The event themed "Against all odds" was hosted by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) on Saturday in Midrand to recognise outstanding achievements by youth between 14 and 35 years.
The red carpet event, which took guests down the country's history in songs from prominent SA musicians, saw inspiring stories of youth from different backgrounds soaring despite all odds.
The awards were categorised into nine awards including academic excellence, arts and entertainment, entrepreneurship, extraordinary champions, health and wellbeing, science and technology, social cohesion, environment and the Presidential Award.
Among the winners was Ntombomzi Tsotetsi who was honoured for her contribution in environment. Tsotetsi a farmer, hosts workshops in her community teaching them about environment, climate change and how to grow organic vegetables.
She told SAnews after receiving her award that she loves being part of something that gives back to the community and helps build a brighter future.
A firm believer of developing skills and knowledge in order to achieve the best, Tsotetsi hopes to train more people in environmental issues especially young women.
The Science and Technology Award went to an inspiring 25 year old Sir Stuart Ntlathi who invented a 15-in-1 microwave oven, an electronic Vuvuzela and an auto shoe polisher.
Ntlathi who will be joining Sir Branson in the virgin galactic space trip says the SA Youth Award is his 45th science and technology award.
He says being in the industry hasn't been an easy ride for him because of resistance from within his own community to his passion for science.
But he says his long hours and dedication saw him rising above all odds. In his acceptance speech Ntlathi reminded the guests that education is the key to success.
"Geniuses themselves don't talk about the gift genius - but hard work and long hours."
The Arts and Culture Award went to Paul Modjadji, who is also a recipient of the Global Youth leadership Award from the Global Youth Leadership Congress in Washington, for his contribution to the dance community.
The Hammanskraal born Modjadji believes that he is an agent of change through his dancing - which has seen him receiving standing ovations on world stages, including Denmark and New York among others.
But his road was not without challenges. He says finding funding was his biggest challenge because "people still think dancing is just a hobby".
"But like other profession, dancing needs money and support," said Modjadji, who was happy to be honoured back at home he told SA news.
His message for the other youth was to peruse their dreams with whatever little they have. Modjadji said the today's youth should fight for excellence - like the youth of 1976 who fought for a unifying cause - freedom.
Refilwe Ledwaba, who has established the South African Women in Aviation and Aerospace Industry (SAWIA); a non-profit organisation aimed at empowering women in aviation, was also honoured in the Entrepreneurship category. Although she encountered many problems on her way, Ledwaba says her love for aviation has always been her inspiration. "I'm glad that others may follow this career."
But the Durban born Nolwazi Pinkie Madlala stole the light. The disabled Madlala, who has overcome adversity and currently working on her thesis for her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, received the Extraordinary Champion Award and Overall Award known as the Presidential Award. The NYDA said Madlala is an inspiration to others to soar beyond the sky.
Other winners included Peter Malati who runs a Chemistry project in six high schools in Nokaneng Circuit in Mpumalanga mentoring rural learners in science and engineering - who was awarded in the Academia category and Ross McReath got the Health and Wellbeing Award for running a cricket club that provides diversion for youth in Nolukhanyo Township, Eastern Cape. The club gives the youth access to pro-trials and also gives them a chance to experience life beyond township boundaries.
The Social Cohesion Award went to North West born Lebogang Bogopane, who works as a volunteer at a 24-hour centre for abused/abandoned children and women, she not only counsels victims she cooks, feed, bathes, and refers them to relevant professionals for further assistance.
Winners in each category received R50 000 and runners up R20 000. As the overall winner Madlala walked away with an additional R100 000 and a bursary.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, responsible for Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Obed Bapela said "the winders are examples of what can be achieved when one is dedicated". He said: "it's also proof that it's not always about what the country can do for them but rather what you can do for your country."
