Speaking at the award event held this week, Tom Porter, British Council's head of arts for South Africa said, "He is an inspiring entrepreneur and his newspaper demonstrates an innovative business model, a social purpose and a clear understanding of the market he wants to reach. His trip to REMIX Summit in London will give him exposure to new ways of thinking and working. However, he also has a great story to tell and experiences to share and will be an asset to the expanding YCE network."
The British Council's Tom Birtwistle (South African deputy country director), Phiona Okumu (journalist), Levinia Jones (British Council creative economy project manager) together with industry professionals including Karabo Legoabe (Arts & Culture Trust) Lonwabo Mavuso (marketing and operations manager at BASA), judged entries. Five finalists were chosen after a three-phase evaluation and interview process.
The YCE programme celebrates, supports and connects the most exciting entrepreneurs who are innovating the creative and cultural industries around the world. It forms part of Connect ZA, a British Council arts programme that aims to build cultural connections between young people aged 18-35 in the UK and South Africa. The programme includes opportunities for showcasing, collaboration, innovation and professional development with a number of events and projects throughout 2013-2015.
The final Young Creative Entrepreneur Award to be presented in 2014 is the Fashion & Design Award. This is an opportunity for people who are running fashion and design led business to enter.
The call for applications has opened and closes on 30 June 2014. For more information, go to www.connectza.tumblr.com.
