Indy launches new platform for youth

INDEPENDENT Media last night announced the launch of its youth portal and brand, The Young Independents, which will drive the group’s engagement with its youth audience.

The platform, which will be rolled out in Independent Newspapers’ print publications, on its My. Independent app and on a specially-created youth section of the IOL digital news platform, will capture the group’s initiatives for its younger readership and specialise in content geared at the youth.

One of The Young Independents’ flagship projects will be the release of its annual list of “100 Inspiring and Aspiring Leaders”, which will showcase 100 young South Africans at the heart of changing and chal- lenging their circumstances – and inspiring their peers.

They are young community leaders, groundbreaking scientists and innovators, artists and environmental drivers under the age of 35.

“Young people matter. They challenge the status quo while imagining the prospects and promises of what could be. I welcome the Young Independents.

“I believe it will provide a voice for youth to challenge, stimulate and inspire for a better South Africa,” said Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Youth, Buti Manamela, who attended the launch.

Several dignitaries and government officials were present at the launch, including Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Mzwandile Masina and National Lottery Board chief executive Charlotte Mampane.

The youth were represented by Andile Dube of the Zenex Foundation, Daniella Bowler of Youth Lab and National Youth Development Agency board member Kenny Morolong.

“Through the Young Independents, we will ensure youth across the continent are fully recognised and given a voice to articulate their own narrative as the continent’s powerful agents of political, social and economic transformation,” said Dr Iqbal Survé, executive chairman of Independent Media. – Staff Writer