YouthX Festival

YouthX Festival is an annual event backed by Nedbank that celebrates South Africa's youth innovation and creativity across different industries. The festival takes place at the historic Constitution Hill in Johannesburg and has grown over the years into a cultural platform celebrating resilience and youth leadership. Under the brand name "YX," the festival positions itself as more than just an event – it's described as "a collective awakening" where dreamers, dancers, doers, poets and programmers breathe life into their visions, celebrating youth who are loud, bold, and original. According to John Makgato, Nedbank's Head of Youth Segment Strategy and Client Value Proposition, the festival aims to provide young people with visibility and support while pursuing their ambitions, recognising that dreams demand more than inspiration.

Central to the festival is the YouthX Awards, which recognises 10 young South Africans making notable contributions in their fields, with one overall winner announced on the day who takes their place among South Africa's brightest trailblazers. The festival features a 12-hour music lineup described as a "shutdown that blurs the lines between hustle and play," with performances by major South African artists including DJ Maphorisa, Focalistic, Mellow & Sleazy, Shekhinah, Shamiso, Sun-El Musician, and Nasty C, along with other acts like DJ 1D and Omagoqa. Media personalities host the event, creating an immersive experience that combines entertainment with recognition of youth excellence across industries and communities.

The 2025 edition, known as YX25, operated under the theme "Dreams Don't Sleep," reflecting the restless ambition of South African youth navigating their aspirations through various challenges. The festival creates a convergence point where music, culture, and ambition meet, offering young people a space to belong and be seen. Through strategic partnerships with Nedbank and its position at Constitution Hill – a site with deep historical significance in South Africa's journey to democracy – YouthX has established itself as an important platform for amplifying youth voices and celebrating their contributions to shaping the country's future.

Over the years, YouthX has evolved into a cultural movement that uplifts youth and amplifies what organisers call "the limitless power of dreams". The festival represents Nedbank's broader commitment to youth empowerment and provides a stage for young entrepreneurs, artists, innovators, and change-makers to gain recognition and build networks. By combining award recognition with a major music festival experience, YouthX creates an environment that honours both the hustle and the celebration of South Africa's emerging generation, positioning itself as a key annual event in the country's youth cultural calendar.