For a university that’s just hit its 10-year mark, Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is making waves among South Africa’s younger generation. The institution recently secured a spot in the top 10 coolest universities, as revealed at the 2023 Sunday Times GenNext Awards.
This year marks SPU’s “Decade of Excellence,” and it’s clear the university has made an indelible impact in its short existence. It has become a significant force among the youth of South Africa, proving that youthfulness is no barrier to excellence.
The GenNext survey involved visits to 98 schools and targeted tweens (8-12 years), teens (13-18 years) and young professionals (25-30 years). The survey collected a statistically representative sample from 5 900 respondents, and the findings were audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers. SPU’s high ranking is particularly noteworthy because the GenNext survey did not include visits to schools in the Northern Cape, where SPU is based. The absence of data from this region makes SPU’s achievement all the more extraordinary, proving its broad appeal and strong brand resonance across the country.
“As anyone in marketing will tell you, a brand is more than a logo; it’s an experience,” says Ms Mosima Mehlape, SPU’s Manager of Communication and Marketing. “Achieving this level of recognition required a well-crafted brand refocusing strategy around our visual representations and overall brand identity. Our bold claim to the colour red sets us apart from other universities, further amplifying our unique identity.”
The finalists across 72 categories, which identified the coolest brands according to South Africa’s youth, were unveiled at the 19th annual Sunday Times GenNext Awards. The ceremony took place in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, on 20 September 2023. In the “Coolest Universities” category, SPU proudly stood at number 9, as voted by South African youth between the ages of 8 and 24. The list includes the international universities Yale, Stanford and Oxford.
The 2023 GenNext Survey, spearheaded by Yellowwood, pinpoints brands that resonate with the young people of South Africa. It also explores which brands are genuinely engaging with this demographic.
There’s never been a better time to become part of this rapidly expanding university. SPU empowers the youth today and tomorrow.
Check out the full rundown of cool brands: https://themediaonline.co.za/2023/09/nike-awarded-as-coolest-brand-for-sas-youth-at-the-2023-sunday-times-gennext-awards/.
