KwaZulu-Natal youth empowered to contribute to the economy

THE Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli has called on young people to be part of the review of the youth economic development strategy to ensure it becomes an improved instrument to address issues faced by the youth in business. 

Ntuli made these remarks during his address at the Youth Business Summit held at the Durban Exhibition Centre on July 11 and 12. 

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The summit saw about 1 000 young people, representing youth formations and structures from across the province to engage with the government. The event was also a chance for young entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and share ideas with youth structures and individuals. 

Ntuli said the Summit is a platform created by the  provincial government for people to contribute ideas on how the architecture of youth economic development strategy should be in the province. 

Sharing about her farming small business, Sinegugu Hadebe said she started farming as an interest outside her qualification. Imbewu farmers is a small business that grows, sells and supplies organic vegetables to the local community and supermarkets.  

“I have always liked the idea of growing food, and when I was unemployed, I started my own little garden at my backyard. It grew and after a few years, I was able to supply for local supermarkets as well,” she said.

Hadebe said growing her business has been a learning curve as she does not have formal learning of farming or running a small business.

“I have learned out of my own personal interest, and gathering information through other entrepreneurs in the farming sector. Being an entrepreneur means creating job opportunities for other people as well and that’s why it is empowering because you empower more than just one person. I do however believe entrepreneurs could use more support from government and local municipalities,” she said.

Ntuli said the review of the strategy includes working on removing hurdles to youth economic development.

“We all know that young people in business face several challenges, such as a lack of start-up capital and market access. In a concentrated economy such as one dominated by big players, the barriers to entry are also high, and new entrances can be efficiently priced out of the market. This is why we have made it clear that we will be focusing on improving the ease of doing business for small businesses to ensure that small businesses thrive in our province,” said Ntuli.

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Ntuli said the success of the summit lies in the following points: 

• Improved dialogue across socio-cultural and political spectrums.
• Enhanced Provincial Integrated Youth Development Strategy implementation.
• Improved strategy for the establishment of Youth Councils and other structures.
• A clear strategy and implementation model for youth participation in the economy, health, social cohesion, and moral regeneration.
• Adoption of programme of action for KZN Youth Development.
  

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