The youth decide who the coolest brands in SA are at Sunday Times GenNext Awards

The coolest brands, according to South Africa’s youth, were announced at the 19th annual Sunday Times GenNext Awards, held in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, last week Thursday. 

Nike was celebrated as the Coolest Brand Overall, claiming top spot in three of the 76 categories awarded, and building on the success achieved in 2022. Apple and Samsung placed second and third overall, respectively.  

The Sunday Times GenNext survey is considered the leading barometer of what South Africa’s youth find on-trend and inspirational and delivers insights that are valued by brand management, advertising and marketing professionals. 

Read the full Sunday Times GenNext edition below:

“With some 200-million people aged between 15 and 24, Africa has the youngest population in the world. Clearly, understanding the brand decisions of the youth will be critical to future business success,” says Pule Molebeledi, acting CEO at Arena Holdings, which owns and manages the Sunday Times GenNext brand. “The 2023 GenNext survey conducted by our partner Yellowwood clearly identifies what brands are sought after in keeping with youth trends of Now, Next and Ne — where businesses can actually be proactive rather than simply reactive, when it comes to dealing with the challenge of relevance.”  

The awards also celebrate personal brands, and in the celebrity categories MacG (coolest local online influencer), Siya Kolisi (coolest local sportsperson), Thando Thabethe (coolest local radio personality) and Trevor Noah (coolest local celebrity) were awarded.