Business, Entrepreneur, Corporate and Team work
Many young South Africans have successfully started or operate their own business or franchise and are making important economic and social contributions to our Nation. Creative business, franchises and commercial ventures provide opportunities for growth, productivity, leadership, training and employment. This awards promotes those who 
give it a go
through determination, innovation, hard work and self-motivation, rewarding those who make their own luck and opportunities a reality.
This category recognises achievers in the business sector and those who work in private/corporate organisations, e.g. Import, Export, Distribution, Transportation, Consultants, Advertising, Banks, Insurance, Event management, etc. This category has 3 sub categories and will produce 3 winners. [Young Business owner, Team of the year and Young professional of the year (corporate)
Media
This category includes young journalists in print and electronic media who covers the news stories and entertaining programmes. It is aimed at encouraging, promoting and recognizing excellence in South African journalism as well as reinforcing the importance of the journalists' role in South African's development, e.g. prints radio, TV, reporters and media entrepreneurs. This category has 3 sub categories and will produce 3 winners. [On Air Personality of the year (TV), On Air Personality of the year (RADIO) & Young Journalist of the year (prints)]
Advocacy, Civil & Community
Community Leadership develops the individual while fostering and furthering public spirit. To drive change, inspire others, create networks and collaborate are all traits of leadership in the community. Community leaders give their time and energy willingly; accept challenges and respond to opportunities for the benefit of others. They engender community spirit be it through; friendship and hope or, inspiration and perspiration. These are young people in regional and rural areas who advocates and dedicate their selfless services, time and energy to those in need of services. These young people create a sense of community spirit, which plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life of those who depend on them. This category recognizes individuals with innovative solutions to society's most pressing social challenges. This category includes civil servants, profit and non-profit organisation, youth leaders/Activists in the social and political realm. These individuals use entrepreneurial principles to organize, create, and manage a venture or campaign to cause positive social changes. This category has 2 sub categories and will produce 2 winners. [Best use of Advocacy, Excellence in public service]
Creative Arts & Culture
The spirit of creativity exhibited by South African
s talented young artists helps us all to think creatively and express ourselves with emotion. In our multicultural society, a commitment to personal development in the arts is emerging, especially among todays youth. This award celebrates their brilliant artistic achievements and recognises the incredible imagination, initiative and flair required to produce such inspirational work.
This category celebrates outstanding achievement that reflects the powerful convergence of art, fashion and design. It is set to showcase the very best work and provide an unrivalled source of creative inspiration and art works. E.g. Beauticians, sculptors, Art and design, Fashion, Poets/Writers, Drawing/Graphic Arts, Photography, etc. This category has 4 sub categories and will produce 4 winners. [Young Creative Artist, Young creative professional, Young Model & Young fashion designer of the year]
Arts & Entertainment
This category recognizes Young achievers who have excelled in Music and entertainment industry in recognition for their creativity and talent in the areas of music, film, theatre, dance and Djs. This category creates and provides a suitable promotional platform for young South African musicians and entertainers. E.g. Musicians, Comedians, Actors, producers, etc, this category has 5 sub categories and will produce 5 winners . [Young musician, Young musical group, Young actor, Young Comedian, Young screen producer & Young music producer of the year]
Sports
Today's young athletes are tomorrows sporting heroes. They're dedicated young South Africans with a strong spirit of competition and love of the game. Encouraging and supporting the ambition and hard work of these focused individuals, helps them to go further, faster, longer and higher than anyone before. Whether its competing, coaching, administration or education, the award seeks to applaud their talents and recognise their commitment in the pursuit of excellence.
This category recognizes the achievements of those teams and individuals who symbolize the very best in sports. This also caters for those individuals who have made a significant contribution to the growth and development of sports in South Africa. e.g. Athletes, Sports and Games players, Sports Entrepreneurs, Sports Administrators and Managers etc This category has 2 sub categories and will produce 2 winners. [Young Sports person, Young Sports Entrepreneur of the year]
Science and Technology
All aspects of our lives are touched by Science and new technologies in some way or another. Scientific discoveries have the power to make a real life impact on a personal, community and economic level. Young scientists and technologists work has the power to change lives and our world and their many outstanding discoveries hold the very key to our future. This award recognises and honours the young people behind these intelligent and visionary achievements
This category recognizes Science and technology innovations that serve the needs of our community. These achievers provide a full range of science and technology solutions from education software solutions and communications networks to scientific discoveries. These individuals and businesses have a wealth of knowledge and experience that impacts our lives. This category has 2 sub categories and will produce 2 winners. [Best use of Science and Best use of Technology]
(Awards Highlights)
The purpose of the Ikusasa Young person of the year Awards is to acknowledge, encourage and most importantly promote the positive achievements of young South Africans aged between 17 and 35 years of age. It recognises and rewards the enterprise and excellence of South Africas vast array of talented young people.
They provide leadership and inspiration across many fields of endeavor, and their strong sense of community spirit means they are role models for all of us, regardless of age.
The Young Person of the Year possess the appreciation of innovative business process, business excellence and overall leadership success and are selected on the qualities of mentorship, inspiration, demonstrate the ability to cross national boundaries to discover new ideas at the intersection of cultures and disciplines and provides an opportunity to learn each other's entrepreneurial policies, abilities and Practices.
Through their efforts and their abilities, they not only make a vital contribution to the ongoing prosperity of their community, they also provide reassurance that South Africas future is in safe, capable hands
Definition: This category caters for the young individuals though late but has made tremendous self-sacrifice for the good of others
Definition: This category is for the outstanding senior citizen who has greatly achieved and inspired the young generation to desire for change and a better life, work for it and appreciates the consequences for the processes involved. It also recognizes those that have made great sacrifice and service towards Nation building.
Definition: Awards for non citizens to recognize achievement special contributions and acts of bravery. It's an appropriate way to say thank you and to promote role models for society. .
To enter the Awards program you must first nominate yourself or be nominated during the call for nomination phase. Each category has sub categories and five finalists selected. A winner from each sub category will be announced at the Awards Gala Presentation Dinner.
Individuals or their nominator must fill out the Ikusasa Award nomination form available here : online www.ikusasaawards.co.za
Nomination forms and any relevant supporting material need to be returned to our office address appearing at the end of these terms and conditions before the deadline of 5.00pm on 25th November 2011
The criteria for an Award are those of self-improvement and effort as participants are judged on personal achievement measured against original circumstances and potential capabilities. This allows for the less able to participate on an equal opportunity basis. Furthermore the criterion for the Ikusasa Awards focuses on the character of the individual, the ability and achievements and how their work impacts on the problems of South African society. The work of the Nominees must be significant in terms of creating a better future for South Africans. It must show a desire to do something about the biggest challenges South African youths faces as these difficulties all have the potential to put a damper on our future.
Therefore the following criteria must be met by the Nominees: Adaptability and humanity, Leadership, Vision and Modesty, Integrity, Strength and Determination.
The nominees must have achieved their goals despite and against all odds and have the strength to overcome the greatest obstacles, must be able to resolve problems and be determined to attain a positive outcome.
The nominees must be able to adapt fast and efficiently to changing circumstances while being steered by a value system that treasures the reality that a person is only a person through other people (Ubuntu).
The nominees must have a broader vision of the challenging society in which South African youth face. They must also show modesty rather than boasting and must not be arrogant about achievement.
Nominees in this Award must have the leadership ability to affect human behavior to accomplish a mission and must be capable of influencing people to achieve set goals.
The nominees must live according to values, beliefs and principles that shape the future for the better.
The nominees for the Awards must subscribe to actions of integrity and great leadership deliverable that can change the destiny of this country
