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The Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA) has extended the application deadline for the PRISMS Young Voices 2026 programme to 15 August 2026, giving more young communications professionals an opportunity to apply.
PRISA said the decision was made after recognising that some aspiring communicators may not have heard about the programme early enough or needed additional time to prepare their applications.
“We didn’t want the deadline to become the barrier in itself,” PRISA said.
The programme is aimed at developing the next generation of communications professionals by giving participants exposure to the PRISMS judging process, mentorship and experienced industry practitioners.
PRISA said it is looking for applicants with curiosity, potential, commitment and a willingness to learn, rather than simply those with impressive CVs or extensive experience.
Previous Young Voices participants include Sicelo Vilakazi, now at DNA Brand Architects, and Ayanda Siswana, who has built a career at Flow Communications.
Another alumnus, Ayanda Siswana, has developed a career as a strategic communicator and is now working at Flow Communications. Her journey highlights the programme’s role in helping emerging talent develop into industry-ready professionals.
PRISA added that these individuals represent only a fraction of former Young Voices participants who have progressed into agency, corporate and public-sector positions.
For the 2026 programme, PRISA plans to select 10 participants. Applicants must submit either a 200- to 250-word written motivation or a three- to five-minute video to prisms@prisa.co.za, using the subject line “PYV 2026 Application: Your Full Name.” Applications will be assessed based on qualities including curiosity, potential and genuine motivation, rather than experience alone.
The initiative forms part of PRISA’s broader commitment to professional development, ethical practice and strengthening public relations standards across Africa.
PRISA is encouraging final-year students, young practitioners and emerging communications professionals not to disqualify themselves because of a lack of experience.
“You don’t need a perfect career trajectory or years of experience. You need the willingness to learn and the courage to put yourself forward,” PRISA said.
Applications close at 23:59 on 15 August 2026
