Young people have been urged to take full advantage of government funding, business support and training to help drive economic growth and tackle youth unemployment.

The call was made on Thursday, during a Youth Stakeholder Engagement session held as part of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature’s week-long programme.

Led by Jackson Malatjie, chairperson of the Select Committee on Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, the event brought young locals face-to-face with state officials.

Key leaders in attendance included the MEC for Social Development, Nompumelelo Hlophe, and the chief whip of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Eva Makhabane, who gave the youth space to raise their concerns and explore state aid.

Representatives from across the government outlined a wide array of support schemes.

The office of the Mpumalanga premier highlighted business grants and funding options for youth-owned companies, explaining that payout amounts are tied to the viability of each business plan.

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism detailed aid for co-operatives, rural enterprises and tourism firms, including assistance with equipment.

The Department of Agriculture offered starter packs, seeds and tools for small-scale farming, alongside broader community services such as free internet at Thusong Centres and public library access.

Officials reiterated that state regulations mandate 30% of public projects to benefit young people, and that suppliers must be paid within 30 days of completing work.

However, they stressed that public funding alone cannot solve the job crisis without active youth participation and cross-sector teamwork.

“Young people must think creatively, work together, and set up businesses that meet local needs. Government cannot solve unemployment alone; success requires strong partnerships between the state, municipalities, the private sector and local communities.”

Throughout the day, young attendees actively challenged officials on business registration, land access, funding delays and disability support.

In response, departments urged young people to register on the Central Supplier Database to bid for public contracts, make full use of local public facilities, and step forward promptly whenever new opportunities open.