The survey was conducted with 7 200 youths aged eight to 24 years old and aims to deliver insights that are valued by brand management advertising and marketing professionals alike, says the Sunday Times.

According to the publication, South Africans won't have to wait to long to find out which celebrities are fan favourites for South African kids. The winners will be announced at the highly anticipated Sunday Times GenNext Awards taking place in Johannesburg on Monday, 18 November.

"For the past two decades the Sunday Times has been tracking youth sentiment with the understanding that today's kids are the consumers of tomorrow — and understanding why they choose one product or brand over another, delivers valuable insights to marketers and brand managers," says Lyndon Barends, Managing Director of Arena Holdings which owns the Sunday Times.

The Sunday Times GenNext Survey says that it covers 69 categories, including the "coolest":

  • coffee shops
  • telco's
  • cooldrinks
  • insurance products
  • entertainment
  • sport, and 
  • everything in between.

"Celebrities have significant influence over youth perspectives and preferences and are increasingly featured in brand campaigns. It's important to measure and assess their popularity and place in youth culture," says Barends.
 
According to the publication, the finalists — in alphabetical order — in this year's celebrity categories are:
 
Coolest Local Celebrity:

  • Black Coffee
  • Connie Ferguson
  • DJ Kabza De Small
  • DJ Zinhle
  • Kamo Mphela
  • Makhadzi
  • Nasty C
  • Somizi Mhlongo
  • Tyla, and
  • Young Stunna.

Coolest Local Radio Personality:

  • Anele Mdoda
  • Dineo Ranaka
  • DJ Fresh
  • DJ Mo Flava
  • DJ Tbo Touch
  • Lerato Kganyago
  • Penny Ntuli
  • Somizi Mhlongo
  • Thando Thabethe, and
  • Thuso Motaung.

Coolest Local Sportsperson:

  • Benni McCarthy
  • Caster Semenya
  • Itumeleng Khune
  • Kagiso Rabada
  • Percy Tau
  • Ronwen Williams
  • Siphiwe Tshabalala
  • Siya Kolisi
  • Themba Zwane, and
  • Thembinkosi Lorch.

Coolest Local Online Influencer:

  • Bonang Matheba
  • Cassper Nyovest
  • Connie Ferguson
  • Ghost Hlubi
  • Mac G
  • Nomzamo Mbatha
  • Seemah
  • Somizi Mhlongo
  • Spokuhle N, and
  • Thulasizwe "Lasizwe" Dambuza.

The Sunday Times concludes that the results of the 2024 Sunday Times GenNext Survey will be published in the Sunday Times on Sunday, 24 November.

For more information, visit www.timeslive.co.za. You can also follow the Sunday Times on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor