The selection process is conducted by the PRISM Young Voices committee, which is selected yearly from the previous year's alumni. According to the 2020 chairperson of PYV Monare Matema and deputy chairperson Ayanda Siswana, the judging of the entries for 2020 was a "difficult deliberation as the quality and standard of entries was high".

The chosen ten include:
  1. Emma Anderson
  2. Lerato Motloung
  3. Siyolise Shinga
  4. Nombulelelo Fox
  5. Samantha Mabaso
  6. Tashinga James Nyahunda
  7. Siyabonga Thwala
  8. Brenda Sono
  9. Candice Marescia, and 
  10. Oarabile Tlhabane.
"The PYV has gained an incredibly positive reputation in our industry for being the platform that exposes young talent to some of the most-renowned and respected senior experts in public relations and communications. [It also has] as an extensive network of companies and opportunities within those organisations," says Matema.

"The calibre of candidate that is presented to PYV every year keeps improving and that poses a challenge to the committee to have their sharp eyes and minds on when reviewing entries; it is the tiniest of details in an entrant's motivation that puts them ahead of another candidate," adds Matema.

"There are only 10 slots every year and we have a big responsibility of ensuring fairness in the selection process. We think absolutely holistically about an entrant in terms of the value we see them adding to the programme and their potential to excel," concludes Siswana.

The PYV group says that its next step for 2020 is attending a briefing session with the senior judges. The judging begins before the year-long mentorship and skills programme kicks in after the award-giving night, which takes place on Sunday, 5 April.

The PRISM Awards, now in its 23rd year, are presented to public relations and communication professionals who have successfully incorporated strategy, creativity and professionalism in their strategies and campaigns over the 2019 period.

The deadline for all entries and submissions is Wednesday, 12 February.

For more information, visit www.prisa.co.za. You can also follow PRISA on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.