Young South Africans vote for the ‘coolest’ brands at the annual Generation Next Awards. The award ceremony was held last Friday at the Sandton Convention centre. The full list of winners can be found in this week’s edition of the Sunday Times.
MUSIC ROYALTY: Cassper Nyovest is considered the ‘coolest’ local musician by young South Africans. Photo: Provided
The annual Sunday Times Generation Next Awards survey’s more than 5400 urban South Africans, between the ages of 8 and 23 years. Young people are given an opportunity to share their opinions on South Africa’s ‘coolest’ brands, from celebrities and toothpaste to cellphone apps.
South African youth make up almost half of South Africa’s population, making them an interest group for many brand managers and marketers.
Now, in its 11th year, the awards aim to keep track of the most popular brands young South Africans interact with. The survey has two components, brand preference – which looks at particular brands young people favour, and lifestyle and consumer behaviour – which reflects young people’s spending habits and patterns.
Some of this year’s winners:
The University of Cape Town was voted the favourite university. When it comes to social media networks, youngsters prefer WhatsApp. Fifa 15 is the game of choice for gamers. Samsung is the cellphone brand of choice and Vodacom is the most popular cellphone network.
Nike walked away with the sought-after Coolest Brand Overall. Nike also scooped the Coolest Clothing Brand, Coolest Footwear Brand and Coolest Brand Slogan awards.
And despite the mini chicken scandal in Braamfontein, KFC took Coolest Fast Food Place award.
Coolest Local Male TV star went to comedian Trevor Noah. For the third year in a row, Minnie Dlamini was voted the Coolest Local Female TV star. Coolest Local Sportsman went to Proteas Captain AB de Villiers and Cassper Nyovest was voted as the Coolest Local Music Star.
The survey is conducted annually in urban and peri-urban areas in seven provinces with young people that have access to the media and media channels.