eThekwini Municipality has given a financial boost of up toR10 000 each for eThekwini youth-owned businessesPicture: STOCK IMAGES
The youth in eThekwini are being encouraged to start up their own businesses and create job opportunities.
Twenty small and medium youth-owned businesses in the municipality have received financial aid to enable them to grow and increase productivity.
The businesses received R10 000 each through the Youth in Business Programme, which aims to inject financial aid into the emerging businesses.
eThekwini Municipality’s Governance and Human Capital Committee chairperson, Nkosenhle Madlala, who leads the programme, congratulated the recipients of the funding, and assured them that the Mayoral Youth Development Office will continue to aid emerging businesses and encourage entrepreneurship.
“The municipality’s Youth Development Policy is more than just a directive, but a promise to nurture the aspirations of young people and to provide them with the tools they need to succeed,” said Mr Madlala.
“The establishment of a youth fund remains a cornerstone of our youth development policy. This fund is not only a financial reservoir but a beacon of our unwavering support and belief in the youth’s potential.”
He added that the youth fund also helps the municipality set the agenda for the coming year and ensures that, “we continue to align our efforts with your evolving needs and aspirations”.
Mayoral Youth Development Office manager, Nokuthula Hlophe, said the office will continue to forge and strengthen relations with sister cities to promote youth development.
Funding recipient, Sandile Mhlanga, expressed his appreciation for the cash injection into his business.
“We appreciate what the municipality has done for our businesses. As business owners, we wish the programme well and that it grows to greater heights,” Mr Mhlanga said.