing.
‘YouthX Live is a platform where ambition meets opportunity,’ says Elwin Smith, Head of Group Sponsorships and Events at Nedbank. ‘By creating spaces where young people can engage amongst each other as well as with various industry captains, while gaining practical tools that empower them to build the futures they aspire to.’
These YouthX Live masterclasses will unfold across 3 inspiring sessions, with each one focussed on a powerful theme designed to equip and empower young South Africans on their journey to unlocking their potential.
The masterclasses will kick off in Limpopo on 14 August 2025 at the University of Limpopo. The first session will focus on ‘Championing the squad’, with the topic being ‘Powered by people: How strong support systems drive success.’ This masterclass will explore the role of community, mentorship, and personal connections in shaping success. From friends to family to financial partners, it takes a team to grow.
The second masterclass on 28 August 2025, which will be held at the Nelson Mandela University, will discuss the topic ‘Bet on yourself: Owning your vision, even when others don’t’– under the theme of ‘Championing the individual’. This topic is set to be a bold and honest conversation about backing yourself, especially when others don’t see your vision yet. Young trailblazers will share how they have turned self-belief into a breakthrough.
The final masterclass, set for September at a Gauteng university, to be confirmed soon, will focus on the topic ‘Your name is your narrative: Building a brand that opens doors’,whichwillunpack personal branding and identity, while showing how being true to yourself can attract real opportunities long before fame or big wins arrive.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of engaging segments from formidable speakers, including inspirational keynotes and motivational talks from young entrepreneurs, talented entertainers, and influential changemakers such as award-winning actress and youth advocate, Ama Qamata; internationally acclaimed fashion designer, Thebe Magugu; and the founder and creative director of Tshepo Jeans, Tshepo Mohlala.
Each YouthX Live masterclass will feature open dialogue around real-world issues affecting young South Africans, with Nedbank representatives joining the conversations to offer practical insights on financial literacy and empowering ways to turn ideas into action.
‘YouthX Live proves that it’s not the size of the room that matters but what happens inside it,’ says Smith. ‘These intimate sessions are designed to spark real change, giving young South Africans a space to be heard and inspired to take their next bold step with practical tools,’ Smith concludes.
Attendance is free and open to all youth, including those outside of university campuses, but space is limited. The first 200 registered youth will secure their spot at this exclusive experience.
