MBOMBELA – The Department of Economic Development and Tourism, in collaboration with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), has awarded R3.5 million in funding to 24 tourism youth businesses in Mpumalanga.
The awarding ceremony was held yesterday, March 18, at the University of Mpumalanga in Mbombela. This initiative aims to empower young entrepreneurs in the tourism sector by providing financial assistance and resources to stimulate innovation, create jobs, and promote sustainable business growth.
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The funding recipients were selected after a rigorous pitching session. Young entrepreneurs showcased their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges.
MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative. “As a provincial government, in partnership with the NYDA, we have planted a seed that will change things for the better for our youth involved in the tourism industry. I am thrilled to award R3.5 million in funding to 24 successful youth businesses.”
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Masilela emphasised the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs, particularly in the tourism sector. “We wanted to assist these young people’s businesses to sustain growth and expand their operations. We are positively responding to the high level of unemployment among the youth.”
NYDA Board member, Thulisa Ndlela, also commended the initiative. “The duty that you are undertaking is a national duty, and it will not be an easy journey. Creating a business that provides employment opportunities for your peers is a national duty.”
The Mpumalanga Tourism Youth Fund was launched in September 2024 at Manyeleti Nature Reserve, with the goal of uniting diverse partners from government and beyond to drive tourism development and youth empowerment in the province.
